ST. CATHARINES – The venders at St. Catharines' newest farmers' market are hoping the convenience of having fresh farm produce close to home is a big attraction to the city's densely populated north end.

The market opened quietly on Sept. 4 in the Scott-Vine Plaza parking lot, with plans to return each Friday afternoon until at least the end of October. Early indicators suggest the market's a hit with shoppers and if it continues to be, they'll definitely be back next year, said Vince Piterna, owner of European Deli and one of the market co-founders.

Piterna said he's heard nothing but positive comments so far, particularly from the residents who live in the nearby apartment buildings.

"There's so many people who don't drive, they walk to their buildings," he said.

Piterna said if the weather co-operates, they'll stay open later this year, and then re-open again in the spring.

"We figured the end of the summer we'd give it a try and see how it goes, and it's going very well," he said.

Ward councillor Sal Sorrento said work on establishing a north-end market began earlier this year. They went through the approval process at City Hall with the hopes of opening early summer.

However, the vendors already had commitments at other markets, and the plan was put on hold until being resurrected in August.

John Chabot, who has been a vendor at the downtown St. Catharines market for the past six years, said he's felt for a long time a market would do well in this end of the city.

"I've always said we this city needs a north-end market because of the high density," he said.