James Bay Community Market

In 1995, a small group of James Bay residents founded the James Bay Community Market with the mission of promoting community through local commerce and entertainment. Fifteen years later, the James Bay Community Market is a growing place and we are looking forward to another great market season for 2010. The market aims to be a local gathering place where members of the James Bay and Greater Victoria community can come each week to purchase local produce, check out creative handmade arts and crafts, enjoy homemade baking and other food items, and browse for unique gifts.  We at the market strive to support our local farmers, artists and food producers by providing a place where they can connect directly with the community and participate in the local economy.

"My vision for the James Bay Market is of a place where local residents can come to pick up their week's fresh local produce, enjoy a cup of coffee, listen to live music and interact with artisans from the community," says market coordinator Robin Grantner. "A local market is a cornerstone of a strong community, and the market has so much to offer James Bay residents." The market runs every Saturday between 9am and 3pm, from May 8 to October 9.

With concerns about food security, the importance of community and the suffering economy becoming front of mind for many people today, the James Bay Market offers a place for residents to contribute directly to individuals and organizations for whom local production is paramount. "Our priority is to offer things that are homemade, handmade and homegrown," says Grantner.

This year, the market welcomes back several vendors who have been with us for up to ten years! We
also have a large number of enthusiastic new vendors signed up this year who are eager to display their talents. The market provides access to a diverse array of locally-produced items including local organic fruit and vegetables, artisan jams and preserves, handmade jewellery and clothing, original artwork,  and homemade soaps and baby care products.

The market is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers! If you're interested in meeting people, promoting the market, or helping out in the kids' area, this is the position for you. In addition, the James Bay Market Society, the volunteer organization that oversees the market and its operations, is always open to participation by James Bay residents. To get involved with the board or to volunteer on market day, email info@jamesbaymarket.com or call 250-381-5323. See you at the market!