Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market vendors excited about new location

This weekend, the vendors at the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market have opened shop in the market's new location for the first time — and many are excited about its potential.

“I think the new place is very nice, and almost all of the clients that I've asked have liked this place very much,” Jaskirat Rekhi, the manager of Amin's Indian Food, said. “So, there's a positive vibe going around; it's going to be good for all of us.

“Almost everybody is sold out, including me.”

Jaskirat has managed Amin's Indian Food for the last four years but the business — which is owned by his wife, Shelly Rekhi — has been open for a decade.

Jaskirat said they opened in the new space on Friday and thanks the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market's management for a smooth transition.

For a decade, the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market was located in the Halifax Seaport Market Building just before Pier 21.

Now, the market has moved to Pavilion 22 — which is normally used for cruise ship traffic — and will move outdoors in the warmer seasons.

The new location is in Pavilion 22 just down the block from the original location. By (Chris Stoodley/HalifaxToday.ca)

Dozens of vendors were open at the market including Noggins Corner Farm Market, Rudi's Hot Sauce, Julien's Pastry Shop, Ironworks Distillery and Elmridge Farm.

Gillian Gerrits, who was running Elmridge Farm's stall with a few other workers, said she's seen a lot of people come through the market's new location.

While she would've preferred a stall that overlooks the Halifax Harbour, she's excited about the market's new location.

Theresa Capell, the owner of the bridal accessory and gown shop Miss Foxine, is also happy about the new location and its future.

“Business has been good,” Capell said. “It's the first time in this space, so as more advertising happens [and] more people know that there's a new space, it'll get busier.

“I like that it's really open and it makes the flow a lot easier.”

In the market's new location, many of the stalls are wrapped around a makeshift wall on the side facing the harbour. Bright orange arrows direct foot traffic in a circular motion.

Other vendors are lined up alongside the other wall in a similar fashion to the original location.

Dozens of people were visiting the market around 1 p.m. By (Chris Stoodley/HalifaxToday.ca)

The market's original location is being transformed into The PIER at the Seaport, a collaborative innovation lab for the transportation industry.

PIER, which stands for port innovation, engagement and research, are some of the ideas the Halifax Port Authority hopes that transportation partners bring to Halifax.

The Halifax Farmers' Market has a history stretching over 270 years in various locations across the city.