Food trucks, farmers market and ‘crop circles’ coming to Celebration Square in Mississauga

At a June 10 council meeting, Mississauga councillors approved a plan to bring food trucks, the Lions Farmers Market and social distancing “crop circles” (similar to the ones painted in Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto) to Celebration Square this summer. 

“I know people miss spending time in beautiful Celebration Square with family and friends,” Mayor Bonnie Crombie said during a June 10 press conference, adding that while this summer won’t be the same in terms of events, the city is “injecting some energy back into Celebration Square.”  

According to a recent report, the city has been in discussions with multiple departments to develop a plan that will permit food trucks and the farmers market to operate in compliance with provincial guidelines. 

At the press conference, Crombie also said that a plan to allow hot dog and ice cream vendors to operate within city parks is also in development. 

The report says that in order for Celebration Square to host limited events, physical distancing circles will be painted on the turf. The 48 circles will be 10’ in diameter and spaced 12’ apart. 

Eco-friendly water-based paint will be used for the markings and will last for up to two months. The on-site washrooms will remain open to the public between 11 am and 8 pm.

According to the report, food trucks with existing licenses will be able to open on July 3 and will be permitted to operate seven days a week from 11 am to 8 pm. Diners will be required to place their order on an app and pick up their food when it’s ready. 

Food trucks will only accept contactless payment (cash is not permitted) and the trucks will be spaced a minimum distance of 12’ apart.

The report says the Lions’ Farmers’ Market–which will be permitted to run from July 8 to Oct. 16–will be barricaded, with controlled access limiting the number of customers at any given time. 

Market vendors will be spaced a minimum distance of 12’ apart, and vendors will accept both cash and contactless payment. Customers will be strongly encouraged to wear a mask while shopping at the market when distancing is not possible. 

According to the report, the washrooms will be cleaned frequently and hand sanitizer will be available at all vendor locations. Tables, chairs and picnic tables will be removed from the square and the wading pool will remain closed until the province permits it to open. 

“As the warm weather arrives, many residents are looking to be outdoors and Celebration Square is being used regularly. By re-opening with the limited amenities of daily food trucks and the Lions’ Farmers’ Market, and by implementing strategies that promote physical distancing, Celebration Square will provide another safe outdoor space option for residents to enjoy,” the report reads.