Parksville Downtown Farmers Market

We are launching the Parksville Downtown Farmers Market on May 31st, 2026, in the parking at 133 McMillan St in downtown Parksville.

We’re focussing on farmers and food producers. Hours are from 9:30-1:00, Sunday from May 31 to Oct 25.

Farmers and food producers are encouraged to sign up. 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

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.

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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