City Council Debate Concept of Outdoor Public Market
Prince George, B.C. – After a lengthy debate by Prince George City Council, the Wilson Square Community Market Association (WSCMA) will occupy Third Avenue outside of the courthouse this year.
The WSCMA was given the nod over the Prince George Farmer’s Market Association (PGFMA), who had applied for the same space.
All of this despite the fact a City report suggested establishing a public market concept which would have brought both groups together.
WSCMA spokesperson Maria Pennock said she supported the idea of a public market, yet resisted the city’s concept calling the Third Avenue location a “proven location that’s worked for 20 years.”
“It can be seen for blocks, it’s a tradition and part of downtown heritage. It’s a beautiful location giving people the ability to walk and it creates business opportunities throughout downtown.”
On the other hand she said the City’s public market concept, which would be located in Veterans Square, has “no visibility” and expressed concern it could either be “sold or re-zoned” at a future date.
Randall Stasiuk, president of the PGFMA, disagreed, arguing “change is good” and that “a public market space would become the downtown focal point every Saturday and encourage the proliferation of new businesses.”
Then council waded into the debate with Councillor Terri McConnachie commenting “you can’t force active participation where it doesn’t exist,” and that forcing the city concept on both groups would be like “forcing someone to live with their ex-husband.”
Councillor Jillian Merrick said she thought “the concept (of a public market) is great” while also adding “I respect each groups right to self-determination.”
Mayor Lyn Hall said “we’re in a precarious spot” and noted it was his wish “we ride the momentum of the Canada Winter Games (with the establishment of a public market).
He also told the packed gallery “at some point we need to get there.We can’t go through this year after year, we can’t mediate it (dispute) so don’t ask us to mediate it.”
Comments
The mayor was never asked to be a mediator, just to be fair.
Thank you Council woman, Terri McConnachie for acknowledging that these associations working together is like moving back in with your ex-husband.
Honestly. These are adults. Get over your problems and work together.
This isn’t world war three. These are two farmers markets…that should be one.
I have yet to hear a good reason why the combined public market is bad for either of these groups. They just sound like cry babies.
the building that is being used for the farmers market is awful! if they combined, they need something with both indoor and outdoor capabilities. and I agree, stop the child’s play.
C’mon people! Council IS BEING ASKED to mediate – nothing more, nothing less.
How about moving the whole thing to the fairgrounds area, lots of parking, lots of room to expand and possibly develop. No bus?? Perhaps the bus schedules could be tweaked to accommodate that. And, look at all that potential business from the soccer crowds on Saturdays.
‘Course, it looks like no one is willing to compromise – gotta agree with phje on that.
I think the concept is to try to bring business back to the downtown core. I think over at the fairgrounds would be a great place if it was available every weekend, but I see driver training using the area regular, fairs come to town, horseshows, etc.
Farmers or Community markets need to be downtown.
I prefer the outdoor set-up. I like purchasing plants for spring planting, or fresh items that are available May to October.
Other merchandise sold at the markets contributes to the variety offered for sale, but can be purchase year round at various other venues, and it is not what brings me to the market.
The building on 6th Ave is to small and cramped, the decision to purchase (lease?) was made in haste, over the objection of some of the vendors. I try to avoid going inside, due to the smell.
I look forward to the outdoor markets, as it is as much about meeting people, stopping for a refreshment and socializing, as it is about doing some shopping. I do not mind walking a few blocks between the two locations. I will continue to support them both.
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