Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the Milton Public Market
Published March 30, 2019 at 1:29 am
By now you’ve probably already heard that a new market is coming to the Town of Milton.
By now you’ve probably already heard that a new market is coming to the Town of Milton.
This market, which is known as the Milton Public Market, was founded Philip Suos, the founder of two other widely popular Milton events – the Holiday Street Market, and The Mac and Cheese Festival.
The Milton Public Market, which was recently approved by the town, will be located at the Milton Fairgrounds and will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. starting May 25 until Sept. 15, 2019.
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Inhalton recently caught up with Suos to inform readers on everything else they need to know about the market.
Here’s what Suos, the Founder and Managing Director, had to say.
What inspired you to start this market?
After running the Holiday Street Market and The Mac and Cheese Festival in Milton, it was very evident that there was a huge demand for more attractions, not just from a local standpoint but also from an economic development and tourism standpoint for the Town of Milton. After meeting thousands of people and listening to the needs of the community, I really wanted to create a big incubator for small businesses which is the driving force of our economy.
How was the location decided?
Since the announcement of the Milton Public Market, we received a lot of interest from potential vendors and we quickly realized that we needed a large space to accommodate all the potential traffic. The only remaining space in Downtown Milton that can host something of this size was the Milton Fairgrounds. Shortly after our meeting with the executive committee and members of the board, it was unanimously approved. We then worked closely with the Town of Milton to find solutions to make it happen.
Now that the market has been approved by the town, what are your next steps?
Our next steps are to review all the vendor applications we received, reach out to anyone who would like to run workshops, cooking classes, seminars, etc., connect with as many local businesses who would like to get involved in some way, connect with local attractions for our tour buses to go to, and much more.
Why would you encourage people to come out to this market when it opens?
This market will offer an experience like no other market in Ontario.
Beyond having one of the largest number of vendors every weekend at 250+, we’ll have over 100 workshops for all ages and of all sorts happening each weekend to keep you entertained. Plus, we’ll have a shuttle bus that will start at the Milton Public Market and go to all the major attractions in Milton from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
It’ll keep couples and families busy all day long!
How will vendors be picked?
We select vendors based on what they’re planning on selling. If we see that there’s a fit within the market and demand, we’ll accept their application. We support local, they’ll be given first rights. However, if there’s an opening in a category that no one has applied to we will look at other potential vendors outside of Milton.
What goes into organizing and planning a market of this size?
We need a big team with various expertise to pull off a market of this size but at the end of the day, it takes a community to make it all happen. We have been blessed to have the support of a lot of people in Milton who have been asking for more attractions like these.
All I can say is this is just the start! I have many more plans in the pipeline coming in the next few years.
Will this market complement or compete with the Farmer’s Market and the TERRA market?
We believe that this market will complement the existing markets. Milton is a town that supports each other and if we’re all able to boost local economic activity and tourism, it’s a win for everyone.
Initially, this market was going to be year-round. Why the change?
Having been approved to be on the Fairgrounds also has its limitations from a zoning and by-law perspective and as such, the market will not be year-round. Having said that, we are looking into further options during the winter pending how things work out with the Milton Public Market.
Following a previous inhalton article, some people expressed concerns about parking. Do you think this will be an issue?
We don’t anticipate any major issues with parking since 75 per cent of the grounds can possibly be allocated to parking with over 1,300 spaces at any given time. Having that, we will also encourage people to take transit and offer shuttle buses between the GO station and the Milton Public Market to help alleviate any parking congestions.
Will you be heading out to the market?
Photo is courtesy of Suos.
Cover photo is courtesy of the Milton Public Market Facebook page.
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