Now that it’s history, I can confess: I’ve always hated the Brewery Market.
Don’t get me wrong; I’ve loved the idea of the market. On paper, thousands of people trekking to a historic building to buy locally grown food and crafts, people watching and socializing is all a grand thing. But the reality is that the market was one humungous claustrophobic pain in the ass. After the eighth time someone stepped on my foot, after the 120th elbow in the gut, the 23rd coffee spilled on me, the proud-of-myself-for-supporting-Farmers’-Markets feeling was replaced with Get-me-out-of-this-firetrap!
I mean, I’ve been to the most successful markets on the planet–Barcelona’s Boqueria, Seattle’s Pike Place, the casbah in the old city of Jerusalem–and none were as jam-packed as Halifax’s Brewery Market was on any given Saturday. And there was no relief from it. Not in any of the rooms…
Not in the courtyards…
Not on the stairs…
You couldn’t even get a good look at the musicians playing in hallways, much less actually stop and listen to them:
Truly, I stopped going to the Brewery Market a couple of years ago, because of the crowds. I would bring out-of-town guests by the market as part of my tour of Halifax, because it was the kind of thing that we’re supposed to show off, ya know? But then one of those guests told me he had enough of it, and would wait for me outside while I shopped. It’s then that I realized we had a sort of collective insanity in Halifax, a weird group-think thing that insisted this annoyingly cramped space was actually the coolest thing in town.
Still, I headed over this morning for one last look. I figured I’d play reporter, interview a couple of the vendors, stop by and talk with market manager Fred Kilcup. But it didn’t quite work out that way. I took a few pictures, then ran into former Halifax councillor Patrick Murphy carrying a bottle out from the wine room downstairs, and he cornered me in front of the Lebanese stand, recounting his past encounters with drunken councillors. As you can imagine, this was a lengthy conversation, if you can call a Murphy monologue a conversation, and dozens of people started backing up behind us as we blocked the pathway. I kind of nudged Murphy out of the way and mumbled something about having to meet someone, and then squeezed past several hundred people and ran like hell away from the place. Ironically, I then went over to the tiny, relaxed Dartmouth Farmers’ Market to pick up a few things on the way home.
All of which is to say, I’m really, really looking forward to the opening of the Seaport Farmers’ Market next week. If the space proves as expansive and commodious as it’s billed, I’ll be a regular customer. As for the Brewery Market: good riddance!
This article appears in Jul 29 – Aug 4, 2010.
Wow, I love this article!
I’ve felt that way about it all along. As for the Seaport Market, I look forward to supporting our local economy in a somewhat more ordinarily way.
I will miss the brewery market, the crowds are part of the charm.I feel that we already lack the little joys of human contact. All day in a cubicle, then in our own car to our own driveway, and onto the couch. Not a whole lot of personal interaction with other live human beings….. on the other hand, maybe i just need to get out more…..but i will still miss the market. The crowd and historical atmosphere is exactly what made it so special in my opinion. I think those will be the key factors lacking at the seaport market
I agree with Tim, a rare occurrence. When you have been in a real market (Pike Place in Seattle comes to mind), ours was an embarrassment. Charm? Hardly. The truly sad thing is the attempt to undermine the success of the new market by a bunch of sticks in the mud who don’t want to change. Surprise, surprise. Welcome to Nova Scotia.
Seaport will go bust faster than you may think, open too many days and not enough customers. Too much public money in this gamble.
Too bad we don’t have a market where the Herald was – right in the center of the city next to employees and visitors instead of on the periphery.
Of course we have HRM too obsessed with concerts which seem to attract more political support than a venture that would be used several days a week.
Tim your comments about the Brewery market being gone are too ridiculous for any comment. Journalism at its best!. The Brewery market is not closed and I am tired of hearing this. It will still be there next week and every week. The people who are staying are not trying to undermine and are not sticks in the mud, they are ordinary working people who make life decisions which they feel are good for them and their business. The same as you can choose where you buy your food. I regret you found the market embarrassing bo gus, but having lived in larger cities, I am used to concrete and steel people.
“The Brewery Market” is dead.
The “Historic Halifax Market” is what is starting up next week in the space of the old Brewery.
Two different things.
Tim, I too was reluctant to admit how much I hated the brewery market. I would have loved to go every Saturday, but I got tired of being stepped on, pushed forward, the claustrophobia, the endless maze of tiny rooms and corridors that reminded me of a rabbit warren, and so on. Every time I went, a headline popped, unbidden, into my mind: Tragedy at the Market as dozens are trampled while trying to escape (inferno, tidal wave, earthquake, you get the picture). I think I’m allowed to say that out loud now.
I love, love, love, the idea of a downtown farm market, letting the citybound folk get in touch with their food roots. And now, I love the thought of being able to stroll, chat, relax, interact, and enjoy the experience.
I do hope the Seaport Market will be able to provide that and prosper.
I love the Brewery market ….the key was to go around 7 or 7:30 to avoid crowds.
I have heard from many visitors from other cities/countries who absolutley loved this market location too-so unique.
Will the city have a bus(and early!) to the new location? For all of us walkers I am not keen on walking down in winter morning darkness down that spooky terminal road-ugh!And then lugging things back that way…not charming at all!
I don;t understand how the farmer’s can afford to be selling stuff there all week eventually when they have to work their farms/live their lives….
Also how will there be musicians when it is basically one huge cavernous space?
As a newcomer to Halifax, I wanted to check out this famed farmers market before they moved to the so-called characterless location. I must say, the move is definitely the talk of the town!
I thought the place was crackerjack, with all it’s nifty twists and turns! But as I explored this historical maze, I was soon, sadly admitting to myself that, as much as I loved the idea of this passageway to buying local, I felt claustrophobic as I attempted to make a simple purchaser of a head of lettuce!
The new location is going to be an amazing green site right on the water front, so I think it will be beautiful in it’s own way, and I look forward to having more time (and elbow room) to spend my money on local produce. Maybe I’ll finally get to buy that head of lettuce!
Cool! you didnt get a pic of musicians but you snapped me instead!!
this city is full of pussy-footed liberals who somehow still support an old boys club of collusion and cliques. it’s no suprise that there is so much “controversy” over a simple move to new digs.
I take $80 bucks the weeks I go, and spend it all one time in six. The other five, I give up before I’m done. The farmers are going to get more of my money in the new location, and that’s good for both of us. As for the childless, latte sipping socializers, I feel for your loss.
Marla, there will be a new bus route from Aug 29th, and it will be nice and early:
Route #8 Waterfront
› Service to the Halifax Waterfront, provided Monday to Sunday, with 30 min frequency, from 6am to 10pm
› Route: From Scotia Square, left on Barrington, left on George St, right on Hollis St, left on Terminal Rd, right on Marginal Rd, left at Garrison Brewery Entrance, right on Harbour South Walk to main driveway at Marginal Rd, left onto Marginal Rd, left at Pier 23, left on Marginal Rd, left on Terminal Rd, right on Lower Water St, to Upper Water St to Cogswell St. ramp, left on Barrington to Scotia Square
from Metro Transit website
The whole waterfront is pretty historic, if people require “historic” as a requisite for farmers’ markets. I am all for a market that is wheelchair accessible.
Coming from one of the few decent journalists here at the Coast, this article is pretty disappointing. Bousquet, instead of shitting all over the market that, despite its flaws, has brought local food and artisanal goods to the people of Halifax for years, perhaps you could put your skills towards investigating the reasoning behind the 70+ current market vendors who are refusing to move to the Seaport Market because they face higher rents and smaller retail spaces at the new location. Higher rents mean vendors will be charging higher prices for their products, so will the Seaport location really make local food more accessible to local people, or will it just be another quaint destination for wealthy cruise ship tourists?
The new market is going to be sustained by big interest high volume retailers, ie: bring their products in like Pete does from his buyer in Toronto. The face of the market will be 17 yo kids sitting next to a cash register reading the latest book in the twighlight series 5 days a week (not the farmer or grower)….. The soul of the market will still be back at the old building. But by all means enjoy the smaller crowds and California corn….
Wait, so both markets are going to be operating simultaneously? Then what’s the problem, you have the best of both worlds now, don’t you?
Tim, thank you for saying what so many of us are thinking.
I am excited: I can finally attend a market with two little kids who wont be trampled or hold up crowds while navigating Escheresque mazes of stairs. As for the laggards at the Brewery, I can only wish you solitude on Saturday mornings–to contemplate the business your are avoiding at the Seaport. Whether or not I visited your stalls in the past, I won’t in the future… unless you get with the program. I am guessing that I am not alone in this.
For all those glad to see the market move venue, good for you. smaller crowds variety…. alas you eventually realize that it could evolve into one of these things called “the super market”where prices will be lower, you have room to let the little ones roam and plenty of parking. If your sincere about buying local, then stick with the Brewery markey…
As someone who’s been involved with the planning of the new market, I’d like to offer my two cents on a couple things:
1. The Seaport Market will be open longer hours once it is fully operational. The new hours will be 8:00 – 4:00. Nice for those of us who aren’t early risers!
2. Yes, the new market will be open three days a week, but no one – repeat no one – is forcing the farmers or producers to be there all three days. Some vendors are quite happy to sell their products on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. Others will only be there on Saturdays. Some have chosen to sell on Sunday only, or a combination of the three days. But the decision is completely up to them.
3. I can assure you, the new market will not be turning into a Pete’s Frootique – with produce shipped in from out of province. That’s not what the market stands for, and no one – neither the organizers nor the farmers – are going to let that happen.
Now a couple comments/observations from the perspective of someone who frequents the market:
1. I like that I’ll have a couple days of the week to do my market shopping. Saturdays are often a busy day (particularly in the summer) and some of us can’t always get there. I love the idea of eventually being able to buy fresh, local produce mid-week.
2. This past Saturday I encountered at least three vendors at the new market who were sold out by 12:30. So to those of you who claim the market was full of “gawkers” not buying anything, I’m sure the producers would beg to differ.
Lastly, I don’t see why there has to be such animosity. It remains to be seen if the city is big enough for two markets. If it is – great! The vendors and shoppers will decide what works best for them personally. There’s no need to trash talk those who don’t agree with your perspective.
“HH” I don’t quite get your response, this week, this month, next year, the seaport market will turn into the Saint John market selling products with cash registers like Pete’s, stocked shelves, teenagers with there cash keys, reading books, great for the cruise ship tourists…. feels a lot different to me.. I’m still buying my stuff at the “Halifax market”
I’ve been watching the debate regarding the new and old Farmers Markets with great interest. I live in Wolfville (we have a great Farmer’s Market, check it out), work in Halifax, on Marginal Road, just a few steps away from the new Seaport Farmers Market (don’t worry I carpool, take public transit and walk to work). I have lived in Ottawa, too young to enjoy the ByWard Market, and it really is a whole other world. I lived in Saint John, spent many a lunch hour at the City Market there. I’ve spent many Saturdays at the Annapolis Royal, two Moncton markets (yes two, and they both do quite well) and Fredericton Market.
All these markets have different venues, different feels, some are open every day, some just on Saturdays. Some have their own buildings, encompass a few city blocks, or take over the library parking lot. While my husband feels that the Fredericton Market is the BEST, I would say that they all have their own charms. No I don’t like the made in China goods for sale in the Saint John City Market, but the fact that I can see the same guy behind the cheese counter every time I visit, or the same woman painting scenes of that port city gives me great pleasure. I’m not a fan of the move of the Wolfville Farmers Market to the Acadia Student Union Building each winter, feels so much like a mall to me, but I love the people I see there, and the root vegetables I can take home for warm soups, and the wonderful treasures I can find for my new niece. I will endure until spring or until the new Wolfville Farmers Market building becomes a reality.
I have visited the Brewery Market many times over the years. Yes crowded, I never quite know if I’ve caught all the vendors, but I try. I have also been watching the progress of the new Seaport Farmers Market space as I walk to work, or head out for a quick bite to eat. In fact, I’ve watched the development of this part of town, the seawall, the Centre for Craft and Design, Garrison Brewery, Mary E. Black Gallery, Cruiseship Pavilion, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Nova Scotia Power building, artists studios, Pier 21, Java Cafe, Cunard Event Centre, Cultural Federation offices, many architects, consultants, business offices since I first started working on Marginal Road.
Back in 2003 you wouldn’t have caught me walking in this part of town, particularly after dark. The only thing down here were Pier 21, the Cultural Federations of NS, artists studios and I believe the police had an office where Garrison is now. So much has changed. There is life here. I am excited to walk in this area in the day or even in the evening because there are people everywhere, locals and tourists, business people and artists, students, dogs, and even one lady who has her cat in a stroller (this was quite a shock the first time I saw it).
As you may have guessed I love people, I love my communities, and I consider all the Maritime provinces and their various nooks and crannies part of my community. I have the best of all worlds, living in the Gaspereau Valley outside Wolfville, traveling on the ferry, and walking to my place of work on Marginal Road. I could not be more excited to have the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market next door, I can’t wait to stroll over for lunch, and perhaps one day host an event on the roof, or bring a group of visitors for a tour. I’ll also tell those visitors and anyone I meet that they should also visit the Historic Halifax Market, because it is in fabulous historic building just 487m from this fabulous new green facility.
Did you catch that last line? I’ll repeat it, 487m. If I knew how to bold and increase font size I would, because I’d like to holler that part out. The new Seaport Market is only 487m from the doors to the Historic Market. According to my watch it takes me 5 minutes to make that walk if I’m in a lazy mood, enjoying the scenery etc, and that is in the winter. For those who MUST take your car down to Marginal Road, don’t forget you can enter the area via Lower Water Street, come down by the Westin, or take the back way from Point Pleasant Park. With the exception of those of you with mobility issues, everyone who has mentioned how far away the new space is needs to take a deep breath, put on your favourite pair of shoes, and get out and see your city.
Julie Rosvall
Wolfville, NS
(and during the day, Marginal Road, Halifax, NS, just 77m from the new Seaport Farmers Market, and 487m give or take from the Historic Halifax Market)
The Historic Farmers Market at the Old Keith’s Brewery to first get the name right. Tim,s comments toward the old market is correct that is was crowded. There were to many vendors jammed in the space they had. The seaport market will have to stand on it’s own. The Vendors that stayed behind are traditionalists. They have not spoken any bad will to the new market or its’ vendors. There is no dispute between The Markets just a bunch of journalistic garbage. The Media has to get a story by hook of by crook, and they used the fact that The Historic Farmers Market Co-operative Limited a non profit was staying at the old brewery. The one point you had right overcrowding, has been dealt with, now with some of the vendor tables gone they have widen the aisles and it is no longer overcrowded
Halifax Has now 2 Markets
1. The new Halifax Seaport Market
2. The Oldest Market in North America the Historic Farmers Market