SAVE THE ST.LAWRENCE MARKET ARTS & CRAFTS VENDOR PROGRAM

The existing Market Cart Program began in 2001. NOW THE CITY IS SUSPENDING THE PROGRAM UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

The vision of the City Council is as follows:

“City Council's "Vision" for the St. Lawrence Market makes a commitment to "competitively priced, high quality and complementary products ". It also calls for a "Market Cart" program on the outside of the North and South Market buildings, to make the market area "more exciting, colourful and lively with people and market activities".(1)

In 2014 the St. Lawrence Market management made changes in the application process for the Market Cart Vendor Program, including implementing a rent increase, changes in merchandise requirements, and introducing new liability insurance, without adequate notice. Many vendors left due to the type of expensive insurance required and short application deadline. Vendors had to take it upon themselves to organize group insurance in order to get better rates.

The Director of the Market has previously stated at a meeting that Cart Vendors would be given one year notice if the Program would be cancelled. In April 2014, various market cart vendors met with City Officials regarding the potential redevelopment of the St. Lawrence Market. The vendors stressed their concern about whether there would be temporary locations available and whether proper notice would be given if the program was going to be discontinued.

In July 2014, various vendors again met with City Officials regarding the continuance of the program during redevelopment in the New Year. Telephone calls and emails from various vendors to the local Councilor, MPP and the Ombudsman’s office have not resulted in their intervening on our behalf regarding the vendors’ securing locations at the market during and after the redevelopment.  On Dec 22,2014 the vendors received a notice of program suspension.


There are very few if any affordable places left in Toronto other than at the St Lawrence Market for arts and crafts vendors to sell year round 6 days a week. For many vendors this is their full-time job and only source of income. For others this is much needed supplementary income.

We appeal to you not to allow this program to end. Please support and protect what makes the St. Lawrence Market so very special, so that handmade and unique arts and crafts products can continue to be available to the public.

We respectfully request that Council take necessary action to:

1) Relocate the market cart vendors during the redevelopment and once completed, continue the program.
2) Grandfather the vendors who have been there for more than ten years.
3) Create an Association to work on behalf of the Market Cart Vendors.
4) Ensure that the City continue to have affordable locations for arts and crafts vendors and support these small businesses.

(1) 2014 Market Cart Application (http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/rental_form/1403893669_548647.pdf)