Market waived Wesbild fees

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 09, 2009

Advocates of local agriculture have harvested some good news. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee voted Thursday to waive fees for the Vernon Farmers Market using the Wesbild Centre parking lot. “It’s wonderful, it’s super,” said Wayne Seabrook, market manager. “It’s a positive step towards food security and supporting local agriculture.” The market was facing an increase in fees from $2,249 to $4,800 so GVAC staff were available on statutory holidays to open up Wesbild Centre’s washrooms. However, the farmers market society stated that such a hike would make it difficult for vendors to operate and they requested that the fees be waived.

“That was the ultimate hope but at the back of our mind, we thought they may at least hold the line on fees,” said Seabrook. GVAC staff recommended phasing the cost of opening Wesbild Centre on statutory holidays over five years and that the base cost of $2,249 be increased by the consumer price index annually. But a majority of board members disagreed. “We subsidize our arenas to the tune of $1 million a year. To subsidize them (market) for a few thousand dollars is peanuts,” said director Doug Dirk. That was also the view of director Mike Macnabb. “We should not be charging for the use of a public parking lot. It sets a different tone if we charge for this,” he said.

Lone opposition came from director Mary-Jo O’Keefe, who stated that less that half of the vendors are farmers and the rest are selling crafts. “They are in business for themselves,” she said, adding that the increase works out to $25 per vendor. “I don’t see it as an onerous fee.” Seabrook is convinced the public will directly benefit from the market not having to pay fees.“It means we will have a healthier market and we will be able to make some improvements,” he said.