We did it! On November 8th, the City Council approved the motion to develop the first Public Market Action Plan for the City of Toronto in 2024. This is the first for Toronto, Canada, and even North America.

A market in every neighbourhood! Imagine if Toronto had a connected network of public markets equitably distributed across Toronto, with a PLAN that allows Toronto’s public markets and the City to work together to collectively advance sustainable food systems, inclusive local economies, and social equity. Making real food & economic opportunities available for EVERYONE!

2023 has been a tremendous year. Hosting the international conference, the City declared Public Market Week and committed to developing the first Public Market Action Plan in 2024. These three actions culminate almost ten years of work launched at the Toronto Food Policy Council in 2015. During this time, we learned how to mobilize, advocate and build partnerships to lead this work.

If you want to listen to the presentation, here is the link, or read the motion. We were the first item on the agenda, so it starts at minute 14, and you can scroll over to the parts you are most interested in.

This work was a collective effort; many individuals and organizations supported it, and we are grateful for each one of their efforts and contributions. We are trying to change a system, and the work will be complex, but for now…