The Hamilton Farmers’ Market is reporting a decrease in foot traffic during the second quarter of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025.
Overall traffic fell 9.3 per cent in the second quarter — 155,099 visits compared to 170,990 in 2025, a loss of 15,891 visits — with the decline steepest in June.
A statistics report, submitted to the Hamilton Farmers’ Market Board by Market Manager Bill Slowka, states foot traffic in the Market decreased by 14.1 per cent in June 2026 compared to June 2025.
The year-over-year decline grew larger each month of the quarter: traffic was down 3.5 per cent in April, 8.7 per cent in May, and 14.1 per cent in June.
The Market experienced a 10.1 per cent drop in Saturday visitors during April, May, and June compared to last year.
Increasing high-profile crime in the downtown, including the random stabbings of four people this past week, are causing people to avoid visiting the Market, the report states.
“Several external factors have added to the challenge of building Market traffic,” Slowka’s report states. “Examples include a shooting incident in Jackson Square, and visible homelessness and panhandling in the immediate area, which have added to safety concerns expressed about coming downtown.”
People cannot avoid reminders of the recent violence. A bullet hole from the recent April 2026 fatal Jackson Square shooting remains visible inside the mall, and bullet damage from the July 2025 innocent bystander shooting at King Street and James Street remains scarred on the former Birks Clock pillar.
The Market now has a dedicated security guard on duty during all hours, with an additional second guard on duty during peak times.
The decrease in customer traffic comes as the Market is soon to embark on a five-year plan to reach self-sufficiency on its operating budget side.
The Hamilton Public Library will next report its Central library usage statistics in advance of the September 16, 2026, Library Board meeting.
The Hamilton Police Service recently opened a sub-station within the Jackson Square complex, and now maintains walking patrols throughout the Downtown Core. The patrols routinely check both the Market and attached Central Library branch. The Police emergency response unit also patrols the downtown when not responding to calls for service, as the police service seeks to create assurance for residents and visitors to the downtown.
The Farmers’ Market Board meets on Tuesday, July 21, at 5:00 p.m. at Hamilton City Hall.
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: July 19, 2026
Last updated: July 19, 2026
Author: Joey Coleman
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v. 1.0.0 original version
Discussion
8 commentsDowntown Hamilton a big negative factor in coming to market.
More security should be present and zero tolerance
I’ve been to the market so don’t understand the zero tolerance . James Street area restaurants and patios are busy. Art Crawl very busy . People do come to the area. Personally I find the markets become more of a commercial area rather than a farmers market.
I’ve been to the market so don’t understand the zero tolerance . James Street area restaurants and patios are busy. Art Crawl very busy . People do come to the area for restaurants, events & patios . Market too expensive
I’ve been to the market so don’t understand the zero tolerance . James Street area restaurants and patios are busy. Art Crawl very busy . People do come to the area for restaurants, events & patios . Market too expensive
the cops are actually going to walk around? enforce vagrancy and trespassing laws? no one has seen that in this century.
Exactly! I used to live on my boat in the harbour. It was rough in the core then, 25 years ago. Way worse now.
The prices are way too high at the market. They want too much money for fruit. Two large homegrown tomatoes 🍅 cost me eight dollars. I don’t think it has anything to do with crime .
Perhaps crime is a deterrent however I live in a condo in downtown & I love the area . Homeless is an issue but generally they are harmless . The addicts/panhandling is more the issue. The markets pricing is expensive for fruits & vegetables understandably they have to pay for their overhead . I’d rather go to a grocery store and do all my shopping in one spot . The market isn’t what it once was – it’s become commercialized and far from the farmers market I remember as a child & adult – best memories from those days …. Now it’s like going to a grocery store ….