The Granville Island Public Market is a popular destination in the city, and has declared that it will remain open as a neighbourhood grocery store for Vancouverites during the COVID-19 pandemic.

That doesn’t mean it’s encouraging people to come out as a social gathering place, but is instead recommending people to visit the market to pick-up essential foods and produce from local vendors.

“It’s more critical than ever to have food products available, as some grocery locations in the city have run out of essentials such as milk, eggs, and fresh produce,” Lisa Ono, manager of public affairs and programming for CMHC-Granville Island, said in a press statement. 

Ono is also asking customers to reserve the first hour of the market’s opening (9 to 10 a.m.) for seniors to shop, which is similar to what other grocery and drug stores are doing around town.  

Following Vancouver Coastal Health orders of asking restaurants and cafes to meet safe physical distancing (2-metres or more) requirements or move to only offering takeout and/or delivery options, shoppers can expect the same standards at Granville Island. 

Some market vendors such as restaurants and retailers will offer online shopping, take-out, delivery, or free shipping of their products. 

Each vendor may adopt different operating hours, and Ono suggests visitors to contact each shop and service directly regarding specific openings.

Many restaurants on Granville Island have opted to temporarily close until further notice in light of the virus, including Edible Canada (switched to take-out only), Dockside Restaurant, the Vancouver Fish Company, and Popina, among others.