The Island Chefs Collaborative
Bastion Square Farm Market
Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 am
Bastion Square, Downtown Victoria
Support our local growers and savour the bounty of the Island
Inquiries
 PHOTO BY C. PELAN |
 PHOTO BY C. PELAN |
 PHOTO BY S. DESROCHERS |
 PHOTO BY S. DESROCHERS |
 PHOTO BY S. DESROCHERS |
 PHOTO BY A. POZZOLO |
 PHOTO BY S. DESROCHERS |
 PHOTO BY S. DESROCHERS |
 PHOTO BY S. DESROCHERS |
 PHOTO BY S. DESROCHERS |
Our Philosophy..
In 1999, a small group of like-minded Vancouver Island chefs, concerned about the future of local, independent farmers, came together to form the Island Chefs Collaborative. Their vision for the Island was a sustainable food and agricultural system and their mission was to support local farmers in achieving it. Over the years, annual chef / farmer meetings helped develop relationships. Local farmers were often surprised by what chefs wanted to cook with and chefs, on visits to the farms, were amazed at what was available. So began a partnership, mutually beneficial and a huge step toward sustainability...
The Island Chefs Collaborative Bastion Square Farmers Market, located downtown Victoria, fits perfectly into the vision and mission statements of the ICC. It provides an opportunity for Victorians to purchase quality, healthy fruit and vegetables, a chance for volunteer Chef members to educate the public about the ecological and economic benefits of buying locally and another avenue for farmers to make
their businesses viable.
The ICC is a not for profit organization. One of our mandates is to fund raise for our well established Farmers Grant Program. Each year, two farms are granted money to help with irrigation, fencing, greenhouses, seeds, equipment or other necessities. Any profits from the market will go toward this program.
Getting Started...
Although Victoria has a number of wonderful farmers markets, none were located downtown. With more and more people living and working in the area, the demand for quality local foodstuffs was at an all time high. The ICC decided to try a small farm market in Bastion Square - an open space in Old Town Victoria surrounded by restaurants, pubs, galleries and offices in restored heritage buildings. The square was already host to a local craft market: booths filled with art, jewelry and sculpture from local artisans. In early June, 2007, on property donated by the Maritime Museum of Victoria and with a start up grant from Farm Folk / City Folk, the ICC Farmers Market was born.
The Chefs Collaborative wanted to try something different. Instead of farmers leasing space in a market and standing behind a table all day, the ICC would buy their produce and staff the market with Chef volunteers. This allowed busy farmers a day back in their fields and a guarantee they would sell everything they harvested that morning. Also unique, was the ICC's idea to reduce vehicle traffic and travel times. Each Wednesday, three pick-up trucks driven by Chef volunteers, would head off on different routes through Saanichton ( 30 minutes outside of Victoria ) stopping at a combined 35 farms. Processing, weighing and bundling of produce, again by volunteers, happened on Wednesday nights and then early Thursdays the market would begin. The market was an instant success. At the height of the season, the market had over 14 tables laden with the best of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands produce, berries and flowers. The ICC is proud to say we put over $60,000 into the hands of local farmers and raised $2500 toward our Farmers Grant Program.
Market 2008
This year, the ICC market is a member of the Bastion Square Public Market. Our vegetable stands and flower carts are a perfect fit with the kiosks of locally handcrafted art, clothing and jewelry. The Public Market runs seven days a week from early April. The Chefs' Market will run Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm starting June 12th, 2008. Cash only - there is an ATM in the square.
Are we organic?
Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are home to a large number of conscientious growers, many of whom have chosen to be certified organic. Canada, and specifically B.C., have some of the highest standards for certification in the world. Other farms, although not certified, are committed to environmentally sound farm practices based on organic growing techniques. Our market represents the best of both.
We mark our bins by farm name and area. Farms that are certified organic are noted as such.
We use bio-degradable bags and recyclable berry baskets. We encourage you to bring your own basket or cloth bag for your purchases.
THE BASTION SQUARE ISLAND CHEFS COLLABORATIVE LOCAL FOOD MARET
In 1999, a small group of like-minded Vancouver Island chefs, concerned about the future of local, independent farmers, came together to form the Island Chefs Collaborative. Their vision for the Island was a sustainable food and agricultural system and their mission was to support local farmers in achieving it. Over the years, annual chef / farmer meetings helped develop relationships. Local farmers were often surprised by what chefs wanted to cook with and chefs, on visits to the farms, were amazed at what was available. So began a partnership, mutually beneficial and a huge step toward sustainability...
The Island Chefs Collaborative Bastion Square Farmers Market, located downtown Victoria, fits perfectly into the vision and mission statements of the ICC. It provides an opportunity for Victorians to purchase quality, healthy fruit and vegetables, a chance for volunteer Chef members to educate the public about the ecological and economic benefits of buying locally and another avenue for farmers to make
their businesses viable. The ICC is a not for profit organization. One of our mandates is to fund raise for our well established Farmers Grant Program. Each year, two farms are granted money to help with irrigation, fencing, greenhouses, seeds, equipment or other necessities. Any profits from the market will go toward this program.
Getting Started...
Although Victoria has a number of wonderful farmers markets, none were located downtown. With more and more people living and working in the area, the demand for quality local foodstuffs was at an all time high. The ICC decided to try a small farm market in Bastion Square - an open space in Old Town Victoria surrounded by restaurants, pubs, galleries and offices in restored heritage buildings. The square was already host to a local craft market: booths filled with art, jewelry and sculpture from local artisans. In early June, 2007, on property donated by the Maritime Museum of Victoria and with a start up grant from Farm Folk / City Folk, the ICC Farmers Market was born.
The Chefs Collaborative wanted to try something different. Instead of farmers leasing space in a market and standing behind a table all day, the ICC would buy their produce and staff the market with Chef volunteers. This allowed busy farmers a day back in their fields and a guarantee they would sell everything they harvested that morning. Also unique, was the ICC's idea to reduce vehicle traffic and travel times. Each Wednesday, three pick-up trucks driven by Chef volunteers, would head off on different routes through Saanichton ( 30 minutes outside of Victoria ) stopping at a combined 35 farms. Processing, weighing and bundling of produce, again by volunteers, happened on Wednesday nights and then early Thursdays the market would begin. The market was an instant success. At the height of the season, the market had over 14 tables laden with the best of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands produce, berries and flowers. The ICC is proud to say we put over $60,000 into the hands of local farmers and raised $2500 toward our Farmers Grant Program.
Market 2008
This year, the ICC market is a member of the Bastion Square Public Market. Our vegetable stands and flower carts are a perfect fit with the kiosks of locally handcrafted art, clothing and jewelry. The Public Market runs seven days a week from early April. The Chefs' Market will run Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm starting June 12th, 2008. Cash only - there is an ATM in the square.
Are we organic?
Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are home to a large number of conscientious growers, many of whom have chosen to be certified organic. Canada, and specifically B.C., have some of the highest standards for certification in the world. Other farms, although not certified, are committed to environmentally sound farm practices based on organic growing techniques. Our market represents the best of both.
We mark our bins by farm name and area. Farms that are certified organic are noted as such.
We use bio-degradable bags and recyclable berry baskets. We encourage you to bring your own basket or cloth bag for your purchases.
THE BASTION SQUARE ISLAND CHEFS COLLABORATIVE LOCAL FOOD MARET
THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS
10:00 TO 5:00
Early June to Late September
BASTION SQUARE, DOWNTOWN VICTORIA
ADMINISTRATOR:
BROCK WINDSOR
STAFFED BY VOLUNTEERS FROM THE ISLAND CHEFS COLLABORATIVE
Information for Farmers
If you would like to be a part of this year's market please email - brockwindsor@gmail.com or phone Brock Windsor at 250-888-2047.
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