History of the Kitchener Market

Our farmers’ market is one of the oldest operating markets in Canada. A proud tradition in Kitchener, the market has been a gathering place for over 150 years.

Take a journey through the rich history of the Kitchener Market below. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for our market community!

Explore key milestones in the history of the Kitchener Market via the links below:

1830s

We can trace the origins of the farmers' market to the first Mennonite settlers in Waterloo Region.

In the 1830s, farmers with an excess of crops held outdoor markets in the Village of Berlin (now the City of Kitchener).

old black and white photo of horse and buggies outside of a farmers market in the 1830s

Kitchener Market in the 1830s

1869

The town council approved a $7,000 budget to build a new town hall. This building would house the farmers' market, council chambers, a public library and a post office.

old painted photo of the kitchener market with a building in background and horse and buggies in the foreground

Kitchener Market in 1869

1872

Popularity of the market grew so much that the initial site became too crowded. Behind the town hall, crews constructed a new market building, which was home to the market for 35 years.

Kitchener Market in 1872

1907

As the population of Berlin grew, the farmers' market needed to expand. A new red brick building was built and housed the farmers' market for over 60 years.

Kitchener Market in 1907

1971 - 2004

Period of major growth for the Kitchener Market. In this time, it evolved into the market we are familiar with today.

Kitchener Market in 1971

1973

The Market Square building, a downtown Kitchener mall, became home to the new market.

A 1972 brochure stated: "There’ll always be a market in Kitchener… the Kitchener Farmers’ Market will not close this year, next year – ever.”

Black and white photo of a crowd at a farmers market

Kitchener Market in 1973

2004

The Kitchener Market opened a new building on King Street, between Cedar and Eby Streets. Acting as an entrance to downtown Kitchener, the Market remains a cornerstone of the community.

hand painted mock up of the front of the kitchener market with people walking on the streets

Kitchener Market in 2004

2019

With a new sign and interior renovations, 2019 brought a new look for the market.

A milestone was celebrated as this marked the 150th anniversary of the Kitchener Market having a dedicated building.

In the summer, a full neighbourhood celebration took place with a Mid-Week Market on Wednesday evenings.

Graphic that has a wood background with text that says Harvest festival presents the Kitchener Market 150th anniversary

Kitchener Market in 2019

Today

While the location of the farmers' market has changed over the years, the spirit of the market in Kitchener strengthened.

The market has become a part of the city's cultural identity and has roots in our natural and human heritage. It is, and always will be, an integral part of our community.

vendor tables in front of the kitchener market building with people walking around

Kitchener Market today