For the love of food
Food is a common bond we all share, a single thread that when talked about brings to mind all sorts of stories and experiences.
The Cambridge Farmers’ Market (CFM) is our community food hub. It is where residents gather to talk about food and community happenings.
While other markets in Ontario either remain outdoors only or have had their original buildings converted for other uses, the CFM has continued to flourish in its original building for its original intended use and this should be celebrated.
To check out historical photos visit our Photo Gallery Page
Where it all started
The CFM dates back to the 1830s with the current market building holding its seat on Dickson Street since 1887.
The Market existed originally along the east bank of the Grand River, though the exact location and date of its opening is unknown. In the 1830's the east bank was the place to do business in the Township of Galt (now part of the City of Cambridge). The area included the Township's general store, taverns, mills and the village market.
Looking for a permanent home
After 1838, the Township of Galt's local government would have been in or near the Township Hall, which was located in the present site of Cambridge's City Hall. Relocating from the east bank, at first, the vegetable market was held completely in the open while the meat market was located in the Township Hall.
In 1856, the Township's public school was converted into the vegetable and poultry building, east of the Township Hall.
In 1858, Galt's Town Hall was designated the Town Hall and Market House. The bottom floor of the new building was set aside to house the village's butchers and the village meat market.
In the late 1880's, the vegetable and poultry market moved to today's Farmers' Market location at Dickson and Ainslie Street - property purchased by the Town. The vegetable market and poultry market moved into the new building immediately, while the meat market stayed in the Town Hall, until 1896 when a two storey section was added to the vegetable and poultry market building.
Building and renovating
The one-storey structure was built in 1887 by mason William Fulton under the supervision of William Graham.
The two-storey structure built in 1896 , was designed by local architect Fred Mellish and built by mason, W. Edmonds and carpenters, W and F.A Scott.
The upper floor of the two-storey building housed the Galt Public Library until 1905. Starting in 1907, the upper floor served as rehearsal rooms for the Galt Kiltie Band. The Galt Kiwanis Youth Band also used the rooms for rehearsal from 1949 to 1972. The rooms were converted into municipal offices in 1978.
Over the years the market buildings have suffered from daily wear and tear, the effects of road salt and floods.
The1974 flood caused $35,000 in damages and closed the interior of the market from May to end of August.
A major renovation to the building occurred in 1992, when new structural steel beams and columns were added to the interior of the building to ensure that it would remain standing for many years to come. Another significant interior renovation took place in 2019 ensuring the building operations would comply with Public Health standards for years to come. The market building was designated as a heritage structure in July 1984, under the Ontario Heritage Act.
The people who make it possible
Our market wouldn't exist without the dedicated vendors, some of whom have been a part of our team for over 50 years. They arrive in the snow, rain, and heat of summer, often setting up as early as 3:00a.m. and many don't pack up until more than 12 hours later. We have 26 year-round vendors and 30 seasonal vendors , averaging 56 vendors at the peak of the market season, who supply approximately 35,000 shopper visits each year.
Learn more about our vendors in the Market Directory.