The Cumberland Farmers Market (CFM) would like to thank you for your interest in the 2026 season of the Cumberland Farmers’ Market
Dates: The Market will run on Saturdays, from June 6 until October 10, 2026.
We also hold a Special Spring Market at RJ Kennedy Arena, and Harvest Market that is held at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum in the Fall and a Christmas Market in various locations in Cumberland Village.
Times: Regular markets: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Special/Seasonal markets: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (unless otherwise advertised)
Location: 1115 Dunning Road, R.J. Kennedy Recreation Complex (Cumberland Arena)
The following information package has been put together to help you become one of our vendors. Please review the guidelines and regulations before signing the application form.
We will post on social media and on our website as well as notifying our usual vendors when we anticipate opening the Market so that they can submit an application for a slot at the market.
Payments are by e-transfers to info@cumberlandfarmersmarket.ca
or by a cheque made out to the Cumberland Farmers' Market. Our application can be found on our website at www.cumberlandfarmersmarket.ca
In order to strengthen our efforts and to help ensure the market's success, vendors are encouraged to take an active role in a variety of organizational tasks. Please let us know how you might like to get involved.
A warm thank you goes out to all those who have been involved and who have provided support in the past, by attending and hosting meetings, by supplying goods and services for events and promotions, by providing input, feedback and follow-up and by presenting demonstrations, entertainment and so much more.
For more information or for clarifications please contact either:
Belinda Joy
613-806-7559
Email: info@CumberlandFarmersMarket.ca
or
Debra Wyatt
Tel: 613-833-0284
Email: DebraWyatt@rogers.com
Cumberland Farmers’ Market 2026
Rules, Guidelines, and Information
1. Purpose
The Cumberland Farmers’ Market is managed to enable and encourage local farmers, food producers and artisans to sell their products to a local community that appreciates the freshness/artistic creativity in a welcoming and familiar setting . This forum also allows local community groups (e.g. churches, Scouts, sporting clubs etc.) to publicize their activities; and the Market generally attracts the diverse populations of the community together, so enhancing the Community Identity of the village.
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2. Governance
The Market is governed by a Board of Management (BM) which oversees the operations of the Market, This includes establishing policies rules and guidelines for all aspects of the Market activities – soliciting and selecting vendors, negotiating for the space in which the Market operates, setting the fee structure for vendors, collecting fees, promoting the Market in social media and through direct advertising, and organizing the actual Market operations on Market Days.
Any or all of these responsibilities may be delegated to an individual (the Market Manager, MM) hired to conduct those Market functions so delegated, who may seek such assistants (paid or volunteers) as he/she deems necessary. He/she may also encourage vendors to assist in these responsibilities, though ensuring that this does not cause any disruptive conflicts of intertest.
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3 Market Objectives
As noted, the primary objective of the Market is to enable local farmers, food producers and artisans to sell their products to local residents who appreciate the freshness/creativity on offer. While the Market cannot in the long run operate at a loss it is not intended to make a profit, and so the fee structure is set to cover the costs (space rentals, salary/ies, promotions, equipment, supplies etc.) and maintain a small reserve for exigencies.
An additional benefit of the Market is that it makes the vendors and customers appreciate the sense of community in the village, and what else it offers (e.g. the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, the public trails in different parts of the village, the quaint architecture and quality specialty shops eyc.).
The CFM aims to provide a well-organized venue catering to the region’s rural and urban populations in which local producers can connect with local residents and local organizations, and in so doing enhance the sense of community.
4. Operating hours, location, and dates
When the regular market is operating it will be open every Saturday from June until mid-October. Hours of operation on Saturdays will be 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m, come rain or shine. Vendors should take weather conditions into consideration as part of their logistical planning. These markets are held at the R.J. Kennedy Memorial Centre, 1115 Dunning Road, in Cumberland Village.
The CFM also operates a number of special markets, largely of a seasonal nature - Spring, Harvest and Christmas.
The Spring Market is an introductory market for the regular season, taking place at the R.J. Kennedy centre a few week of May, before the regular season. It runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m,
The Harvest Market is held on a Saturday in September at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, (2940 Old Montreal Road), and in this space it can accommodate many more vendors and so attracts more customers. It runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m,
The Christmas Market takes place on the first Saturday in December at a number of loc9ations in the village. It runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..
5. Authorized “local” vendors and products (living or operating within a 100 km radius of Ottawa).
• Local growers and agricultural producers e.g.: vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, nursery crops, honey, maple syrup, eggs, meats, etc.
• Local micro-processors who produce value-added items through hands-on processing such as: baked goods, home-made candies, pies, jams, relishes, etc.
• Local artisans who create original hand-crafted products such as: sewing, knitting, weaving, painting, woodwork, pottery, soaps, etc. Pre-Assembled, commercially made or sublimation-coated premade items and kits are not permitted.
• Products which have not been grown, reared, prepared or handmade by members of the CFM are strictly prohibited.
• Community groups, youth initiative, local service providers and businesses, are encouraged to contact us to explore proposals and potential collaborations.
• Applications will be evaluated at the full discretion of a jury established by the BM. The mix and balance of products will be taken into consideration when applications are being evaluated.
• In order to maintain the integrity of the market, the board reserves the right to disqualify or prohibit any vendor from taking part in the market and to forbid the sale of any product which it deems to be inappropriate, unacceptable, or incompatible with the market's objectives.
• Agricultural producers are encouraged to undertake “local” certification through Farmers'Markets Ontario (FMO) MyPick TM Verified Local Farmers TM program (http://www.farmersmarketsontario.com/mypick/)
• Vendors are only permitted to advertise their products as “Green”, “Organic”, “Free Range” etc. if they are also able to display a valid certificate from a nationally recognized agency qualified to certify against a recognised standard pertaining to one of these terms.
6. Application and Selection process
• All applications are examined to ensure the proposed items are in keeping with market rules and product diversity, quality and quantity are being maintained.
• The Market may not be able to accommodate all vendor applications.
• As part of the application, vendors should indicate the days on which they wish to attend the market. Although every attempt will be made to accommodate these requests, it may not always be possible and alternative dates may be offered.
• Dates can be modified by communicating with the MM in writing by email at info@cumberlandfarmersmarket.ca.
• In order to ensure a good mix of products, the CFM reserves the right to set limits on the number of vendors offering similar products on any given market day.
• Vendors are required to submit a full list of all the items they are hoping to sell. Any new items a vendor might like to introduce during the course of a season must be preapproved.
• Unapproved items are strictly prohibited.
• Photos and/or samples should accompany an application for the purpose of jurying. Depending on the proposed products, it may be beneficial to present an application in person.
• Members of the jury may have to visit an applicant's place of production at the time of consideration and or during the season; any such visits will be scheduled as required.
• Once a vendor’s application is accepted, the vendor will be notified, and payment will be processed.
• Payments should not be sent by any applications that are not accepted by the committee.
7. Fees
The market is a not-for-profit community initiative. Fees are collected to cover the market's operating expenses and promotional efforts; they are charged on a per stall / per day basis. Personalised date sequences can be selected. Vendors stalls will be assigned based on individual schedules and space availability. All fees include HST. Refunds will not be issued.
Administration
There is an Annual $25 Admin fee charged to each vendor once per year upon acceptance of their application to the Cumberland Farmers Market season or at the time of acceptance to any of our Specialty Markets. If you are selected to join our Market based on this application your Admin fee will be added to your invoice.
Operations
Farmers
The Cumberland Farmers’ Market is committed to supporting local farmers by establishing a fair and viable rate structure specific to agricultural producers. Thus the following rate applies only to approved Farmer Vendors, defined as vendors who grow, raise or produce agricultural gods. It does not apply to vendors who prepare food products
Single Stall (10 x 10 space) - $45 per week for 1 – 18 weeks Double Stall (20 x 10 space) - $60 per week for 1 – 18 weeks
A Double Stall represents two adjacent spaces , offered at a reduced rate to support farmers requiring additional room for the variety and/or quantity of produce, or needed for equipment to maintain product quality.
Non-Farmer Vendors
Full Season Vendor
16 - 18 weeks - $45 per week = $810
(2 payments due April and July)
Choice Vendor
8 - 15 weeks - $50 per week (2 payments due by April or May 1st and July 15th, 2025)
Occasional Vendor
3 - 7 weeks - $60 per week.
(Admin fee plus 3 market due by April)
(Remaining weeks due the week (Tuesday) prior to registered event)
Individual Markets can be scheduled after MAY 1st
The Cumberland Farmers’ Market Board of Management has decided to adapt the administrative procedures of the Market to make it easier for most vendors who are regular participants to operate their stalls, while still allowing the occasional vendor reasonable access.
Full Season Vendor - The advantages are, for the full-time vendor, that their location in the market will be the same spot for consistency, the lowest market $$ rate and reduced Specialty market rates.
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Choice Vendor - The location benefit applies as much as possible for the vendor who purchases 8 – 15 weeks. The price, while on a ‘per market’ basis may be a bit higher than for a full-time vendor, it will still be close to that lowest price, and enjoy reduced Specialty market rates.
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Occasional Vendor - The ’occasional’ vendor will have to define their specific participation dates at their first Market. We cannot commit to consistent spots for occasional vendors. Payment is due the TUESDAY before the market attending.
SPECIALTY MARKETS – All Specialty Markets are additional and do not count toward your # of weeks.
Price information and Application acceptance to our Harvest and Christmas markets is being done on a separate form. WE OFFER SPACE TO OUR WEEKLY FARMERS MARKET VENDORS FIRST, and then open the available spaces to others.
SHARED MARKET BOOTH/BLOCK - The assignment of a Market spot to a specific vendor does not require that that vendor be the sole vendor in that spot for each date purchased; they can be shared between vendors either in that (2) two vendors share the same space at each Market purchased, or that two vendors alternate between that dates purchased. Such arrangements are, though, agreements between the vendors, and the principal vendor is totally responsible for payment.
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The Cumberland Farmers Market does not give refunds due to cancellations, vendor personal issue, conflicting event, weather, acts of God or any other unforeseeable issues.
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8. a) Stall Rules (10'x10') Outdoor
• Vendors are responsible for providing their own canopy, table, tablecloths, etc.
• On every market day, outdoor vendors must secure their canopy tents with appropriate weights on all four corners. It is recommended 40lbs each leg of your tent.
• Staff/vendors/volunteers/etc. shall always take into consideration the comfort and safety of all attendees and other participants (i.e. a nasty storm rolls in and tents need to be taken down to prevent damage/injury).
• The CFM cannot provide such restraints to all vendors and individual vendors are responsible for providing their own restraints. COMPLIANCE WITH THIS SAFETY COMPONENT IS MANDATORY. Please plan accordingly.
• Following a verbal and a written warning to this effect, a $100 fine will be issued for non-compliance.
• Vendor membership may also be revoked at any time for noncompliance.
• Vendors must display a sign indicating their business name and location.
• Prices must be indicated for all products.
• Tables and displays should be neat and attractive.
• Vendors are encouraged to personalize their stalls with signs, stories, pictures, information, etc.
• The use of Styrofoam based containers/cups is strongly discouraged on market premises.
• The use of cardboard, paper, and easily biodegradable containers/products are preferred along with the use of recyclable containers or environmentally friendly containers by both vendors and clients.
• Signage and displays must not block visual site lines and other vendors.
• Vendors must keep their stalls tidy by storing boxes and putting away any packaging, keeping all waste products in suitable containers. Please reduce, reuse and recycle.
• Keeping common areas clean and litter free is the responsibility of all market participants.
• At the end of the day, vendors must make sure that they do not leave behind any waste or debris.
8. b) Stall Rules Indoor
• 1 6.5 x 2.5-foot table and 1 or 2 chairs will be provided. Vendors are able to bring a second table or racks to expand their display equivalent to a second table length and width as a maximum of 4x6-foot.. Please send your plans for additional table, racks or displays to the MM to be sure it is a suitable display. We are happy to work with you.
• Vendors must display a sign indicating their business name and location.
• Prices must be indicated for all products.
• Tables and displays should be neat and attractive.
• Vendors are encouraged to personalize their stalls with signs, stories, pictures, information, etc.
• The use of Styrofoam based containers/cups is strongly discouraged on market premises.
• The use of cardboard, paper, and easily biodegradable containers/products are preferred along with the use of recyclable containers or environmentally friendly containers by both vendors and clients.
• Signage and displays must not block visual site lines and other vendors.
• Vendors must keep their stalls tidy by storing boxes and putting away any packaging, keeping all waste products in suitable containers. Please reduce, reuse and recycle.
• Keeping common areas clean and litter free is the responsibility of all market participants.
• At the end of the day, vendors must make sure that they do not leave behind any waste or debris.
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9. Stall Assignments
• The MMr and the organising committee will be responsible for assigning stall spaces. A Map is attached.
• Although specific spots cannot be guaranteed, applicants are invited to indicate any preference they might have with regards to location. To promote continuity, a priority is given to Full Season Vendors, and to Choice Vendors.
• In general, the CFM tries to keep assigned spaces constant, especially for full season vendors. The CFM does however reserve the right to make changes if/when required. Keeping vendor locations constant over the course of the season can be difficult when vendors do not attend on a weekly basis, where vendor schedules can be quite variable from week to week.
In order to facilitate planning, it is important that any request or potential intention for more than a single stall be clearly specified as part of the application. Considering space limitations, the board reserves the right to limit the number of stalls allocated per vendor or family.
10. Arrival and Departure times
• The Market Manager or his representative will be on site by 6:45 a.m.
• Stalls are to be assigned by the MM. Please check-in before setting up;
• All vendors are to be at the market no later than 8:30 a.m. If a vendor is not on site by this time, the MM may re-assign a location in order to avoid gaps. Since late arrivals can impact sales and how neighbouring vendors set-up, please make a point of being punctual.
• Booth set-up is to be completed by 8:45 a.m.
• Vendors are expected to have enough products to last the entire market day. Should a vendor sell out before the market closes, the stall must remain in place displaying a “sold out” sign.
• Stalls shall remain open until 1:00 p.m. and shall not to be taken down until closing time.
• No vehicles will be allowed within the market stall area of the parking lot until 10 minutes after the market's official closing time. As a courtesy to visitors and in consideration for public safety, please make a point of respecting this guideline. Violations are not tolerated.
• For planning purposes and as a courtesy, vendors who cannot attend a scheduled date must notify the MM as soon as possible and no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before the market, so that stall locations can be modified and planned accordingly. Any last-minute delays or cancellations should be communicated directly by phone, text, or email.
11. Vendor Parking
• All vendor vehicles are to be removed from the market area before 8:30 a.m.
• In order to leave a maximum number of parking spaces for visitors, vendors are asked to park on Market Street.
• Provisions can be made for vendors with mobility issues. Please indicate any requirements you might have with your application; arrangements can be discussed with the market manager.
Note: A loading zone will be set aside along Dunning Road between the lower parking lot entrances. These spots are to be kept vacant to allow for drop-offs and quick transfers during market hours.
12. Farm or business visits
The CFM promotes the market as a place where customers can buy local products. The Board and the Market Manager must be familiar with individual vendors and their farming and production methods. Members of the organising committee reserve the right to visit farms and production facilities, with or without advance notice, to ascertain practices that are being used and the type of products yields which can be expected.
13. Regulatory compliance and additional guidelines
• Compliance with all regulations stipulated by regulatory bodies (municipal, provincial, federal, etc.) is the full responsibility of vendors.
• Government inspections do take place at the Market. Warnings, fines, and revocation of vendor privileges can result from non-compliance with laws guidelines and best practices.
• Vendors are required to comply with requests made by the Market Manager or health officials. Corrective measures and requests to remove any item must be respected.
• Food vendors are responsible for preparing and serving their items, including any samples, in a manner which is hygienic and in complete compliance with health standards. Please consult food sector documentation, resource people, organisations, institutions, and regulatory bodies in order to ensure that you have a good understanding of the norms and practices you must follow.
• All food vendors (except produce vendors) are required to complete the City of Ottawa Food Handlers Course and provide a copy of the certificate to Market staff upon registration
• All items on display, for sale or for sampling, must be appropriately packaged and protected from contamination.
• Scented products must be wrapped. As a courtesy to our clients and vendors the CFM also request that vendors refrain from wearing perfumes and scents on market days.
• A hand washing station must be fully accessible and used regularly where food handling is taking place.
• Food handlers are required to wash their hands regularly. Note: Providing food samples is considered food handling.
• Vendors are responsible for providing their own hand and Dish washing stations.
• Vendors are not allowed to bring pets to the market, Registered Service Animals only.
• All vendors are responsible for insuring that they have appropriate insurance coverage for their market activities.
• Smoking by market participants is not permitted on site.
14. Infractions and grievance procedures
• Infractions to the rules and regulations may result in a verbal or written warning, to be issued either by the Market Manager or the CFM Board of Management. Vendor privileges can be revoked at any time, at the sole discretion of the board.
• Vendors are urged to bring any concerns to the attention of the Market staff, who are on site to represent the Market and to provide vendors with support. Substantive discussions should however take place outside the market's regular hours.
• Vendors are expected to be polite and respectful in their dealings with the public, fellow vendors, market volunteers and organisers.
• If issues or conflicts do arise, attempts should be made to resolve these matters in good faith amongst the parties directly involved.
• Appeals or unresolved complaints that directly relate to the market management should be submitted in writing. The organizing committee will examine the situation and respond to submissions in due course of time.
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Appeals or unresolved complaints that directly relate to the market management should be submitted in writing. The organizing committee will examine the situation and respond to submissions in due course of time.

