Sole Voting Member of the Hamilton Farmers' Market - November 3, 2025

High-level summary

The meeting centered on the Hamilton Farmers Market’s rebound and development, financial considerations, and ongoing vision implementation, with procedural items approved unanimously. Key decisions included approving the agenda and May 14, 2025 minutes, and several motions advancing market revitalization, feasibility studies, and the local showcase initiative.

Five Most Important Topics

1) Hamilton Farmers Market Foot Traffic Recovery - The market is showing positive momentum post-COVID, with 13.1% growth in 2024 and 7% year-over-year in 2025. Bill Sloka stated, "Altogether at the end of 2024, we had achieved 72% of our pre-COVID numbers." - This recovery supports vendors and residents by signaling renewed community engagement and economic activity at the market.

2) Financial Status and Sponsorships of the Market - Sloka noted that 98% of the market’s revenue comes from vendor fees, and the reserve fund stood at $145,750 as of December 31, 2023, with annual fees running "1.3% over budget." He also mentioned the expiration of a Rogers corporate sponsorship in December 2024, which may affect future funding. - These financial dynamics influence budgeting, programming, and sponsorship strategy moving forward.

3) Cyber Incident and Audit Timeline - A cyber incident delayed the 2024 financial audit, potentially impacting transparency and financial planning for the market. - The delay underscores the need for remediation and timely completion of the audit to inform decision-making.

4) Implementation of the Hamilton Farmers Market Vision - Adam Watson described guiding principles approved in 2023 and emphasized aiming to "reestablish the market in the community and really to [position it] as a destination for downtown residents, all Hamiltonians." - The vision seeks to strengthen the market as a community hub and economic driver, with influence on downtown vitality and resident engagement.

5) Market Development: Feasibility, York Boulevard Revitalization, and Local Engagement - The meeting covered ongoing facility improvements and feasibility work, including lighting and electrical assessments, with progress noted: "We are making some headway... and will continue with that work." - Municipal efforts also focus on local farmer and producer engagement, highlighted by the launch of a "local showcase" to attract new vendors: "We launched the local showcase this year... bringing in some new local farmers, producers, and great new businesses in the city." - Community programming and events were cited as a positive outcome of the redesigned York Boulevard space, indicating a broader role for the market as a venue for city events.

File Numbers Discussed

• 7.1: 2025 Hamilton Farmers Market Annual General Meeting.

Opportunities for Public Input

• No explicit opportunities for public consultation were listed during this portion of the meeting. The Hamilton Farmers Market Vision implementation may involve future community engagement, so residents may look for opportunities as plans progress.

Motions Passed, Rejected, or Deferred

• Approval of Agenda — Passed unanimously.
• Approval of Minutes from May 14, 2025 — Passed unanimously.
• Motion to Revitalize the Farmers' Market — Passed.
• Motion to Conduct Feasibility Studies — Passed.
• Motion to Launch Local Showcase Initiative — Passed.

Follow-Up/Next Steps (summary)

• Continue implementing the Hamilton Farmers Market vision and guiding principles.
• Resolve the cyber incident to complete the 2024 financial audit.
• Explore new corporate sponsorship opportunities to replace the Rogers agreement.
• Advance facility improvements, further feasibility studies, and expansion of the local showcase to attract additional vendors.
• Maintain or expand community programming and rental opportunities at York Boulevard.

Councillors Present

• Chair: Wang
• Mayor: Horvath
• Councillors: McMakin, Casar, Crutch, Clark, Paul’s, Tison, Cooper, Nan, Alex, Wilson, Matt Francis