Nanaimo farmers' market has bagged a $1,750 city grant as it prepares to test the public appetite for a more market days.
The Island Roots Bowen Road Farmers' Market won a city grant on Monday as it grows from one to two markets a week and sees new rental rates at Beban Park.
Vendors will open tables Wednesdays and Saturdays, beginning this May. The market group shares a vision with Island Roots Co-operative for a year-round space where farmers, food processors and producers can sell products 52 weeks a year, according to Whelm King, a market founder and society treasurer.
Opening a second day a week will test demand and support of farmers, but it also comes with new rates, prompting the request for a Community Program Development Grant. The city is now handling the rent of the Beban Park market space, as opposed to the Vancouver Island Exhibition. It means the group goes from paying $500 a season to rates set under a parks bylaw – $23 a day for hydro and a $25 daily rental fee.
Mary Smith, city manager of recreation services, said through conversations with the market people about a year-round market there was a preference to work with the city. She also wants to work more closely with the group now that it’s open Saturdays to ensure there are no conflicts with other activities.
She also said the city does recognize the fees sometimes make things prohibitive, especially when something new is starting out which is why grants exist.
Council approved the grant Monday, but Coun. Bill Bestwick said it seemed a little redundant.
“It seems to me that we are going to write them a cheque so they can write us a cheque back for an additional day and we’re giving them no more than they had before,” he said.
King expressed gratitude for money, adding the most important part is it shows council and staff’s recognition of the value of what the market is doing.
The first Bowen Road markets are May 11 and May 28. The city has about $4,000 left in its grant fund for other groups.