In 2007 the RFM hired Ada Bennett as Market Manager. Ada's work with the RFM Board brought the Market into the modern age. She brought on graphic designer Joanne Lauder to incorporate a new RFM logo and the tagline of "Buy Local...eat fresh", Conrad Schultz from Topwater.ca was hired to design a fully comprehensive website (www.reginafarmersmarket.ca). Ada also began using Facebook, a social networking site  to promote the RFM. It was Ada's determination that gained the RFM their  first official office in the historic Avord Tower, just around the corner from the Market space.

 

Ada attended the Downtown Planning Symposiums in 2007 and 2008,  which secured space for future Market development with the City Square Project. At Ada's recommendation the Fall Indoor Markets had been moved to Cathedral Neighbourhood Center in 2007. They were so successful that the Spring Indoor Markets moved to the same location in March of 2009. Ada also ensured that local non-profit organizations could have free space to fundraise and hand out information. "I always approached Market as an important community service to Regina, not necessarily as a business. Success in an organization like ours is about relationships." says Ada Bennett.

What a thriving Market Regina has today! "Given my experience as the Cathedral Street Fair Coordinator, I had noticed that when the Street Fair increased it's booths from 180 to 310, it also increased the crowds many times over. There were unnecessary regulations and a lack of space that prevented the RFM from growing. By 2008 some of the  RFM's bylaws were changed, and the Market was offered an extension onto 1800 Block Scarth Street. This allowed the RFM to accept new products. When we increased our vendor base and got beef, lamb, poultry and pork to the RFM our attendance by consumers immediately doubled (by official count of Regina Downtown BID). A competitive Market is a healthy way to do business, everyone works harder on their presentation, quality of product, and customer service. The benefit to the consumer is choice; the RFM can now provide the best local food to Regina tables. It is finally becoming the Market that Regina has always deserved." said Ada Bennett. Since 2008 the membership has increased from around 50 to 112 vendors. In the Summer of 2009 there were up to 59 vendors on 1900 Block Scarth Street. New members came as long as 3 hours drive to attend the RFM, and praised it as the best Market they attend.

With 35 successful years, strong leadership in place, and effective planning the future of the RFM is bright indeed! In May 2010, the City of Regina will begin construction of the City Square Project. This 7.1 Million dollar project will give the Market a second block of space at 2100 12th Avenue. Community Events such as the hugely popular Regina Folk Festival will utilize the space, making Victoria Park the jewel of Regina.

This means the Market will have to find a temporary home for 2010 due to year-round construction. What better place to show our proud local roots than City Hall? The Market will take up space at 1900 Blocks of Smith and McIntyre Streets as well as the Front Plaza of City Hall. It is important to maintain our Downtown location due to busy Wednesday Markets attended by office workers. The plaza space can be utilized for the new vendors from our very long waiting list. The public can expect to see up to 88 Members attending during the Summer of 2010. That's the plan for 2010, but what is next in this City of Infinite Horizons?