For years, the Canal Road Farmers’ Market in the Holland Marsh was a staple for shoppers looking for local produce – many of them cottagers heading north on Highway 400, or on their way home.
Visible from the 400, it was easily accessed from the Canal Road exit.
But when the building was sold in 2016, the future of the market seemed to be up in the air.
Enter Liz Gorzo, long-time marsh resident, her mom Julianna Gorzo, aunt Eva Szeman, and the Holland Marsh Food Market.
The property had been purchased by flooring and firewood company Pearl Knstructions, which took over most of the space – but still had a small area available for a farmers’ market, at the south end of the building. Gorzo and her family opened the Holland Marsh Food Market, equipped with coolers, tents and greenhouses to house the array of produce.
Staples include pure maple syrup, Grandma’s Pickles, minimally-pasteurized and non-homogenized milk, yogurt and sour cream from Sheldon Creek Dairy, Homestead eggs, butter tarts by Moe Tarts, and pies by The Pie Place – cherry, bumbleberry, apple cranberry pecan, and more.
And of course, whatever local produce is in season. The Holland Marsh Food Market may not be large, but it’s 100-per-cent Ontario-grown.
“Many returning customers say ‘Oh, you’ve downsized’,” said Pierina Nobili, who works behind the counter. But that’s also because the market does not carry the oranges, bananas and other imports of a standard supermarket. “It’s only Ontario grown!”
This week, shoppers found peaches and plums from Vineland; Ontario-grown squash and watermelon; fresh herbs and flowers; carrots, golden ‘sweet candy cane’ beets and red beets from the Holland Marsh; and leaf lettuce, Swiss chard and kale from Springh Farms, just next door.
Every vegetable or fruit proudly displays its place of origin, from the zucchini and cantaloupe, to the fresh-picked sweet corn.
“Every time I come, there’s something new,” said Nobili. Gorzo keeps the shelves supplied with fresh produce, as the season progresses.
It has been a challenge to get the word out that the Holland Marsh Food Market is open for business, seven days a week
- Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Fridays: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sundays: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Searching online for “Canal Rd. Farmers Market," the old website used to show the market was closed. That has been fixed, but the Holland Marsh Food Market is still one of Bradford West Gwillimbury’s best kept secrets.
Many shoppers are still are spotting the signs, tents and displays from Highway 400, and on the Tuesday after the civic holiday long weekend, there was a steady stream of shoppers.
“I’ve just seen it driving by,” said one shopper, buying tomatoes, peaches, strawberries and fresh eggs. “I’ve seen it from the highway for years” – but this time, for the first time, heading back from the cottage, she said she decided to drop in for some home-grown produce.
"We're seeing a lot of our usual cottagers," said Gorzo. "This place has been here 30 years. We're a tradition."
But it is also beginning to be noticed by commuters, returning home along Highway 400. With a stronger Facebook presence, she said, "I'm getting a lot more people from town."
The market, located at 1153 Canal Rd., will be open until Nov. 1. For updates, visit the Facebook page. The name of the page, 2farmersdaughter, refers to the fact that Gorzo's parents are farmers.
The market also welcomes artisans and other vendors on weekends and holidays. In the weeks to come, shoppers can look forward to "squashes, potatoes, the bulk vegetables" coming into season, said Gorzo.
And on Friday evenings, there will be a hot dog cart fundraiser with proceeds going to provide back-to-school supplies for kids in shelters or care.
