Christmas Market Gets The Green Light

Friday, 20 September 2019 08:30

From November 14th to December 21st, vendors will sell their products in the former Dairy Capital building on Dundas Street as part of the recently approved Christmas Market.

WOODSTOCK - A Christmas Market will be coming to the downtown area later this year.

Woodstock City council approved the proposal during last night's meeting, which will be inside the former Dairy Capital building on Dundas Street.

Mayor Trevor Birtch says it'll attract shoppers, along with helping businesses get started.

"It's always great to have additional options in the downtown. We want to see more people shopping and more people enjoying the festivities downtown, bringing their family members out enjoying the restaurants, picking up some baking while you're at it. And this'll give them one more place to stop where they can experience many different vendors in one place.

He adds it'll also give future entrepreneurs a chance to broaden their skillset and interact with clients.

The initiative is organized by the Small Business Centre in conjunction with the Woodstock BIA.

Mayor Birtch adds they're excited about the upcoming project.

"We're looking at opening up a vendors market that would be in conjunction and timing with the Santa Claus House, so starting in mid-November running on Thursday's, Friday's and Saturday's and it'll go through Christmas time."

The City of Woodstock bought the building in June and the commercial portion of the facility has been empty, although staff has kept the utilities and alarm system connected during this time.

The market's hours would be from 3:00-8:00pm on Thursday and Friday and from 10:00am–3:00pm on Saturday.

Mayor Birtch adds that based on the success of the market this year, it could be something more permanent going forward.

Staff's report says the concept would see stalls in the front portion of the building with approximately eight vendors renting the space every weekend. Each vendor would be responsible for their sales and managing their booth and they would be charged a nominal fee to cover costs associated with making the space available, such as curtains, tables and chairs.

Small Business Centre staff are in the process of checking insurance requirements for clients who may want to rent space. If anyone is interested in taking part in this initiative, you can contact the Small Business Centre at 519 539-2382.

It will go from November 14th to December 21th.