Farmer's Market Recognized as Key Component to Downtown Revitalization

Thursday, October 27, 2005 04:01 AM

A study on the Prince George Farmer's Market concludes the market should play an important role in any plans for the future of downtown.

The research was conducted by the UNBC School of Environmental Planning, and indicates the Saturday market draws thousands of residents to the core, and contirbutes to the local economy.

More than 600 pople took part in the study which was conducted at the market in September. Here are some of the findings:

70% said they came downtown because of the farmers market

50% come to the market regularly, usually two or three times a month

60% would like a year round market at an indoor location

The market is open Staturdays from May to September. It attracts up to 55 vendors who sell everything from seasonal vegatables and herbs, to baked goods, preserves, specialty meats, bedding plants, soaps, woodcrafts, art clothing jewelry, and home and garden decor.

Professor David Connell says the study will be expanded next summer "I'm hoping to study the economic impact in more detail, including the indirect impact of what people spend at other stores while they're downtown for the market."
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Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2005 04:01 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: ammonra on October 27 2005 9:49 AM

I remember a few years ago a similar conclusion by Prof. John Curry about downtown revitalisation. What became of his recommendations of an expanded role for the market? Did anybody listen to him? Do you think they will now? Don't you think it has been studied to death. Perhaps it's time to spend some money and actually put some recommendations into effect. Obviously the City has the capability to find the money since they can so easily borrow millions to subsidise Terasen with low interest rates!

Posted by: duffer on October 27 2005 10:12 AM

Perhaps the winter location for the farmer's market should be in the art gallery and make some use out of that waste of money. That way, they could get some traffic through there.

Posted by: Vikingnuck on October 27 2005 10:46 AM

The outdoor Farmers Market is AWESOME. The indoor one in the basement of the Legion is a farce. Very few vendors, and fewer customers. One of the best parts of the "Market Experience" is walking outside on a nice day, smelling the smells (no cooking at the indoor market) hearing the sounds and seeing the crafts. The birdhouses that Birdhouse Jim makes are my favourite! Keep it seasonal, and keep it outdoors.If it must move indoors to becomce year round, a larger more suitable location is necessary.WITH REASONABLE PARKING TOO!

Posted by: YamaDooPolCat on October 27 2005 7:02 PM

Duffer is on to something here. Good idea, but have to clean out the junk first to make room.