A spring vendor market at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre drew 44 sellers on Sunday, including a volunteer animal rescue whose table of donated goods funds veterinary care for a growing number of cats abandoned across Niagara as costs of living rise.
The spring market circuit across Niagara has expanded over the past two years, giving independent sellers from across southern Ontario a place to find buyers without a storefront or advertising budget.
But for Raina’s Rescue, a volunteer-run cat rescue with no central facility, the market is primary way it pays veterinary bills for animals surrendered by owners who say they can no longer afford them.
Every item at its market table, from catnip toys to pet beds to baby blankets, was made and donated by volunteers, with proceeds going directly to veterinary care.
Colleen Paige, a member of the rescue’s fundraising committee, said the scale of the crisis has accelerated.
“People are dumping their pets because of the cost of everything. It’s really sad, and the rescues are left to clean up the mess,” said Paige.
The rescue recently trapped 13 of 17 stray and feral cats from a colony in Jordan, Ont., only to identify a second colony of roughly 30 cats in a nearby field days later.
Mild winters have extended breeding season, and the rescue is already pulling in pregnant cats well ahead of what would normally be kitten season.
The rescue places animals in foster homes and covers all costs, including spaying, neutering, vaccinations, deworming and emergency surgeries.
Their veterinarian at Niagara Falls Animal Hospital on Morrison Street sometimes takes critically ill cats home on weekends to ensure they receive proper care. The organization recently received a Platinum Award at the Niagara Readers’ Choice.
The market, which began roughly two years ago, has built a core of returning vendors and customers. Sunday’s rain slowed foot traffic but did not stop it.
Several vendors described a shift in what buyers want. Michelle Armstrong, who has made embroidery and knitwear in Stoney Creek for 15 years, said the market for cheap goods has largely dissolved.
“People don’t want cheap anymore. They want quality and something unique that lasts,” said Armstrong.
“People want something that speaks to them, not the same thing everyone else has.”
Sonja Nastopoulos, co-owner of Nickles & Knots, sells knit and crochet goods from Niagara Falls alongside her sister Niki, said the gap between how people spend at large retailers versus local markets still surprises her.
“People don’t think twice about spending thirty or forty dollars at a big-box store, but when they come here, suddenly handmade items are questioned,” said Nastopoulos.
Nubia Bahl came from Brampton to sell crochet goods made by her mother, Bharti Bahl, who has crocheted for decades without ever selling publicly.
“My mom has always done this, so now we’re trying to support her and push her into something she’s been doing for years,” said Nubia Bahl.
She sees the interest in handmade goods as generational.
“I think everyone is starting to come back to their roots. Even young people are picking up hobbies like their grandparents,” she said.
Vendors Market Canada has additional spring markets scheduled for Niagara-on-the-Lake in May and June, with the same organizer, Uzo Kanu, running the circuit.
For Raina’s Rescue, the next priority is getting pregnant cats trapped before colonies expand further. The group is currently fundraising for two incubators for newborn and critically ill cats.
