About the Market

The Peninsula Country Market opened to the public in July 1991 at the old Saanichton Fairground in Saanichton village and is the longest-running market in the Victoria region east of Metchosin. The market operated on the Old Fairgrounds in the village for a few years before moving to its current location at the Saanich Fairground on Stelly’s Cross Road.

Our market  was the only community market on the Peninsula during the 1990s, attracting thousands of people each Saturday from across the region.

History of the Market

In 1990 a small group of Central Saanich residents who were passionate about promoting high quality local food production and wholesome lifestyle on the Saanich Peninsula met to exchange ideas. They knew that local farmers were not getting enough money for their produce nor did they have sufficient market exposure. This was a threat to the continuation of local agriculture and “country” influenced lifestyle which so many citizens valued. Along with farmers, there were local artists and crafters also needed more exposure and market outlets.

view of farmland

After agreeing that the “country market” was a good idea the group appointed a committee to review all aspects of market needs. It quickly became apparent that the first priority was to find a suitable site with positive ambience, exposure, parking, water and power. The original Saanich Fairgrounds on East Saanich Road in Saanichton, in operation for over a hundred years, was the country market’s first home. However, just prior to the market starting the site was sold for residential development. Thankfully, the new owner allowed the country market to use a portion of the Fairgrounds directly in front of the current old log Pioneer Museum.

The initial market rules were as follows: 1) produce was to be locally grown from the south end of the Island (then extended the area was to include all of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands) 2).Arts and crafts were largely to be made at home or in the area. 3) All vendors paid a weekly fee. 4) The market supplied tables and umbrellas for most of the vendors to create a consistent, county-like appearance. After a time the vendors started providing their own tables, tents and umbrellas being careful to maintain a country theme.

ribbon cutting market opens

The first market was officially opened with a ribbon cutting by Mayor Ted Jones of Central Saanich on July 6, 1991. There was celebration with music, coffee and cookies. To this day the market continues every Saturday morning from 9am – 1pm from mid-June to Thanksgiving weekend. We have conducted hundreds of markets and sold millions of dollars in goods and produce.

The market has had some challenges such as changes in locations and volunteer burnout. It was very difficult carrying the tables and gear to a new locations each Saturday and keeping abreast of the advertising and location notifications. However, consumers, vendors, volunteers and society executive kept showing up in spite of the obstacles and barriers. It seems like various boards and regulators have come to know and trust the Peninsula Country Market Society and they can see the benefits for the farmers and community because we have been consistent, stable and have provided a great service to the community.

About tweny years ago the market moved to a permanent home on the new Saanich Fairgrounds on Stelly’s Cross Road under the large Douglas-fir trees. The Peninsula Country Market Society is very grateful to the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society and its Staff staff for their continuous help and understanding.

Bodgering demonstration by John Smith (1990s).
Bodgering demonstration by John Smith (1990s).

During the 1990s the Society expanded activities at the market. Farmers and the 4-H brought animals for children to view and pet. We started a music committee and continue to have performers every week. We teamed up with 4-H clubs to do the weekly set-up and take-down and run the food trailer. For many years we had ‘cow pattie bingo’ to raise money for the Sidney Lions Food Bank and art displays.

The market has teamed-up with and supports the Southern Vancouver Island Direct Farm Marketing Association, 4-H, Saanich Peninsula Hospital Auxiliary, Saanich Fair and the Brentwood Bay Festival.

The main statement from consumers and vendors is: ‘We love this market, it’s so peaceful and we are fortunate to be able to walk on the grass, talk with friends and buy most of our weekly produce – don’t ever let it go’

The people responsible for starting the market and who persevered through the early years are: John Smith, Jan Garnet, Rob Toumi and Family, Ken and Marg Travis, Bob and Janice Maxwell, Fran Ertle, Bob Thompson and Heather Biasio, Pamela Fox, Andrew Yeoman, Graham and Jill Cox, Patrick Boulger, Diane McNay, the late Jim Crawford, Peggy and Murray Matheson, Sharon McPherson, Mike Fleming, Joan Fleming, Pat Zandihart and the 4H, Connie Braun, Robin Herlinveaux, Elaine Hobday and many others. It was their dedication and perseverance that allowed the market to form and continue. That same spirit continues today as new members take their place running the society.