Saturday, November 13, 2010

Halifax Seaport International Market


Wondering what this building is? Wonder no longer.......it is our new Halifax Seaport Farmer's Market. A beautiful glass structure built to environmental standards and using solar, wind and geo-thermal power to operate. A massive 4,050 square metres, it was designed with the environment in mind. It is also right on the water. You can watch all the boating activity on the harbour.

I was there on Friday to check out the new International Market which has just started recently. Previously the market has not been open on Fridays. and I was curious to see what the vendors had in store. Unfortunately I was too early (opens at 10am-7pm on Fridays and 7am-4pm on the weekend) The vendors were just setting up. I had an appointment and could not stay to purchase anything but I WILL be back. You could pop in on Friday after work for supper!

This renovated historical Harbour Pier features a green, or bio-wall, in place of an air filter or air conditioner. It is lovely to see. There will be four rooftop courtyards, including room for community activities such as gardening. There are also wind turbines on the roof. The building is glass so the views are great, it is an open concept and flooded with light. Here is a video in which Keith Tufts the lead designer, explains all the wonderful features and talks about what went into the design of this place.

It was nice to wander about with no crowds to contend with. Usually the market is jammed with people choulder to shoulder. By opening more days a week, the market is hoping to aleviate that particular problem. Wednesday shopping is in the works soon.

The International Market has vendors from different cultures and countries selling food and crafts. There are also some of the regular sellers as well.

I am interested in trying some Afghan food! next time!

This is Jane Mason Browne, charming artist who has a permanent stall here. I spent a lot of time chatting with her about what is involved with aquiring a booth. I am thinking about it for December!

Last but not least. Flowers! Ahhh. A market necessity. I will be back next Friday at ten.

9 comments:

Suzie Ridler said...

I haven't been yet Shelagh so it was nice to see the market through your eyes! That is a late opening market but I am happy to hear they have an international foods section now and that it is also open Fridays. I despise crowds so I think this will make going a little less intense. I can't enjoy food when I have to elbow to get at it, LOL. It looks fantastic though and the environmental elements they have taken into account, very impressive. I can't wait to go! Let me know if you want to go together on Friday, I would love that.

aliceinparis said...

Hi Suzie,It opens at 7am on the weekends and closes at 4pm. On Friday it opens at 10am and closes at 7pm. Gives people time to pop in after work.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

That green wall is fabulous! Looks like a wonderful market.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

This looks like a wonderful place to shop, Shelagh. I love trying new cuisines.

Prairie Jill said...

This looks great! The more I read your blog, the more I think I need to come back to Halifax for another visit! (It's probably been about 10 years since I was there and I loved it. I particularly remember the Public Gardens and some wonderful shops.)

Unknown said...

I haven't been to the new market yet either - it's on my list!! I'm glad it's open Fridays now - part of the reason I haven't been yet is because of the crowds, so hopefully being open more days will alleviate that. I can't wait to see the International Market - mmmm yummy food. And love the green wall.Perhaps next week I'll make it down....your photos area always beautiful by the way!

SE'LAH... said...

i'm loving that permanent stall...thanks for sharing a piece of your world with us. love a market.

one love. happy world kindness day.

Liana @ femme fraiche said...

cool building! another reason to add to my "why I'm dying to go to Nova Scotia" list

Loth said...

That looks great - is it down near where the cruise liners come in to port?