Much more than just a farmers’ market, the market (formerly operating as the Kerr Village Organic Farmers’ Market) is a sustainable project that recognizes the needs of the community and the farmers from the grass roots on up.

Our community benefits in many ways by means of the organic market. Families make their weekly trek from surrounding neighbourhoods and beyond, seeking to meet their growers and purchase the food and crafts produced by people who's priorities are to be as sustainable as possible.

The ethics, policies, rules and regulations of the Organic farmers and aim to assist the farmers’ by making this a viable place to sell on a level playing field without unfair competition and with rules that allow them to help neighbouring farms who might lack the resources to bring their own product to market. (30% from other farms is allowed.)

Recognized for its “best” practices by the Ecological Farmers’ Association of Ontario and the Toronto Farmers’ Market Network, OSFP's market model template is sought after by others who are looking to create a more sustainable food system in their own community.

Know your farmer

The best way to know you have the highest quality food possible, is to grow it yourself. The second best is to know your farmer. Farmers’ markets give you that opportunity. Harbourside's farmers have nothing to hide and welcome farm visits so you can see what goes in. Many organic farms offer one-day workbees, to experience farm life and appreciate the labour required to produce top quality food in a naturally healthy environment.

Harbourside's farmers are certified organic or inspected to meet the market's requirements to ensure no false claims are being made. Fraud in the industry is one of the biggest problems when it comes to organic food, so transparency is key. If organic is not available, produce must be labeled as such, with an explanation as to why it’s not.

Building Community

Farmers’ Markets can play a catalytic role in community development.

Small farmers and food entrepreneurs earn a partial or full living selling their local products. The USDA has projected roughly $1 billion in consumer spending in urban, suburban and rural communities farmers markets in the US.

OSFP aims to foster innovation and new models for public markets that are economically sustainable while maximizing their benefits to our communities, and contributing to the creation of public places that attract a broad diversity of people.

Artisanal Food & Crafts

Added value foods and crafts at the organic market are created using sustainable methods, local, organic ingredients and when local is not available, assurance that it is from a traceable source is required. Crafts must be earth or farm based and are made by hand, one by one, or in small batches by people who have mastered their skill. Soaps and beeswax candles are some examples. Producers are encouraged to explore alternatives when sustainable resources are not readily available.

Chef/Farm Connection

Local chefs are the ecological farmers’ ambassadors. OSFP hosts special events that bring chefs and farmers together. Fostering such relationships lead to the growing number of restaurants that belong to CSAs (community shared agriculture programs), and purchase regularly from local farmers. Chefs find that people have great pride in their local heritage and  customers don’t mind paying a bit more for quality food grown sustainably. See PROGRAMS for more information

Many of the farm vendors at Harbourside also sell their specialty produce to high end restaurants from Toronto to Niagara. On any given Saturday you can catch local chefs browsing the stalls at the market. It’s a great way for restaurants to get to know the farmers and what is in season.

In 2007, the market hosted the first “Organic Iron Chef Competition” and drew a record crowd. executive chefs and their teams from local restaurants included Chris Haworth from Spencers’ at the Waterfront, Peter Wilson from The Rude Native Bistro and Peter Tonge from Thyme.

Holistic Arts

Holistic practitioners take turns each week. Market-goers are open to try new ways of dealing with old problems. And right on the top of the naturopathic doctor’s prescription list - fresh organic produce. Application for Holistic Practioners

Supporting the Arts

Creativity of every kind is encouraged at the market. Local musicians are welcome to set up and play for the crowds. The market square is also a great place for dance groups to perform. Patrons and farmers are always eager to join in the festivities. It fosters community and gives people a sense of belonging. Application for Performers

Community Outreach

A sustainable market is the ideal place for groups and organizations to connect with the public. Harbourside provides a pleasant environment where local organizations can set up a booth or event for public outreach. See PROGRAMS for more information

Zero Waste

We believe in leaving the smallest footprint behind us, and at our market we educate the public on what alternative products are available as well as how to effectively reduce your own waste by recycling and composting. The Region of Halton is a partner with the market and provides educational materials for moving towards zero waste. Returnable and reduced packaging is always encouraged. A first in Oakville, the market has been plastic bag free sine it's inception in 2007. The result: today the community is in the habit of carrying their own shopping bags with them all the time.

Alternative Energy

Solar, wind, and biodiesel from used vegetable oil are just a few of the alternative methods of energy that sustainable farmers use. People interested can often find examples at the market and talk to the people who are doing it.

In addition, ecological farmers are taking the lead in producing biofuels from truly sustainable crops, like switch grass, eliminating the need for GMO corn, soy and canola which carry with them high environmental damage, and heavy input costs for chemicals, like Round-Up.

Educational Workshops

Since education is such a large part of Harbourside market it partners with like-minded organizations to facilitate workshops and cooking demonstrations, seed saving, and various food preserving techniques as well as other programs that contribute to becoming more responsible citizens of this beautiful planet.

Nourishing our Souls

Local residents embrace the farmers’ market. Whether learning about health and how to live better, or just sitting with friends over a cup of fairly traded coffee, our growing customer base gets so much out of their weekly chat with favourite farmers. Market day becomes something to look forward to.

Social Connections

There’s something for everyone at the organic market. Children and adults alike can make new friends, taste new foods, experience new things. The organizers are always looking for enthusiastic people to host fun and educational activities. That’s a big part of Harbourside.

Food Justice

While many of us don’t have to worry about having enough to eat, we know that there are people in our community that go hungry. At the end of the day the farmers donate food to “Food for Life”, which then distributes it to families in need.

Sowing the Seeds

Preserving Ontario’s heritage as a vital provider of fruits and vegetables is also high on our list of priorities. During the growing season, volunteers make special trips out to farms to pick up fruit and vegetables and other products that the farmers would otherwise have to dump because they lack resources and markets to sell it at the cost it takes to produce it.

Working together we can be the change needed to ensure a healthier and happier world for future generations.