Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market to expand for 2026 as province eyes BYOB at outdoor events

The Ontario government wants to let people bring alcohol to outdoor events. Will the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market participate? CTV Chris Campbell reports.

The Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market is set to return later this month with its largest expansion to date, as local officials and organizers weigh how new provincial rules allowing bring-your-own alcohol at outdoor events could shape the popular attraction.

Now entering its 17th season, the market will run Saturdays from March 28 to Oct. 31 along Pelissier Street, between Wyandotte Street West and Park Street West.

Operated by the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA), the market is expected to feature about 25 per cent more vendors this year with an expanded footprint that includes the ground level of the Pelissier Street parking garage.

Organizers say the additional space will help meet growing demand.

“At some points we had 75 vendors that were waiting for spots in the market,” said DWBIA chair Chris MacLeod.

The expansion is also expected to increase weekly attendance, which typically ranges between 2,500 and 3,000 visitors.

“We average between 2,500 and 3,000 people every Saturday. I expect with the expansion we’ll probably exceed those numbers,” MacLeod said.

In addition to more vendors, the 2026 season will include shaded seating areas, live entertainment, lawn games and new signage as part of a broader “Market District” concept for the downtown core.

The market will also continue its Good Greens Food Reclamation Program, which redistributes surplus food to local residents in need. Since launching in 2023, the initiative has helped provide more than 31,000 meals.

“We’ve seen community care demonstrated week after week by our vendors,” said assistant market manager Shane Peters, noting a mix of returning and new businesses will take part this season.

“We have a whole lot of established vendors… but we also have a lot of new vendors who are coming in and just getting a taste of the market.”

BYOB policy sparks local discussion

The market’s expansion comes as the Ontario government moves to allow bring-your-own alcohol at certain outdoor public events, including farmers’ markets, pending municipal approval and permitting.

Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino said the change presents an opportunity for Windsor.

“It’s an interesting opportunity for us… I think it’s going to give our vendors the opportunity, especially those that sell wine or beer,” he said, adding discussions had already begun locally prior to the provincial announcement.

“I think it’d be a good thing for us. Certainly, a good thing for the downtown.”

Agostino said council will need to review the details once legislation is finalized but suggested the change could support economic activity and encourage more people to attend events.

Organizers say they are open to exploring the idea but stress any changes would need to align with the market’s atmosphere.

“If we’re seeing that there’s traction there… We’ll obviously find ways to support that,” MacLeod said.

“But it has to be done in the spirit of the way our market is.”

He added the policy could create new opportunities for vendors.

“If there was more consumption allowed, then I think it has great potential for additional vendors,” he said.

Peters echoed that sentiment, calling the change “interesting” and noting the market is willing to adapt.

“We’re willing to try things out… and obviously we’ll stay adaptable,” he said.

Mixed reaction from community

Reaction among downtown visitors and businesses was mixed.

One local resident said allowing alcohol could make the market more appealing as a social outing.

“I think so, because that would make it more of an event that you could do as a couple,” said Connie Rose.

Misty Sergi, owner of The Gifting Tree, said the change could benefit both vendors and customers.

“I think that would be awesome… It’s great for vendors. It’s great for patrons,” she said.

But others raised concerns about safety and the family-friendly nature of the event.

“There’s safety concerns that come down to it too,” said downtown resident Richard Cabanaw.

“It doesn’t really give any accountability or safety to the people around that bring their kids.”

Agostino said he does not share those concerns, pointing to regulations and oversight that would accompany any implementation.

“There’s a lot of barriers and stopgaps to make sure that safety and security is going to be there,” he said.

Looking ahead

Whether bring-your-own alcohol will be permitted at the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market this season remains unclear, as the city awaits further details from the province.

In the meantime, organizers say the focus remains on delivering the market’s largest and most dynamic season yet.

“We’ll continue to adapt and grow and change,” MacLeod said.