Launch: Gather Local Market

When I started as Community Manager at Ideas Inc, (before Gather Local Market was incorporated), the first task was to get Gather Local Market ready for launch and across the finish line for construction. 

Our team took a very short 2-moth deadline, and with the stakeholders, City of Saskatoon, turned a construction site (March 2024) into a community-animated space and launched our Grand Opening (May 2024), and settled by January 2025 with regular community events. 

My role required wearing many hats, both internally and externally. One of my favourite parts of Gather was the amount of community built and the care put into the space by shop owners, event groups, and community users. Seeing the space alive with cultural, wellness, holiday, dancing, and artistic animations in the common area is always full of market magic. 

In addition to managing the ongoing construction both inside and outside, we hosted year-round farmers' markets on Saturdays bringing fresh grocery to the River Landing Neighbourhood. 

Reflecting on a one-year project, I am proud to have taken a construction site and transformed a space for the community for a full set of seasons and demonstrate the possibilities of the space. 

Enjoy a seasonal collage of a few highlights in the first year at Gather Local Market. From Salsa Nights, to WinterShines Festival, to Movember Hot Ones Fundraiser, and so much more!