Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week's list inclu...
The Regina Farmers’ Market is returning to its downtown location.
The Saturday outdoor markets will return to Pat Fiacco Plaza for the 2026 season.
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“Both Wednesday and Saturday outdoor markets will now operate downtown, marking a full return to the organization’s longtime home,” market organizers said in a statement on Wednesday.
The organizers conducted a public survey in which more than 1,700 people responded, with the overwhelming majority expressing a strong preference for downtown as the long-term location for Saturday markets. Customers said they preferred the downtown location for reasons including atmosphere, walkability, accessibility by transit and connections to surrounding businesses.
“Customers told us clearly and passionately that downtown is where they want their farmers’ market to be,” said Holly Laird, the market’s executive director, said in a statement.
“The plaza has always felt like home, and returning gives us the opportunity to bring people together again around local food in the heart of the city. We’re hopeful and excited to see how the community shows up for the upcoming season.”
However, vendor surveys showed they preferred the Confederation Park in the REAL District because of simpler “setup logistics.” The Regina Farmer’s Market board said it “ultimately recognized the farmers’ market role as a community anchor and its impact on downtown vibrancy as key deciding factors.”
Board president Gerard Milburn said the board’s responsibility is to balance the needs of its vendors with the community’s values and expectations.
“Returning downtown reflects our belief that a farmers’ market is more than just a place to shop,” Milburn said in a statement.
“It’s a gathering place where people buy their groceries, meet their neighbours, and build relationships with the people who grow and make their food.”
Market organizers said that in the coming months, the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District will announce initiatives “to support accessibility and customer experience,” including addressing common concerns around parking, mobility and safety.
The Regina Police Service said it has added nine alternative response officers and eight police officers who are assigned to the downtown area and Centre Square.
“Feedback from the community has been very positive due to the increase in officer presence and timely response calls for service,” said the police force.
In 2026, four more alternative response officers and another sergeant will be added. Hours of operation have also expanded to 6:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. as a response to feedback from downtown community partners.
The market’s outdoor season for 2026 starts on May 2 and ends on Oct. 10. After that, the farmers’ market will return to the REAL District Banner Hall.
