What the City of Vancouver’s 2026 Budget Means for Farmers Markets
You may have seen media coverage this week about the City of Vancouver’s proposed 2026 budget—particularly the sharp increase to special event permit fees. Understandably, many shoppers, vendors, and community partners have reached out with concerns about what this might mean for Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM).
We want to offer clarity and reassurance: at this time, farmers markets are not included in the proposed fee increases.
Why farmers markets are not affected—for now
While the 2026 budget proposes substantial fee increases for special events, farmers markets fall under a distinct category within the City of Vancouver’s policy framework. Thanks to the foresight and advocacy of past VFM leaders and supporters, farmers markets are recognized as essential local food infrastructure, not temporary entertainment events.
Municipal staff have confirmed that this distinction remains in place for the coming year. This means the announced changes do not apply to VFM markets at this stage.
However, we are concerned
Even though farmers markets sit outside the special event category, our markets are still required to apply for permits annually. These permits come with no renewal guarantee, and fees can change from year to year.
VFM currently budgets about $30,000 annually in permit fees across the nine markets we operate. Any increase in these fees would directly affect our ability to maintain market sites, staff our operations, and support the hundreds of farmers and small food businesses who rely on us.
Recent experiences—such as the delay of the False Creek market site this season, and expected site pressures during FIFA 2026—illustrate how fragile annual permitting can be. When permitting is unpredictable, markets are vulnerable.
What we are asking for
This moment highlights an urgent need for long-term solutions that support stable, community-serving farmers markets. We are continuing to work closely with the City of Vancouver and asking for:
- Permit stability and multi-year agreements
Predictable timelines help us plan, grow, and better serve our communities. - Consistent, affordable fees
Sudden increases would place significant strain on a non-profit organization operating essential food access infrastructure. - Stronger recognition of farmers markets as integral to local food security
Our markets are not “events”—they are weekly food access points for thousands of residents and vital sales channels for B.C. farmers and small-scale producers.
Why this matters
Farmers markets do more than connect people with fresh, local food. They:
- Feed neighbours across the city
- Support the livelihoods of local farmers and small businesses
- Generate millions in economic activity within the local food system
- Build resilient, community-centered spaces where people gather and belong
Ensuring stable, predictable permitting is one of the most critical ways to keep these benefits flowing to Vancouverites year after year.
We’ll keep you informed
VFM will continue engaging with the City as the 2026 budget process unfolds. Our goal remains clear: securing long-term stability for Vancouver’s farmers markets so that local food, community spaces, and small-scale producers can thrive.
Thank you for sharing the farmers markets journey with us—and with the farmers, food makers, and neighbours who depend on these markets week after week, rain or shine.
