Timmins couple donates property to farmers market
The Mountjoy Farmers Market in Timmins has a permanent home thanks to a large property donation from local business owners Barry and Celine Petroski.
The couple has donated a 1.4-acre former truck lot along Riverside Drive to the Porcupine District Agricultural Society, which owns the market.
When Barry learned that his long-time electrician and president of the agricultural society, Rock Whissell, was looking to build a pavilion for the market, he decided the land should be used to better the community.
"It's a perfect location for them and if I'm not using it, I felt that that was a proper way of doing it," said Barry, 87, co-owner of a local used car dealership.
"Rather than just sell (the property), I just as soon somebody have it that will have it forever, here."
Whissell said he knew the donation was coming for more than a year. He postponed building the market pavilion at the Mountjoy Historical Conservation Area, just across the road, because Petroski's lot would be a better location.
"It was really unbelievable for us to have this opportunity, to move to this location, to be able to grow this farmers market as big as we're hoping to bring it and it's even better for the community," Whissell said.
He said the new site could also host several community activities and projects.
The 4,000-square-foot pavilion will be the centrepiece, housing 20 market vendors and have more surround it in tents. Whissell also envisions amenities like tennis and pickleball courts, alongside the nearby hockey rink.
"Having all of this parking and having all of this room for vehicles to come in and out ... having activities, while we're having the market," Whissell said.
"Hopefully, the community could use (the pavilion) for various (things). For a car show, for weddings, for yard sales."
The agricultural society will be transferring ownership of the property to the City of Timmins, Whissell said, which will reduce maintenance costs.
As part of the transfer, the group gets the final say on what can be done with the property and Whissell said he's open to ideas.
The market pavilion will be built once the transfer is completed in the coming weeks. A sign will pay tribute to the land donors.
Barry Petroski said that means the world to him.
"When people come here, they'll have to look at me, I guess," he said with a grin.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.
Case against ex-Mountie charged with helping China can go ahead in Quebec, judge says
A Quebec court judge has ruled that the case against a former RCMP officer charged with helping China conduct foreign interference can go ahead in the province.
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting case
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case in which prosecutors allege he stole nearly US$17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.