Farmer's Market Looking for New Home

Tuesday, November 06, 2007 03:54 AM

Look for the Prince George Farmers Market in a new spot next season.

The Farmer's Market Association says the existing spot, in Wilson Square in front of the Courthouse, is no longer suitable.

There are health issues, in that there are no public washrooms , no water, there is a security issue, and a housekeeping issue with needles, broken glass and litter in the area. Used to be that Grabba Java would allow the public acces to its washrooms, but that disappeared when the coffee shop burned to the ground.

The Association says the best alternate site is the Prince George Civic Centre Plaza which would allow access to washrooms, a supply of water, and a reduced security issue.

Mayor Colin Kinsley says everyone is aware of the value of the Farmer's Market and the downtown revitalization plan includes a proposal for a year round site for the market.

There had been some discussion two years ago to convert the vacant FoodTeller restaurant intoa year 'round market, but the idea didn't come to fruition because the growing season is short, and there aren't enough greenhouses to have fresh produce year 'round.

Council has agreed to pass the concerns to Administration to see if the issues can be resolved at the existing site, or if an alternate site can be secured.

Councillor Don Zurowski says the Civic Plaza deserves consideration but the area already faces a parking issue, he suggests perhaps the 4th Avenue public works yard be considered.

Councillor Don Bassermann says he thinks the Civic Plaza is the perfect spot "I was part of the design committee for the Civic Centre, we designed it to be busy, with flow through traffic, there's water on site, there are washrooms available. I am clearly in favour of it being downtown and I have a particular interest in having a really serious look at the Civic Centre Plaza."

The Farmers Market has 45-50 vendors each Saturday, and the market attracts 1500 to 2,000 people each Saturday from May to October.

They are trying an indoor market for the winter, on the third Saturday of each month from November through April at St.Micheals Church at 5th and Victoria. The first winter market at that site will be on November 17th.

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Tuesday, November 06, 2007 03:54 AM in News by 250 News

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: Norm1 on November 6 2007 7:27 AM

I like the Market in the Downtown location and said so on the survey sheet that circulated in the Market during the season this year.

I certainly agree with the lack of access to public washrooms at the current site. There is a solution.

We have just returned from San Diego where we visited a weekly Farmers Market which is set up in a Department of Motor Vehicles Parking lot and part of a temporary street closure.

The lack of access to public washrooms is not a problem at that temporary location because a cluster of portable wahrooms is placed on site while the Market operates.

Posted by: lmorg on November 6 2007 1:38 PM

I hate the market being downtown. Downtown PG reminds me so much of e hastings in vancouver. Feels gros just to walk around down there with all the homeless, drunk, and drug infested people walking around in that particular area.

Posted by: opinionated on November 6 2007 2:50 PM

I agree Civic Plaza is the best place for the Farmer's Mkt.

Posted by: owl on November 6 2007 3:50 PM

"Councillor Don Zurowski says the Civic Plaza deserves consideration but the area already faces a parking issue, he suggests perhaps the 4th Avenue public works yard be considered."

I vote we put Don in charge of Tourism PG .... He must be loosing it ....

Any decent town in Europe has a public square and typically has a public market associated with the square.

Parking problems? The City is just building a public parkade right there. I have not heard that it is to be for the exclusive use of the Bingo hall. Besides, I would hope that on Saturday mornings that bingo hall is not going to be at its busiest. Also, there is the parking lot adjacent to the Days Inn. I doubt that is filled to the brim on Saturday mornings.

In fact, if there is a parking problem, it would be in the current location for the Market.

Has the good Councillor lost his knowledge of the PG scene?

Posted by: RRrabbitt on November 6 2007 3:56 PM

No question...downtown really is a poor location for a number of solid reasons... even the civic plaza is a bit small for the market when it is in full stride...(and has that silly pay parking).

A good choice would be the parking lot of the multiplex... washrooms, water, power, etc. all easily made available... and the enormous advantage of being able to accomodate the vendor's vehicle immediately behind the vendor's booth/table/display.

(Not to mention considerable, convenient and free parking for the customers... very few people here walk to the market...and there is bus service to the MP)

More people are aware of the goodness of local product and the trends suggest that local producers can sell pretty much all that they can bring to the market.

A full time or extended season FM is not unrealistic... but there may be considerable concern from some quarters to squash (hah) such an enterprize.

Blessings.

Posted by: Chadermando on November 6 2007 9:00 PM

Clearly, lol, Pine Centre parking lot on the back side boardering the golf course would be the best location.....

Bathrooms... other relevant close by shopping... centrally located... safe location... lots of parking available... no grociery store in the mall as a competitor... win-win for mall retail outlets as well as the Farmer's Market....

Posted by: uyterlindekel on November 6 2007 9:09 PM

The Civic center would have just as big of a 'housekeeping' problem. In the summer there are always druggies shooting up there. I love the downtown area of the city. I sincerely wish that it would be truly cleaned up.

Posted by: owl on November 6 2007 10:44 PM

It could be in suburban area.

Pine Centre used to have unused parking space. No more. The built on it. The back is actually quite packed normally, especially on weekends. On top of that, it should be in a visible area.

PGSS has a parking lot typically not used then. Good visibility.

Exhibition area has tons of space other than on a couple of weekends when the car dealerships use it and another couple when the exhibition and may days group use it, as well as Forest Expo every other year.

In reality, it is the Farmers' Market, so they should decide where they want to go. It's their show.

Posted by: The_Duke on November 7 2007 7:28 AM

Keep it downtown.

Period.

We have enough reasons to shop elsewhere, so lets not deal downtown yet another blow.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on November 7 2007 2:18 PM

Went to the Farmers market for an hour last summer...got hit up by the lowlifes for money 2 times just going to and from my car parked about a block away!
Nice place.
I guess city council thinks these deadbeats are a tourist attraction!

Posted by: Harbinger on November 7 2007 5:30 PM

What about the old Wood Wheaton car lot and building? Right next to the 'hood? Lotsa places. Oh, yeah, IMO I think the city will regret moving the Farmer's Market to the Civic Centre. It is too nice.