Number of Sudbury farmers' market customers on the rise

Sudbury’s new location for its farmers’ market seems to be resonating with customers.

The city reports there are an average of 500 patrons at the market each Saturday, which is beyond their expectations.

The location moved this summer after the old building was sold to Laurentian University to make room for its architecture school.

Vendors worried the market's new venue outside of the old Canadian Pacific Railways building on Elgin street would slow business.

In spite of these concerns, traffic is up, much to the relief of Colleen Pronk, who runs CJ's Pies and More.

Pronk’s Warren-based business has had a table at the market for seven years, and she wasn't thrilled with the idea of moving outdoors.

"When it rains, you're rained out. When it's cold, unless you have a heater, it's a little frigid. And in the summer, it's really hot, unless you have a fan," she said.

Even though it's been "too hot" outside, she said she's selling a lot of pies.

"We've definitely increased our business at this location over the other location."

Even a slow start to the farming season didn’t put a damper bringing people to the market.

Peggy Baillie, manager of the Eat Local food co-op, noted "after going to the market and not seeing any farmers," there were still "a lot of people coming here in the first couple of weeks."

The market runs every Saturday and Sunday until Oct. 27.