Apple Tree Markets

Chopping down the AppleTree and planting another

To all of our amazing AppleTree Market shoppers.

Last summer, the urban square pilot project was very successful, thanks to you! In fact 90% of the residents would like the square closed permanently and with the help of our councillor, that is the plan.

The square is under construction at present and has been deemed "unsafe for pedestrian usage until 2014." So we were relocated once again to the front lawn of the Post Office, just one block north of our current square location. It seemed like a great place to relocate - equally as visible, more space than the actual square, and with a stoplight at the corner making it even busier and more accessible. So naturally we were thrilled.

Unfortunately, a development has taken place very suddenly. We received a phone call last week that the post office is closing and the lot is being sold to a commercial retailer. The post office, under the federal government, will not enter into any permit with our market due to the closure and sale of the property. So we were given "the boot". We fought it agressively...to the point of actually speaking with the VP of Corporate Sustainability in Ottawa!....but there is absolutely no room for negotiation. Therefore leaving no viable location for AppleTree Uptown during this construction period.

So, after a weekend of mourning our five years of hard work and your incredible stamina, we have graciously decided to close temporarily. It is our hope that the councillor will continue to work with us, and the community who supports the local food movement, and will honour the re-opening of the permanent square in two years time. And until then....

We will keep growing the movement with our fantastic new market in Mount Pleasant Village!

We have partnered with four other like-minded organizations who are supporting our initiative, have a city councillor who is fully on-board to roll up his sleeves and help get the community involved (we're actually knocking on doors Thursday April 26th) and a marketing plan that is hip and in-your-face. Plus the vendor line-up is truly outstanding.

So, although we are heart-broken about Uptown, we are feeling excited and motivated about the new park project. We hope that you will be too.

Wishing you well,

Lesley Stoyan & Chris Trussell
AppleTree Markets Co-Founders