Update June 22 –
We are 4 weeks into the launch of the Parksville Downtown Farmers Market, in the parking of the MAC Community Garden at 133 McMillan St in downtown Parksville. Hours are from 9:30-1:00, Sunday from May 31 to Oct 25. We are a member of the BC Association of Farmers Markets.
Farmers and food producers are encouraged to sign up here. Cost will be $25. per market for drop in or $400 for the full 22 week season. All vendors are expected to understand and comply with the BC CDC guidelines for food sales at temporary markets, available here. Vendors will also be required to carry commercial liability insurance, as either a standalone product, or as a rider on their existing home insurance.
We are the only Sunday market north of Cedar and South of Cumberland. Click here to apply, or email pq*****@***il.com for any questions or feedback.
Our vendors, so far, include
Rooted Shores Farm – Sna-naw-as – market produce, duck and chicken eggs, CSA box pickup, roaster chicken presales
No Big Dill Canning – Port Alberni – pickles, jams, jellies.
The Bread Box – Parksville – sourdough bread and sourdough cinnamon buns
Dashwood Farms – Dashwood – strawberries, market produce, pies, eggs baking, cut flowers
Tea Infused Granola – Nanaimo – gourmet and gluten free tea infused granola
Salted Crust Bakery – Parksville – 4 ingredient baguette – flour, water, salt
Rakaylynn’s Baked Goods – Port Alberni – cinnamon buns, fruit pies, butter tarts
Best Fresh Solutions – Nanoose Bay – cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, greens, zucchini, garlic, strawberries, raspberries
Coombs Country Crafts – Coombs – jams, jellies, pickles, cut flowers, market produce
Tajin Dreams Food Truck – Parksville – fresh cut fruit cups, smoothies, frozen mangos, smoothie bowls and our own healthy take on a slushie
Eat Well Farm – Wellington Rd., Nanaimo – market produce, lamb, eggs
Red Barn Klopper Farms – Market produce, wool dryer balls, cut flowers, plants and cut flowers
Vortex Spice Co. – Sooke – hot sauce, black garlic, pickled garlic
Full market rules below.
DOWNTOWN PARKSVILLE FARMERS MARKET RULES & VENDOR GUIDELINES
1. MARKET PHILOSOPHY
This market operates as a “Make It, Bake It, Grow It” farmers market. We are focussing exclusively on farmers and food producers. Priority is given to:
- Local farmers and growers
- Food producers
- Community-based vendors
All products sold must be:
- Produced by the vendor
- Locally grown, baked, prepared, or substantially transformed
- Approved by market management
2. PRODUCT ELIGIBILITY
Allowed:
- Fresh produce
- Plants and flowers
- Meat, eggs, seafood, honey
- Baked goods
- Prepared foods
- Value-added farm products
Reselling is prohibited unless specifically approved by market management.
3. LOCAL PRIORITY
Preference is given to vendors from:
- Parksville / Qualicum / Errington / Coombs / Dashwood
- Vancouver Island
- Gulf Islands
- Regional producers and makers
The market reserves the right to limit vendor categories to maintain diversity and avoid over-saturation.
4. APPLICATION & APPROVAL
All vendors must:
- Submit a completed application
- Provide accurate product lists
- Receive approval before attending
- Reapply annually
5. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
All vendors must carry liability insurance.
Food vendors and higher-risk vendors may be required to provide:
- Proof of insurance
- FoodSafe certification
- Island Health permits
- Commercial kitchen documentation
6. FOOD SAFETY
All food vendors must comply with:
- Island Health regulations
- BC Temporary Food Market Guidelines
- FoodSafe requirements where applicable
Market management may request:
- Ingredient lists
- pH testing
- Permit documentation
- Health inspection approvals
7. VENDOR CONDUCT
Vendors must:
- Behave respectfully toward customers, volunteers, staff, and other vendors
- Maintain a welcoming atmosphere
- Avoid aggressive sales tactics
- Keep stalls clean and safe
Harassment, discrimination, intoxication, or abusive behavior may result in removal from the market.
8. STALL SETUP & SAFETY
Vendors are responsible for:
- Their own tents, tables, and displays
- Securing tents with proper weights
- Maintaining safe walkways
- Removing all garbage and recycling
Tent weights are mandatory.
No generators without approval.
9. ATTENDANCE & CANCELLATIONS
Approved vendors are expected to:
- Attend committed market dates
- Arrive on time
- Notify management of cancellations as early as possible
Frequent no-shows may affect future acceptance.
10. HOURS OF OPERATION
The market is open Sundays from 9:30 – 1:00
Vendors must:
- Be fully set up before opening
- Remain open until market closing time
- Avoid early teardown unless approved
Vehicles may only enter or leave during designated loading periods.
11. PETS & PUBLIC SAFETY
Vendor pets are discouraged and may be prohibited during market hours.
.
12. PRICING & ETHICS
Vendors must:
- Clearly display prices
- Sell legal and safe products
- Represent products honestly
- Avoid misleading “local,” “organic,” or “handmade” claims
Only certified vendors may advertise products as “organic.”
13. COMMUNITY VALUES
This market supports:
- Food accessibility
- Local food systems
- Sustainable practices
- Community connection
- Respectful public space
Vendors are encouraged to:
- Reduce waste
- Minimize single-use plastics
- Donate surplus food where possible
14. ENFORCEMENT
Market management reserves the right to:
- Inspect products and booths
- Request documentation
- Remove prohibited items
- Suspend or revoke vendor privileges
Failure to comply with market rules may result in:
- Warnings
- Suspension
- Removal without refund
15. MARKET DISCLAIMER
Participation in the market is at the vendor’s own risk.
The market, organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and host locations are not responsible for:
- Lost or stolen property
- Weather-related damage
- Injury or accidents
- Vendor financial losses