Encourage Salt Spring farmers at the Saturday Market

I am for the support of Farmers. The "Make it Bake it or Grow it" but LOCALLY on and from Saltspring Island Only. I would like to propose an additional idea and that is Move The Saturday market to the Farmer's Institute grounds. Tons of parking and make good use of the new walking path as well as support for our local transit and or shuttle service. Remove the bottle neck and parking issues on Saturday in Ganges before someone gets hurt, relieve the Gasoline Alley congestion for vendors, continue to provide fair space for us "Farmers". We need to support local growers. Perhaps the Farmers could propose creating their own Saturday Market and move us all to the Farmer's Institute. Way more room. I agree that perhaps this petition could include the proposed changes

For those who would like more information, here is the full letter that I will be sending to CRD/PARC this coming week. August 9, 2016 Jon Suk, Chair, Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation Commission (PARC) Wayne McIntyre, Director, Salt Spring Island Electoral Director c.c. Dan Ovington, PARC Manager Rob Pingle, Coordinator, Saturday Market in the Park Dear Mr. Suk and Mr. McIntyre, We are aware that some Saturday Market in the Park vendors have requested changes in how the market is administered. We share with these vendors a desire for reasonable and consistent application of market guidelines. However, we believe some of the requested changes would have seriously negative results if implemented. Specifically, several of the points in a draft letter that we have received call for changes that would cause major harm to the Saturday Market, the island economy and our agricultural sector. Placement and Priority Given to Farmers Promoting local food production and food security is one of the Capital Regional District’s top priorities and PARC/CRD have recently made public pronouncements of support for agriculture in the course of seeking non-farm status for a piece of agricultural land on Brinkworthy Road. We ask that PARC ‘walk the talk’ by reaffirming the aspects of the Saturday Market in the Park guidelines that are designed to accommodate the unique circumstances of farmer vendors. Because of the importance of agriculture to Salt Spring Island and the richness, vitality and diversity that a strong farmer presence brings to the Saturday Market, the market guidelines have long provided for priority placement of farmers in one section of the market (known as ‘gasoline alley’). This has helped the market build and retain a reputation as a vibrant market with a strong local agriculture and food component. In the absence of this component, the market would be much diminished. The realities of agriculture are quite different from those of other

Thanks for your feedback, Maxine. The discussion about the upgrade/remodel/renovation of Centennial Park is an entirely separate issue. You are correct, some of the decisions that might have been made about changed park configurations and layout might have had an impact on Market in the Park numbers. I would argue that ALL market vendors (and potential market vendors) deserve respect and that a respectful discussion involving ALL of the community stakeholders needs to happen. That is not what was initiated by the craft vendor letter that was circulated earlier this month. That is part of what I am asking to have happen now. Hopefully CRD/PARC will hear what I (and other signatories of this petition) are asking for and initiate a positive, constructive discussion with concrete, measurable outcomes.

Thank you for weighing in on this, Tony! Many of the craft vendors are under the impression that it began as a craft market and have expressed their unhappiness with the way that the market is structured. It would be great if you could find some documentation that supported this fact, so that I could take it to the CRD/PARC for their consideration.

Thank you for your support!

I agree! And another thing that distinguishes it from other markets is the fact that it has the FULL spectrum of items -- arts, crafts, food in its raw form, food in its value added form, and food and beverage for immediate consumption. Not many markets offer all of that. And with the high level of quality that we have become known for!

Thanks for your feedback, Bill. I didn't include the entire body of my letter originally because I didn't want to overwhelm everyone. I am will attempt to upload the letter in its entirety as part of the petition, but if I am not able to do that, will include it in a comment so you (and others) are able to read it through.

1) the market was created first and foremost to give local PRODUCERS a venue ( not retail or second hand items) 2) tourists and locals expect homegrown/ homemade and are disappointed when they find the same import/ retail stuff any other shop in Victoria sells. It cheapens the experience and will be detrimental for the market in the long run.

Totally agree with the present standards for the sale of items in the Market. It would have been helpful to list the recommended changes some were promoting.

Let's be clear! This is one of the most special markets in BC. Make it, Bake it, Grow it.

I support the farm vendors keeping priority placement in Gasoline Alley at the Saturday market. Also in keeping the definition of a farmer vendor.

The market should remain where it is currently in the Park. It should only allow Make it, Bake it, Grow it produce & products. Not a flea market.

The Make it, Bake it or Grow it principles are the most important to this island market. It is a Farmer's Market a Local Market, NOT flea market.

The Saturday market was originally started by the Farmers Institute...The unique position of the Farmer should not be discounted by PARC

As I am not a resident but a frequent visitor, the attraction of going to the market every visit is knowing I will see and buy something unique. I have purchased fresh produce, extraordinary baked goods, ordered clothes, bought books, belts and distinctive jewelry. As as traveller I know I can pick up imported goods from a variety of retailers so hope that you stay with the Make, it Bake it, Grow concept that keeps me and others returning. However the idea interests me that in the afternoon there may be the option of going again to see other products from Salt Spring, such as distinctive furniture, curios, more art/pottery, soft sell services, and maybe educational booths that would offer insight, advice on home or environmental issues etc.

Tom

Long time market vendors need to be respected. Also, the park doesn't need a massive remodel. Some replanting and fixing the washrooms would be fine.

Thank you, Myna Lee, for your suggestion. Another vendor has suggested that we start using Hereford and McPhillips as additional locations. He observes that this could also be of benefit to the businesses in those areas who may lose out on traffic during the market. He also pointed out that by being on McPhillips, there would be little loss of parking spaces to additional market space. I'm so happy that folks are coming forward with suggestions for possible solutions. I'm looking forward to sharing that with the folks at CRD and PARC when we get a chance to sit at the table to discuss the challenges all Saturday market vendors face.

Thank you, Vera, for making a positive suggestion that might provide at least part of a solution to the problem! The next step would be to brainstorm ways to make departing (from the middle row, especially) easier to do midday.

More Mini Donuts!