It may be mid to late June before Petrolia’s Farmers’ Market opens.
The popular gathering spot in the downtown was slated to open May 14 but concerns over the spread of COVID-19 have delayed its opening.
Under the provincial orders, farmers markets can be open since it is a source of food for many. But there are still concerns about how much traffic there will be and whether patrons can follow physical distancing rules while they shop.
Dave Menzies, the director of facilities for Petrolia, has been working with Farmers’ Markets Ontario on what should be done including one way movement through the market, spaces between stalls and a layout that public health officials have approved.
Councillor Ross O’Hara says it will be a challenge to keep people from visiting while at the market when it opens. “As much as it is a market, it seems to be a meeting place where people congregate and talk.”
Menzies doesn’t expect a bylaw officer will be on hand to move people along but he says extra staff may be there to make sure patrons maintain physical distance while they shop for their food.

Organizers of Petrolia’s Art in the Park meantime have cancelled this year’s event due to restrictions on crowd sizes.
The show brings thousands of people to Petrolia’s Victoria Park each year to listen to music and buy from artisans and artists from across the region.