2025 Market Guidelines

**Guidelines Updated 2025** – Applications will open in January.

Only approved products that are made, baked, grown, raised, caught or wild harvested by the approved vendor in British Columbia, may be sold at the market. No reselling of any produce or products is permitted without express permission of the organization.

1. Types of Vendors
2. Location, Dates, and Fees
3. Cancellation Policy
4. Insurance Requirements
5. Equipment Requirements
6. Signage Requirements
7. Market Money & Nutrition Coupons
8. Market Day Rules
9. Green Initiatives
10. Code of Conduct
11. How to become a vendor

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Types of Vendors & Required Documentation:

There are multiple kinds of vendors, and different vendors require different permits and documentation. All applicants should submit an application and upload all relevant documentation within the application.  We strive for an 80/20 ratio of food to non-food at our market, but because of seasonality, availability, and mix of applicants, we may need to adjust that ratio. Only vendors who have attended regular market dates in the previous calendar year will be given seniority selection in our application process. If a vendor did not attended the previous regular season or only attended our Holiday Market, they will be considered a new vendor. The New West Farmers Market Society reserves the right to refuse any vendor for any reason.

*Insurance is not listed in the following list of vendor types, because insurance is required by ALL vendors. See our Insurance Requirements below for more information about insurance.*

Farm Vendors

A farm vendor is a person who produces agricultural products from land that they own or control, or has a license to harvest from (such as wild foragers or fishers). Examples include produce, eggs, dairy, meat, fish and plant nursery products. A farm fresh vendor may sell value-added products made from their own farm product. Farm fresh vendors selling value-added food products or eggs, honey, dairy, meat and fish must also follow the prepared food vendor guidelines below and will need to seek approval from the Fraser Health Authority to sell high-risk foods and provide their FoodSafe certification.

Prepared Food Vendors

• There are two categories of prepared foods. Low Risk, which may be made in a home kitchen because it is usually dry, high acid, high salt, or high sugar and High Risk, which may only be prepared in a commercial kitchen unless permission is given from the Fraser Health Authority. All prepared food vendors must comply with the Fraser Health Authority’s Guideline for the Sale of Foods at Temporary Food Markets and will be required to apply for an Application for Sale of Food at Temporary Food Markets.
• While a jury may not be held, new prepared food vendors may be asked to provide samples of products, photos of stall set up, and information about other markets attended (if any). New prepared food vendors may be asked to come and show their products at a jury panel. The panel would made up of selected members of the community with related expertise. The panel will make recommendations to the Market Manager, and the final decision rests with the Market Manager. If the applicant has missed the jury date, photographs, written descriptions of methods, etc may suffice. Email the Market Manager for information about the jury panel process.

All prepared food vendors must keep on hand at each market and submit copies of supporting documents of:

• FOODSAFE Level 1 certificate.
• A hand washing station if sampling food on site.
• Products labeled with all ingredients and the vendor’s contact information.
• A sign displayed stating that the products were made in a home kitchen unless a commercial kitchen was used to prepare all of the products being sold.
• Proof of ph levels in each recipe for such products as salsa, jams, preserves or pickles.
• Low Risk Food Vendors may require email confirmation from their Health Authority stating their products are low risk. 
• High Risk Food Vendors must acquire a Letter of Confirmation from their regional Health Authority.

Eat On-Site Vendors

Eat on site vendors are vendors who prepare food on-site that is intended for immediate consumption. Examples are sausage carts, fried bread, crepe making, samosas, etc. Vendors who prepare the food in a kitchen and transport it hot to the market for sale and vendors who prepare the food on site are both from this category.

All vendors must have the correct documentation about prep kitchens, food safety plans, and approval from the Fraser Health Authority. You will likely also be required to apply for a Temporary Food Premises Permit from OUR Regional Health Authority (Fraser Health) depending upon your set up and circumstances. Please contact the Fraser Health Authority at: HPNewWest@fraserhealth.ca to determine what requirements you must fulfill. If you are cooking onsite (whether or not you are a Food Truck) you must also follow vendor requirements from the New Westminster Fire Department.

Food Truck/Food Cart Vendors:

• If you are operating a food truck, you must have a valid Fire Decal from the New Westminster Fire Department.
• You must have a valid Permit To Operate from your Regional Health Authority.
• You must have a valid New Westminster Business License
• You must have a valid Food Safe.

Food Trucks will also need to follow specific guidelines in accordance to the City of New Westminster’s Food Truck Policy. City Forms for food trucks:

• Certificate of Insurance for Food Trucks
• Food Truck Fire Declaration Form
• Application Form

Artisan Vendors

Returning artisan vendors will be given seniority, although space will be allocated specifically for new vendors so shoppers are offered a fresh mix of high-quality crafts. New artisan vendors may be asked to come and show their products at a craft panel. The panel will make recommendations to the Market Manager, and the final decision rests with the Market Manager. If the applicant has missed the craft jury date, photographs, written descriptions of methods, etc may suffice. Email the Market Manager for information about the craft panel process.

Alcohol Vendors

Alcohol vendors are required to provide Serving it Right and a Market Authorization Permit from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch of BC. Alcohol vendors must only provide samples to legal adults, and are expected to practice good judgement in the sampling and sale of alcohol. 

For more information about retaining Market Authorization, you can consult the province’s website here.

Spa and Beauty Vendors

Returning spa and beauty vendors will be given seniority, although space will be allocated specifically for new vendors so shoppers are offered a fresh mix of high-quality spa and beauty products. New spa and beauty vendors may be asked to come and show their products at a jury panel. The panel will make recommendations to the Market Manager, and the final decision rests with the Market Manager. If the applicant has missed the jury date, photographs, written descriptions of methods, etc may suffice. Email the Market Manager for information about the jury panel process.

To ensure quality and safety for our customers, spa and beauty vendors are now required to supply a cosmetic notification number. Click here for the Canada Health guidelines. Click here for the form you need to submit to Health Canada. After submitting each of your products you will receive a Cosmetic Notification Number – it is those numbers you need to submit to the market. Here is more information about this process.

Edible Pet Product Vendors

We require that pet product vendors that make and sell pet food, treats, supplements or other edible products provide a FoodSafe permit to ensure that all products are prepared, stored and managed in a safe manner. 

Other Vendors

Occasionally, the NWFM may approve vendors that do not fit in the above categories, such as businesses who offer a service or product. For example, chair massage or landscaping design. Please apply with relevant documentation (business license, food safety certifications, and proof of insurance coverage). Businesses that are aligned with the NWFM Society’s Mission Statement will be given preference.

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Location & Dates:

Our market takes place on Thursdays from 3pm to 7pm in Tipperary Park located on the north side of Royal Avenue at 4th Street in New Westminster. Stall sizes are either 10’x10’ or 10’x20’ and an appropriate stall will be awarded to you based on your needs, requested in the application.

The 2025 Markets will begin March 27, 2025 and run until October 30, 2025 (the last 4-or-so markets of the season will end after dark and though the market will have street lights and portable lighting set up, we request vendors provide their own battery operated lights as well).

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Stall Fees:

No market date is guaranteed until payment has been made. Payments can be made via e-transfer to: info@newwestfarmers.ca, by cash, cheque or monthly post-dated cheques. Payments can be paid in a lump sum, or monthly (due the 1st of each month, unless the market date falls on the 1st, in which case it is due the day before the 1st).

 

STALL FEES AND SIZES:

• 10’ X 10’ – $51 per market (+ GST)
• 10’ X 20’ – $90 per market(+ GST)
• Food Truck – $64 per market (+ GST)

All applicants must pay a $25 application fee, and accepted vendors an additional $25 membership fee.

 

LATE PAYMENTS:

Fees not paid in advance are subject to a $20 late payment surcharge. All fees paid on the day of market, on-site at the market, or later are considered late. 

Stall fees including the late payment surcharge are:

• 10’ X 10’ – $71 per market + taxes
• 10’ X 20’ – $110 per market + taxes
• Food Trucks- $84 per market + taxes

The NWFM Society reserves the right to allocate the stall locations and vendor parking for each market, and changes to your stall location might be necessary as the season progresses based on other vendors and product mix.

Please note, all NSF cheques will incur a fee of $25, in addition to any bank charges.

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Cancellation Policy

Vendors must email the Market Manager (info@newwestfarmers.ca) to cancel at least 72 hours before their scheduled market date in order to qualify for a refund. This means that we must receive an email from you regarding your cancellation no later than Monday at 2:59pm to still qualify for a refund. Depending on the circumstances and the Market Manager’s ability to fill the space, all or a portion of the stall fees may be refunded. Fees will not be refunded/fees will still be owed by vendors who fail to show up for the market, or who email less than 72 hours before the market date. Vendors may not swap dates with other vendors without seeking approval from the Market Manager.

• Cancellations will only be accepted via email.  Phone calls, voicemails, in person, and text messages are not sufficient.
• Vendors who cancel more than 4 dates in the season will only be eligible to receive a 50% discount starting at the 5th cancelled market and will lose their seniority for the following year.
• Vendors who do not pay prior to the market AND/OR No-Show are subject to a $20 Late Payment/No Show Fee
• Vendors who do not pay prior to 2 market dates, regardless of attendance, are subject to a late surcharge and must also prepay all future market dates.
• Vendors who no-show 2 or more times, are subject to the cancellation of the rest of their stall dates cancelled and losing seniority the following year. 
• Sickness Policy: We expect vendors to have contingency plans in place in case of illness, including having other staff available as needed.  Access to hand sanitizer and mask wearing is always encouraged.  

These policies can be confusing! Below is a handy guide to make it less so. Our Cancellation Policies are intended to provide fair and equitable access to vendors who want to participate in our market in good faith. 

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Insurance Requirements

The City of New Westminster is requiring that ALL vendors that participate within the New West Farmers Market submit insurance paperwork to the Market Manager. The vendors are responsible for adding both the City of New Westminster and New West Farmers Market as additional insured. Please forward the following information to your insurance broker:

• Additional Insured: 
  • City of New Westminster – 511 Royal Avenue. New Westminster, BC V3L 1H9
  • New West Farmers Market Society – #304 720 6th Street New Westminster, BC V3L 3C5
• Location listed as:  New Westminster Farmers Market
• All vendors cooking food on site: $5 M Commercial General Liability policy with inclusive limits for bodily injury and property damage liability
• Prepared food and all other vendors: 2M Commercial General Liability policy with inclusive limits for bodily injury and property damage liability
• Cross-liability clause
• 30 days prior written notice of cancellation or material change

Any vendors submitting insurance documents without the City of New Westminster or New West Farmers Market added as additionally insured will not be able to attend the market until the correct paperwork is submitted.

This is a requirement from the City of New Westminster, we understand that other municipalities may have different rules and other markets may not require this paperwork. In order to be a vendor in New Westminster this paperwork will be required.

Where to Get Vendor Insurance:

These suggestions are not endorsed by the New West Farmers Market, merely options our own vendors have gone with in the past.

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Equipment Requirements

Vendors are required to supply their own tents, tent weights, tables, chairs,  signs, power, refrigeration, hand washing station, cleaning supplies, and other necessary supplies.

Tent weights MUST be 20lbs MINIMUM (recommended 40lbs) for each tent leg, with a total MINIMUM weight of 80lbs (recommended 160lbs). As our market tends to get hit with surprise gusts of wind, for the safety of our staff, volunteers, shoppers and you(!), you will not be granted entry without proper tent weights. 

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Signage Requirements

• All vendors must display their business name on a prominent sign
• All vendors must display proof of appropriate certifications.
• Clear pricing posted for all products. “Clearance” products can make up no more than 20% of total products offered for sale.
• Vendors wanting to sell products as “Organic”, “Biodynamic” or first, second, or third year “Transitional” need to submit the proper certification documents in their application and are encouraged to display signs at the market.
• Farmers wanting to sell their products as “Naturally Grown” need to include notarized affidavit in their application stating that “at no time during the growing season or post-harvest handling of this commodity have any synthetic pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, or fertilizers, been used.” In the case of animals, it should read “at no time during the life of the animal have synthetic growth enhancers or medications been used.” Signage naming products as “Naturally Grown” must prominently display a copy of the notarized affidavit supporting these statements.
• Farms and products that are not Certified Organic, must not display signage or indicate on labels the phrase “organic” or “organically grown” and “non-certified organic”. All such statements should have certification to back up claims.
• The term “no sprays” is misleading and should not be used on signage or when speaking to shoppers about growing methods.
• Sandwich boards are allowed, but no more than 1, and they must be within 4 feet of the market stall and not block pedestrian traffic.
• Nutrition Coupon Vendors MUST display their “BCAFM Nutrition Coupon Vendor” sign clearly and prominently where it can be seen by customers at least 10 feet away.
• Prepared Food products must be labeled with all ingredients and the vendor’s contact information.
• Low-risk prepared food vendors must display a sign stating that the products were made in a home kitchen.

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Market Money

 

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Market-Day Rules

1. Vendors must arrive between 1:30pm and 2:30pm to unload and set up.  If you arrive late, you must park your car and walk in your equipment. 
2. Vendors must remove vehicles from the site by 2:45pm for the market to open at 3:00pm. For pedestrian safety, vendors are NOT permitted to bring vehicles back into the market site before 7:15pm.
3. Vendors must complete their stall set up prior to the commencement of the market. No set-up or take down is allowed between the opening and closing of the market. Vendors should be ready to sell, with all wares displayed and in their stalls, at the start of the market at 3:00pm.
4. Vendors must call the Market Manager if running late. If a vendor is not present by 2:45pm, their stall may be given to another vendor. Vehicles will be prohibited from entering the market site from 2:30pm onwards.
5. Vendors must follow the Market Manager’s instructions for stall assignments and vendor parking.
6. Vendors must commence selling at 3:00pm, and stop selling at 7:00pm. Sales prior to 3pm are not permitted. 
7. Vendors may only sell products approved by the NWFM Society through the application process and/or jury process and all products must be made/baked/grown/wild harvested. Reselling is strictly prohibited. a sign indicating the BC source must be displayed.
8. Vendors must be in compliance with all Market Guidelines and Fraser Health Authority regulations.
9. Vendors should bring any conflicts or concerns they have to the Market Manager.
10. Vendors should keep their stall clean, attractive, and within the stall boundaries.
11. Vendors should staff their own market stall. Family members of the producer or employees may attend the market with, or instead of, the vendor. These alternate staff should be well versed in the business/production methods. Vendors are responsible for ensuring that their staff members are in compliance with the Market Guidelines and all health and safety requirements. Vendors are responsible for ensuring their staff person has the NWFM Market Manager’s contact information and is reachable on market days.
12. Vendors must stay for the entire market, even if the market has a poor turnout or poor weather. If a vendor has sold out of their product, a “sold out” sign may be displayed, but the table should not be removed until the end of the market.
13. Vendors are not allowed to bring pets, drink alcohol or smoke at the market, or on the property of the market site.
14. Vendors must remove all garbage, sweep their stall of debris and remove all visible signs of their stall within one hour of market closing. Vendors must place recycling in the appropriate place as instructed by NWFM staff. Cardboard boxes should be removed from the site and not put into recycling bin.
15. Vendors must not be at the market while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not aggressively sell their product, and not make negative comments about other vendors.
16. Verbal, then written warnings will be given for violations of the Market Guidelines.
17. The Market Manager reserves the right to ask a Vendor to leave the market if the situation requires it.
18. Vehicles cannot ever be left on site, or parked on the sidewalk, with express and specific permission from the Manager. 

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Green Initiatives

• Plastics: As a part of our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, the NWFM encourages vendors to seek alternatives to disposable plastics, and suggests that all vendors use compostable and biodegradable or paper bags. We will, within the next few years, aim at a completely zero-waste initiative.
• Bottled Water: Vendors may not sell bottled water in the market. Free drinking water is available at the tap at the top of the parking lot.
• Waste: Vendors must separate waste produced at the market into compostable items, recycling, and trash and place them in appropriate receptacles or remove it from the site when they leave.

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Code of Conduct

The New West Farmers Market is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, sustainable and accessible farmers market that strengthens community and our local economy, increases food security and supports local producers. The safety and well-being of NWFM staff, customers, volunteers, vendors and invited guests is of utmost importance. Harassment, threatening behaviour, acts of violence, hate speech and discriminatory actions at the NWFM, including office or by electronic means will not be tolerated.

View our Code of Conduct HERE. Vendors must sign and agree to uphold our Code of Conduct. Violations of the Code of Conduct will result in the New West Farmers’ Market taking disciplinary action appropriate to the severity of the violation. Such actions may include verbal and written warnings, suspension from Market participation, and/or expulsion from the Market.

If you experience or witness harassment or have other concerns, do not engage directly. Instead, please inform the Market Manager or reach out to us at info@newwestfarmers.ca

Steps to Become a Vendor

• Carefully review the Market Guidelines above.
• Vendor applications and scheduling are done through Marketspread. If you do not have a Marketspread account, first make an account profile AND then apply for our market.
• Describe the products you are selling, in detail, and indicate which market dates you are interested in. The more information you can provide us, the better.
• Upload any necessary documents that you already have into the application. If you don’t yet have all the paperwork, that’s okay! If accepted, we will let you know in your confirmation email what documents are still needed and you can upload them at a later date. Please Note: All documents are required at least 30 days prior to your first market date.
• Applications will not be processed until a $25 Application Fee is paid.
• Vendors may need to go through a panel process and auditions.
• Vendors who are approved for a space at the NWFM will be contacted by email, with the approved dates and an invoice for the stall fees. Your approved dates will then be listed on your market calendar in Marketspread. It is your responsibility to log in to Marketspread to see which dates and products you are approved for.
• Once approved, make your payment for stall dates AND your $25 Vendor Membership Fee. Cheques should be made payable to New West Farmers Market. E-transfers should be sent to info@newwestfarmers.ca
• If you’re a New Vendor, you will be asked to attend (virtually) one of two Mandatory Vendor Orientation dates.
• Join us in Tipperary Park on your first Market Date!

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How to Apply

To apply, please see the links below. We only accept applications through Marketspread. All vendors must register and log in with Marketspread as a vendor to apply. Your application submission indicates your agreement to all the sections outlined above on this page. Please note that if you are new to Marketspread, you will need to create your vendor profile AND also apply to our market in order for us to receive your application. Click here for a video tutorial on how to apply to a market or event as a new vendor!

Your application will not be reviewed until your $25 Application Fee has been paid. 

Returning vendors: Please ensure that all outstanding invoices are resolved from your account as vendors must have no amount owing in fees from last season to participate in the next.

An email notification containing your scheduled dates will be sent to you when your application is approved. Your approved dates will then be listed on your market calendar. It is your responsibility to log in to Marketspread to see which dates and products you are approved for.