Market fears freeze-out

by Darren Handschuh CASTANET - Oct 15, 2015 / 12:22 pm

While officials seek approval for a referendum on a second ice sheet at Kal Tire Place, one local group is afraid the expansion may leave it out in the cold. For the past 15 years, the Vernon Farmer's Market has set up twice a week in the arena parking lot. But, plans to build the second rink on the north side of the existing facility would take a big chunk out of the market's space. “If they built it to the north, it will pretty much take up more than half of our market,” said Ingrid Baron, market manager. “Plus, during construction, we would have to move all together, and that could take up to three years.” The market represents 220 vendors and at peak season there are 185 booths set up, selling everything from fruit and vegetables to home-made items. The market attracts up to 100,000 people annually, with an economic impact of more than $3 million. Baron said it would be best to build the second ice sheet on the west side of Kal Tire Place, but legal wrangling over the fate of Kin Race Track has left the prime real estate in limbo for years. Approval for the referendum has yet to be granted by the province, but Baron said market organizers have already sent letters to the City of Vernon, Coldstream and the regional district outlining their concerns. “There is no other place for the market to go,” said Baron. “Some people have come up with ideas, but most of them are too small. Once the market is set up, there will be no room for customer parking.” Before moving to the arena site, the market operated out of the recreation complex parking lot.“That was the whole idea when we got booted out of the recreation centre 15 years ago. This was supposed to be our home. That's what was promised,” said Baron.