We are considered Retail/essential service. We are NOT a gathering or a loophole. Our markets have been approved to operate. We have approval from the Public Health Inspector and the Manitoba Emergency Coordination Centre, Emergency Management Division.  With the new orders given on Sept 3, 2021 retail requirements are "physical distancing measures and masks required indoors"

​​

The health and safety of our community, friends, and family is our #1 priority. We want to thank you for your patience as we have taken the time to navigate this rapidly changing landscape and ever changing health orders this summer and now going into fall. 

​

As the COVID-19 situation evolves so does our response.

​

Please note that these policies can and will change as the COVID-19 crisis changes and/or improves. Check back here often for the latest updates.

​

We want to assure you that the health and safety of you, our makers, staff + family is of utmost importance. Our markets have been inspected + approved by Health, Food + LGA inspectors. 

​

Farmers' Markets / Markets have been authorized to operate since Phase 2 of the Province of Manitoba Road to Recovery Plan, 2020. 

​

We are following all guidelines and protocols set out by the Province. Please note * Farmers' Markets / Markets are NOT considered gatherings.* 

​

​

What you will find at our Markets: 

​

-  Hand sanitizing stations. Shoppers must sanitize before and after entering our markets. 

-  Masks for sale for $1 or bring your own. Masks are strongly recommended  as per the rules + protocols laid out by the province. 

​

• Lines will be held as we limit the amount of shoppers allowed in. Please be patient.  

• As a shopper please be aware of others and do your part in social distancing.

• We will have signs up reminding you to distance. 

• Do not crowd makers booths, kindly wait your turn, giving other shoppers space.

• If you are sick, have symptoms, or been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID please stay home. If you have travelled outside approved areas and have not self-isolated please stay home. 

​

We strongly advise shoppers not to come to a market if they are NOT comfortable with any of the aforementioned protocols.  We want this to be an enjoyable experience for all. If you are not comfortable with market settings, we encourage you to shop all our makers online, by purchasing from their individual online platforms.

​

We are committed to running safe markets. We will not do anything that is not approved or allowed. Every rule + safety measure set out by the Province will be followed. We are not above the law/rules and will not be making decisions or rules that are above the recommendations laid out by the government. Retail is required to have people wear masks while indoors and to ensure that social distancing can take place. There is no requirement of passports at markets, for shoppers or vendors.

​

​

UPDATE September 3rd, 2021: 

​

To our valued shoppers…. 

 

Sept 3, 2021 the Province of Manitoba put in restrictions regarding vaccine passports, masks and group sizing.  This change has come quick. As a small business we are working hard to pivot and adjust to this change. We  recognize that there is varying levels of comfort regarding these new rules and changes. 

 

Things we will continue to do:

 

• Ensure social distancing measures. 

• Require masks in indoor spaces. 

• Hand washing + hand sanitizer stations. 

• Have large 10-20ft aisles so you can comfortably and freely move. 

​

​

At this time, there is  no requirement of passports at markets, for shoppers or vendors. As per the government website Retail is considered essential service and no mandate for vaccine passports are required of Retail. 

​

We understand that some 'events' market themselves as a market but they truly are an event. We also understand that some markets consider themselves more of an event and choose to put themselves under the event banner. We realize that this has and will continue to cause confusion for shoppers regarding passports.  

 

We do NOT consider or market ourselves as an event and ask that you kindly not compare us to what other markets or events are doing or enforcing. 

 

Third+Bird  markets are spaces that celebrate small businesses. We give them an opportunity to set up a temporary store front to sell their goods. For many of these makers they do not have store fronts and markets are a vital way for them to connect with their shoppers and make money. 

​

We are very proud to be the originators and industry leaders of creating shopping blocks + pods.  In 2020 after our Spring Market was cancelled  we spent months figuring out a way and building a ticketing system that allows shoppers to safely shop in timed shopping pods while providing contact tracing and real time notifications on phones + emails, if need be. This system  has been applauded by Health Inspectors and similar ideology has been made by other markets + events in the city. 

​

Since 2020, we have successfully hosted 19 markets + farmers' markets with no outbreak or trace of COVID linked to any of our markets. 

​

We strive to continue to keep our markets a safe space for all. We also strive to help support and keep small businesses alive during these very difficult times. 

 

We kindly ask you to remember that as small businesses are trying their best to navigate these new changes and guidelines, if you see a small business with their doors still open after the past 20 months that’s a sign of their hard work, dedication to you + the communities safety. Their resilience  should be commended. We are trying our best to help support 150+ small business by offering you a safe shopping experience. If you do not feel comfortable or safe to shop at a mall, store or market, that is ok. 

 

We have links to all the makers shops on our social media. If shopping online with a maker is more comfortable during this time we fully respect that choice and are happy to help you if you need any assistance finding your favourite makers website. 

​

​

FEEDBACK

​

“ Went Saturday (Clear Lake) with my family, y’all Third+Bird  deserves a giant round of applause. They literally did such an awesome job of making everyone feel safe, fabulous organizational skills, this is what responsible social distancing looks like!!! Vendors were lovely, scored some awesome finds, great job guys!!!!” 

 

“Good morning! I  just wanted to send a note to tell you what a great job you did with the market at Clear Lake! I  will admit I  had some concerns prior to the market as far as crowd size etc. You handled it perfectly.  I felt very safe and comfortable shopping Saturday morning. My daughter and I  were the first customers out and we shared our experience with your team. I just wanted to say it again. In these very uncertain times I really appreciate the care and thought you put into your planning. Thanks so much for the great experience.” 

 

“It was 100% obvious that Third+Bird  had the vendors and patrons health and safety at the top of their priority list…. You guys did an outstanding job and I  wanted to say Thank You! It was an amazing weekend and I  enjoyed every second of it!! Can’t wait for next Aug long! "