What is a Farm Market?
Farm markets are typically re-occurring markets (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) that take place either indoors or outdoors. A wide range of items are typically sold, including a variety of foods, handicrafts, and other items that vendors make, bake or grow. Farm market events may offer food trucks, live music, and other forms of entertainment.
Where are Farm Markets permitted?
The District of Saanich permits temporary farm markets at Saanich Parks, Recreation Facilities, and the Municipal Hall parking lot, depending on market requirements, operational capacity, and specific site characteristics.
What types of items can be sold?
A variety of items are permitted for sale at farm markets, including local agricultural products, meat and seafood, dairy and poultry products, apiary products, plants and horticultural products, homemade baking, liquor, ready to eat foods, and arts and crafts. It is the responsibility of the market operator/ manager to ensure that food vendors have obtained approval for any higher risk food items, and the proper permits for any alcohol sales.
See BC Centre for Disease Control’s guideline for a list of food products that require permits:
Mobile food vendors and live entertainment are permitted as ancillary to the sale of above goods.
Business Licence
- An annual Saanich business licence is required to operate all farm markets.
- Only one business licence is required per market.
- The cost of a business licence for a temporary farm market is $50.00/ year.
- A business licence is required to apply for a Park Permit or Special Event Application.
- To apply for a park permit please visit
- Home-Based Business Licence Application Form
- Non-Resident of Saanich and Daily Business Licence Form