@Freedm, I think dogs are allowed during the winter market inside, but not 100% on that even after searching over their website. A phone call would work. Dogs allowed during outdoors market for sure. The "old" 104th market moved into City Hall during winter and I don't think dogs where allowed there at that point. I too hope this new location turns out well, as stated in my first post in back in May, "I could feel the cool vibe of this market spilling out everywhere".
I understand that many people will miss the 104th location, and for good reason.
This is from the markets website but is more outdoor market oriented I think.
Dogs at the Market
A Note For Dog Owners at Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market
During our outdoor season on 103 Ave. (May long weekend to Thanksgiving long weekend), the Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market welcomes dogs in the market area, with the exception of stall areas as per AHS regulations. Service dogs are permitted inside the Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market building. To ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone at the market, we strongly encourage dog owners to abide by the following rules:
- Dogs are not allowed in the stall areas at any time and must be kept away from food samples, customers’ shopping bags, and table surfaces where customers are eating.
- Please watch your dog at all times and curb its behaviours should it bark, snarl or snap at customers or other dogs in the market area. Aggressive dogs and their owners will be asked to leave the market.
- Please keep your dog on a short, non-expandable leash and close to you at all times. Long leashes present a tripping hazard and minimize the necessity to maintain control over the dog at all times.
- Owners are responsible for keeping their pets hydrated, cleaning up after them, and ensuring they pee and poo outside the market area whenever possible.
- Not all our customers are dog lovers. Please be courteous of their preference to enjoy their day at the Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market without any interaction with dogs.
Why Dogs Are Allowed at the Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market When It Is Outdoors on 103 Ave and 96 Street
Like their owners, many dogs visit the Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market on 103 Ave and 96 Street to enjoy the socializing opportunity the market offers. Because our market operates in an urban setting, we have very little control, authority and manpower to enforce a ‘No Dogs’ policy. We frequently receive comments that leashes present a tripping hazard and that it is unhygienic to have dogs around food. However, it is the Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market position to allow dogs in the market area for the following reasons:
- 103 Ave and 96 Street are public streets where dogs on leashes and under control are not normally prohibited by the City of Edmonton.
- Some residents living above or in the vicinity of the market have dogs and must walk them through our farmers’ market to get to and from their homes.
- Vendors are not allowed to bring dogs to the market and there are no dogs allowed in the stalls.
- Under Alberta Health Services (AHS) regulations, all food must be covered, which minimizes contamination from all sources including dogs.
- Food vendors are licensed by AHS, but AHS has no regulation or authority that would prevent dogs from visiting the market.
- The Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market is licensed by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, and there is nothing in the licensing regulations concerning the presence of dogs at a market.
- The Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market is not aware of any regulation which would require it to enforce a no-dog policy at our farmers’ market.
- The Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market provides information to dog owners about appropriate etiquette and animal control issues, and will take action to remove dangerous or poorly behaved animals.
- Finally, many city and farm folk have dogs in their homes and there is little evidence that their presence in these intimate situations cause a significant health hazard to healthy adults or children.
Thank you for your cooperation.