A Unique Market Concept in the Heart of Petawawa
We’ve developed a small but vibrant market in the heart of Petawawa, built around eight repurposed shipping containers that now serve as independent storefronts for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Six of the units are 80 sq. ft., while two offer 50 sq. ft. of compact retail space—perfect for testing ideas, launching products, or expanding into a new location. Rentals are flexible and available by the season, month, or week to suit a variety of business needs.
The market program also features Tent-In opportunities on select dates, allowing vendors to Pop-In and sell their goods—bringing added variety and vibrancy to the space. Complementary programming such as Music in the Market, Yoga in the Market, and themed events like Crafts and Thrift Days will encourage both residents and visitors to return often and engage with our dynamic community scene.
In addition to these seacan shops, the market includes a designated space for one permanent food truck and a rotating weekly pop-in food vendor, offering fresh culinary experiences for visitors.
Rent A Unit or Tent-In
We offer a variety of ways to get involved in our market program. Explore the links below to see which opportunity is the right fit for you. We’re excited to support your business as it grows and thrives—and to see our market continue to evolve and expand in response to community demand.
Please note: When you register for any of these options you must verify that you read and will adhere to the Vendor Terms and Conditions document.
Rental Opportunities
Food Truck Spot Rental Request
This rental opportunity is for a vendor with a food truck who wants to be the food service for the market and establish a regular business presence in the community.
The town will provide a dedicated electrical connection with 50-AMP service.
A food truck vendor must have business insurance and be able to name the Town of Petawawa as additionally insured for the month of the rental.
A food truck vendor must operate 4 days minimum per week, ideally Thursday to Sunday.
Interested parties should review the Vendor Terms and Conditions Document for all the rental details, including fee structures and lease inclusions.
Seasonal Rental (May to October) - No longer accepting requests
This rental opportunity is for a vendor who wants to establish a retail presence at the market throughout the entire operational season.
A renter seeking seasonal participation must have business insurance and be able to name the Town of Petawawa as additionally insured for the duration of the rental.
Interested parties should review the Vendor Terms and Conditions Document for all the rental details, including fee structures and lease inclusions.
Monthly Rental (May to October) - No longer accepting requests
This rental opportunity is for a vendor who wants to establish a limited-time retail presence at the market within the operational season.
A renter seeking monthly participation must have business insurance and be able to name the Town of Petawawa as additionally insured for the month of the rental.
Interested parties should review the Vendor Terms and Conditions Document for all the rental details, including fee structures and lease inclusions.
Weekly Rental (May to October) - No longer accepting requests
This rental opportunity is for a vendor who wants to establish a weekend retail presence at the market within the operational season. In a weekend rental, participants must operate on the two weekend dates of the market operations. This facilitates operations and ensures the vendor gets the most value out of the experience.
Weekend vendors enjoy the flexibility to return during select months, allowing them to create a regular shopping rhythm with their customers and strengthen their market presence.
A renter seeking weekend participation can opt to purchase the insurance coverage from the Town.
Interested parties should review the Vendor Terms and Conditions Document for all the rental details, including fee structures and lease inclusions.
Tent-In Booking - OPEN
This rental opportunity is for a vendor who wants to Tent-In (or Trailer-In) at the market within the operational season. Tent-In opportunities are only available on select dates.
Tent-In dates allow vendors to pop in under their own tent and with their own display elements. They are assigned a location the week of the Tent-In and set up amongst the existing participants.
A renter seeking Tent-In participation can opt to purchase the insurance coverage from the Town.
Interested parties should review the Vendor Terms and Conditions Document for all the rental details, including fee structures and lease inclusions.
Youth Market - Friday August 15th
Our annual Youth Market coincides with the Town of Petawawa’s Entrepreneurship Camp, part of our summer municipal camp programming.
Throughout the week, campers explore business fundamentals, create their own products, and prepare to showcase their efforts at the Youth Market. Proceeds from their sales are donated to a local charity of their choice, reinforcing the importance of community giving.
In addition to the camp participants, we welcome other local entrepreneurial youth to join the market and sell their goods or services. There is no fee to participate, making this a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain real-world business experience in a supportive and fun environment.
Holiday Tailgate Market Vendor Request
Tailgate vending means selling your products right from the trunk of your car, the bed of your truck, or from a trailer. This simple, mobile setup is a great way to participate in our market without needing a formal booth.
If you don’t have a trailer, consider borrowing one from personal contacts or a local rental service such as U-Haul. A trailer offers some protection from the wind and makes setup easier—especially if it has a fold-down lift gate.
We have a designated area set up specifically for this style of vending, and back-opening trailers with lift gates are ideal.
This holiday event is part of the Town of Petawawa’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, making it a high-traffic, festive opportunity to connect with the community.
Market Programs and Activities
Market Sponsorship Opportunities
Petawawa’s Container Market has been realized with the support of local businesses and organizations and with authorization from the municipal Council and considerable staff input from all the various departments. We wish to thank all of our partners who have seen the opportunity to “think inside the box” and create some much-needed exposure space for our entrepreneurs and small businesses.
If you are looking to collaborate on this exciting project there are a few options that remain available. If you are interested in any of these opportunities please reach out to Christine Mitchell, Economic Development Officer for the Town of Petawawa at cmitchell@petawawa.ca, or call 613-687-5536 ext. 2021.
Original Market Sponsors and Partners
