Downtown Windsor Farmer's Market moving indoors to parking garage

Usually the Downtown Windsor Farmer's Market operates at Pelisser Street at Maiden Lane.

It's now moving to the ground floor of the Pelisser Parking Garage. Brian Yeomans, the chair of the Downtown Windsor BIA saysthe market's success has led to its extension.

"We've proven over the last several months that we can overcome anything and make this market work," Yeomans said.

Ward 3 Counc. Rino Bortolin says the market brings people together and supports local businesses. He added that parking won't be an issue becausethere's plenty of space downtown.

"You definitely need something like the Farmer's Market and parking comes second," Bortolin said.

In a controversial decision, the city demolished retail units two years ago on the main floor, evicting business owners and convertingit into parking spots. Bortolin was against the decision to remove the retail space. Ironically,that parking areais now going to house the market.

• Council OKs Pelissier Street parking garage conversion

Alexandrea Anber of Auntie Aldoo's Pies and Pastries says she relies on the market to keep her business going.

"If I want to grow, this is the best opportunity Windsor has to offer for growth. There's really no other way to do it," she said.

The market will have moreChristmas-themed products and up to 40 vendors will be featured.

It will run on Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Nov. 7 until Dec.12.