THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NELSON

REQUEST FOR COUNCIL DECISION

DATE: May 4, 2020, Regular
TOPIC: EcoSociety Market Requests
PROPOSAL: Request for financial support and market location changes
PROPOSED BY: EcoSociety
_____________________________________________________________________
ANALYSIS SUMMARY:
The 2020 farmers’ market season has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The
EcoSociety has four requests for Council to consider, which are:
1) $30,000 in financial support;
2) Waiver of fees associated with market agreements (totaling $5,304);
3) Relocation of the Cottonwood Saturday Market to 600 Baker Street; and
4) Change in the Wednesday Market hours of operation to 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

BACKGROUND:
On March 26, 2020, the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and Provincial
Health Officer, designated farmers’ markets as essential food and agriculture service
providers. Farmers’ markets are exempt from the mass gathering order; however, they
must comply with physical distancing requirements.

Farmers’ markets must meet the guidelines laid out by the British Columbia Centre for
Disease Control and the Provincial Health Minister, which include:
1) Physical distancing
• Limited entry to allow physical separation of 2 meters between individuals
and family groups.
• Minimize entry and exit points to control the number of customers.
• Manage line-ups into the market to meet physical distancing requirements.
• Direct traffic through the market through the use of chalk or tape markings
on the ground.
• Vendor set up with adequate distance between booths.
• Manage physical distancing for food vendors providing take away
services.
• Provide hand-washing facilities and/or access to hand sanitizers for
vendors and customers.
2) Restricted activities, enhanced hygiene, and additional measures
• Markets may only sell food which includes fresh, frozen and prepared
foods.
• Markets must discontinue all food sampling activities.
• Cannot host activities that promote gatherings.
• Ready-to-eat foods must be packaged and customers are not allowed to
eat foods in the markets.
• There must be enhanced frequency of cleaning and disinfection of high
touch surfaces within the market.
• There must be restricted access to anyone who is ill (vendors and
patrons).
Because of COVID-19 and the regulations around farmers’ market operations, the
EcoSociety has cancelled Gardenfest, and Marketfest this year, and propose to make
adjustments to the Cottonwood and Wednesday Markets to ensure compliance with
provincial regulations. As a result of the regulations, they will facilitate less than half the
regular number of vendors.

The EcoSociety has advised they will do the following to meet Provincial requirements:
• Entrance and exit points to control flow of residents and number of people in the
market space;
• Hand sanitation stations at the market entrance and at each vendor stall;
• Spacing within the markets for patrons to stand 2 metres apart at all times;
• No contact pick up stations;
• No cash vending protocols to limit contact touch;
• Signage and volunteers to instruct residents how to safely navigate through the
market; and
• An optional online ordering system.

The City is expecting far fewer tourists and local visitors to the downtown. All
businesses will be impacted by limited visitors this summer.

The City reached out to the Chamber of Commerce and businesses located on the 600
block of Baker Street seeking feedback on the EcoSociety’s requests as related to
location and hours of operation (i.e. that the Wednesday market hours be changed from
9 am - 1 pm to 3 pm- 7 pm, and that the Cottonwood Market relocate from Cottonwood
Park to Baker Street on Saturdays from 9 am -1 pm).

Common concerns from the businesses included:

1. That the Provincial gathering limit of 50 people could negatively impact their
businesses during Market operation;
2. Economic impact on bricks and mortar businesses in general; and
3. Parking challenges if Cottonwood market moved to Baker Street.

BENEFITS OR DISADVANTAGES AND NEGATIVE IMPACTS:

As the EcoSociety’s requests are numerous, this analysis has been separated into two
categories: Location and Funding. For each category the benefits and disadvantages of
the various options are explored.

Location
Option 1: Do not approve the EcoSociety’s market location request and instead provide
Cottonwood Park as the location for both the Wednesday and Cottonwood markets, and
leave the timing of the markets up to the EcoSociety.

Pros:
• There would be no conflict between businesses and the market with the 50
people maximum.
• The City has recently upgraded Cottonwood Park. The stage will be completed
prior to the market opening and washroom facilities are available. New
washroom facilities are being added and are under construction.
• The location has ample parking, although numbers will be restricted.
• The location provides space for social distancing.
• The area offers ample space to meet requirements of the provincial government.
 • New signage will be placed in this location by the City that addresses helath and
safety requirements for social distancing and hand washing stations.
• There would be no disturbance to transit or other business at this location.
• Cottonwood Park is an established Saturday market location, and has been for a
number of years.

Cons:
• The change in the Wednesday market location will be an adjustment for the
public and EcoSociety.
• This location was presented as an option to the EcoSociety, who feel it is not
appropriate and that meeting mandatory health and safety requirements would
be difficult.

Option 2: Approve the EcoSociety’s request to relocate the Saturday Cottonwood

market to the 600 block of Baker Street, and the requested time change of the
Wednesday market to begin and 3:00 pm and end at 7:00 pm.

Pros:
• The change in time for the Wednesday market could be better for businesses
because Baker Street would not be closed to traffic for most of business
operating hours.

Cons:
• The request to relocate the Cottonwood market to the 600 block of Baker Street
on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm will impact businesses on this block of
Baker Street because although the market is not effected by the mass gathering
order, the businesses are required to comply with this order.
• Traffic will be a challenge as it is already congested on Baker Street on
Saturdays.
• Transit would need to be re-routed.

Option 3: Leave the market locations and operating time status quo.

Pros:
• The Wednesday market is already located in the 600 block of Baker Street.
• The community is used to the markets being in these locations.
• Cottonwood Park has been upgraded to accommodate and encourage park use.

Cons:
• It will be challenging to meet the fifty people limit with stores and the market
operating.
• Pick up of on-line orders will be challenging on Baker Street.
• Businesses are already struggling and the proposed market layout will make it
difficult for people to access shops while maintaining a 2M separation from
others.

Funding
Option 1. Do not approve the request to waive market fees or the request for $30,000.
Pros:
• The City can focus on Council’s Economic Stimulus & Economic Stability 25
Point Action Plan.
Cons:
• Risk that one or both markets will not run this year.

Option 2. Approve both requests for funding.

Pros:
• The Markets will operate.
• Markets will provide a valuable local food distribution service, and support local
producers.
Cons:
• The funding will be passed on to tax payers who are already facing tough
financial times due to COVID-19.
• The EcoSociety has already applied to the City for $7,000 to operate the markets
through the CBT/CIPP grant.
• The EcoSociety has not provided a current financial plan, which should identify
how the funds would be used.
• Council has not included this request in the Financial Plan.
Option 3. Approve the request to waive market fees, contingent on both markets being
located at Cottonwood Park, and do not approve the request for $30,000.

Pros:
• There would be no cost to the EcoSociety to use a City location for the markets.
• Cottonwood Park would be used for the purpose that it (and the upgrades) were
intended.
• There is ample parking.
• Social distancing and following other provincial health and safety protocols would
be straight forward.
• Businesses would not be competing with the market to maintain the 50 person
gathering limit.

Cons:
• There is a risk that without the $30,000 in funding the markets will not operate in
2020.

LEGISLATIVE IMPACTS, PRECEDENTS, POLICIES:

It is within Council’s authority to determine whether the requests from the EcoSociety
are approved or not approved. However, Council has recently adopted the Economic
Stimulus & Financial Stability 25 Action Point Plan, which focuses on the significant
financial challenges the City is facing and has a strong focus on economic stimulus
initiatives. This plan also recognizes the importance of supporting organizations that
directly support business and that generate additional grant dollars. In this instance the
City requires an organization to seek grant funding and other financial opportunities
prior to making a request to the City.

The City has not received confirmation that the EcoSociety has applied for support from
other levels of government under the provincial program, and as such they do satisfy
the resolution as set out in Council’s Economic Stimulus and Financial Stability 25 Point
Action Plan. They can reapply to Council at a later date if they are successful in
receiving senior level government support. However, this would have to be funded from
reserves as this request was not included in the Financial Plan.
The EcoSociety has provided its 2020 Farmers’ Market Budget which is attached.

COSTS AND BUDGET IMPACT - REVENUE GENERATION:

The City receives approximately $5,304.00 from the EcoSociety in fees associated with
the Cottonwood and Wednesday markets. This year the City of Nelson is faced with a
significant revenue shortfall due to COVID-19, and Council has made the decision to cut
and defer expenditures while prioritizing spending in the City to protect long term
financial stability and ensure the City is in a position to weather any longer term
impacts.

The request from the EcoSociety to waive market fees and provide $30,000 in financial
support is not included in the proposed financial plan.

IMPACT ON SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES AND STAFF RESOURCES:

The markets support Council’s Path to 2040 sustainability principles of prosperity and
resiliency. The City supports the markets. However, the COVID-19 Pandemic continues
to financially and economically impact City operations and local businesses. Approving
the EcoSociety’s requests puts added pressure on the City and the bricks and mortar
businesses that are struggling to survive.

COMMUNICATION:
The EcoSociety and staff will be notified of Council’s decision.

OPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES:

1. Do not approve the EcoSociety’s market location request and instead provide
Cottonwood Park as the location for both the Wednesday and Cottonwood
markets, and approve the request to waive market fees, contingent on both
markets being located at Cottonwood Park, and do not approve the request for
$30,000.

2. Approve the EcoSociety’s request to relocate the Saturday Cottonwood market to

the 600 block of Baker Street, and the requested time change of the Wednesday
market to begin and 3:00 pm and end at 7:00 pm, and approve the funding
requests.

3. Leave the market locations and operating time status quo, and waive the Market
fees in the amount of $5,304, and do not approve the finding request for $30,000.

ATTACHMENTS:
• EcoSociety letter of request – April 27, 2020
• EcoSociety email correspondence - April 14, 2020
• EcoSociety letter of request – April 2, 2020
• EcoSociety Letter of April 29 & updated map of vendor location and set up on
600 block of Baker Street
• BC Farmers’ Market letter re: Farmers’ Markets are Essential Services under BC
State of Emergency
• Correspondence from Chamber of Commerce
• Correspondence form Baker Street business owners
• EcoSociety 2020 Farmers’ Market Budget
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council passes the following resolutions:

1. THAT Council permit the EcoSociety to house the Wednesday and Saturday markets
at Cottonwood Park;

AND FURTHER THAT Council approve the times of market operations to be

Wednesday from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, and
Are flexible in supporting alternate operating times;

AND FURTHER THAT Council approve the EcoSociety’s request to waive market
fees, in the amount of $5,500 and contingent on both markets being located at
Cottonwood Park.

2. THAT Council not approve the EcoSociety’s request to provide $30,000 in funding,
to support market operations.

3. THAT Council repeal its resolution of March 13, 2020, approving the 600 block of
Baker Street as the location of the Wednesday Market.

AUTHOR: REVIEWED BY:

__________________________________ ____________________________
CORPORATE OFFICER CITY MANAGER
 April 27, 2020
Hello Sarah,

Here is an update on the Nelson farmers’ markets for the 2020 season with the most up-to-date
information with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since 2001, EcoSociety has successfully operated the farmers’ markets in Nelson to support
our local food security and local economy by providing a place for the community to come
together and celebrate locally grown food.

The province of BC deemed Farmers’ Markets an essential service last month, but this may be
the most trying season for EcoSociety to-date. Many of our vendors sell products that are not
within this essential list and are not allowed at the markets, safe spacing and no contact pick up
areas will mean the markets have less than half the regular number of vendors, More than half
our vendors cannot safely attend the market, tourism has ceased for the foreseeable future
resulting in fewer customers, and local Nelson residents will greatly limit their trips out of their
homes due to the pandemic and recommendations for one person to shop once a week per
household.

In short, the number of vendors will be greatly reduced to comply with safety measures and so
will market revenue, which we have twice asked the City to support in 2017 and 2019 as the
markets barely already breakeven. Additionally, we cannot run Gardenfest, Marketfest and other
special event markets this year which bring in additional vendor fees and donations from literally
shaking cans to breakeven.

Together we have an opportunity to create an outdoor shopping space that is most safe for
Nelson residents to buy healthy and fresh vegetables and other local food they need. We are
designing a market that meets all BC Farmers’ Markets and Provincial standards including:
● Entrance and exit points to control the flow of residents and number of people in the
market space
● Hand sanitation stations at the market entrance and at each vendor stall
● Spacing within the markets for residents to stand 2 meters apart at all times
● No contact pick up stations
● No cash vending protocols to limit contact touch
● Signage and volunteers to instruct residents how to safely navigate through the market
● An optional online ordering system
 ● Additional health and safety guidelines

Two weekly farmers’ markets on Saturdays and Wednesdays from June-October on 600 Block
of Baker St. & 500 Block Hall Street Plaza with operating hours of 930am-1pm on Saturday and
330-7pm on Wednesday will provide the best resident access to local fresh food in a safe
outdoor space. Additionally, the Nelson farmers’ markets are where low-income seniors and
families redeem coupons from the BC Farmers’ Market association for healthy produce. Last
year over $26,000 of coupons went through this program.
We will ensure special shopping hours and priority access for coupon holders who are often the
most vulnerable residents to the pandemic.

We are already hearing reports in the news of food crops not being planted en mass as per past
years due to migrant labour being restricted due to the pandemic and semi-closed borders. We
need to be preparing locally for food shortages from external supply chains. Having an
established Nelson farmers’ market that can operate with the most certainty this year will ensure
the local farming community around Nelson is prioritizing getting their produce to Nelson
residents. If they know they can sell to Nelson residents they can organize their business
around Nelson residents this year. When you support the farmer’s markets you are ensuring
access to Nelson residents to local food supplies in a time of huge external food supply
uncertainty.

We have pursued all funding streams that we are aware of at this time, including:
● CBT has confirmed a $15,000 contribution to the Nelson farmers’ markets
● We have applied to Vancouver Foundation for their emergency funding, but were told
funding is highly unlikely for our region as it is being prioritized for the lower mainland
and Fraser Valley
● We have applied for the CIP/AAP funding through the City of Nelson
● We are reaching out to electoral area directors in areas surrounding Nelson that are
home to some of our local farmers to explore support
● We have asked BC Farmers’ Markets for support on identifying additional resources,
with no success
● We will ask the Chamber of Commerce for support and local businesses
● We have and will be applying for all federal and provincial relief support the EcoSociety
qualifies for
● We will be asking our members, supporter and donors, most of whom live in Nelson, to
make gifts to support the farmers’ markets to operate this year
We have requested $30,000 to help us run the markets on a super shoestring safely. If the only
funding that is secured for the markets is CBT’s contribution, this amount from the City of
Nelson and vendor fees at projected levels, we will still be running the markets at a loss and we
will hope our supporters and donors in Nelson will make gifts to make up the shortfall this year. I
hope you contribute $30,000 so safe outdoor shopping for local food can be made available to
Nelson residents this year.

Thank you,

Craig Mullin
Markets Coordinator
West Kootenay EcoSociety
From: Craig Mullin
To: Sarah Winton
Subject: Markets update
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 12:38:46 PM

Hello Sarah,

I've been in regular weekly meetings with our farmers and getting up to the minute info from
the CDC and the BC Farmers Market Association since we last spoke.

Our plan for the 2020 market season will have to pivot considerably due to the Covid crisis,
and we are committed to our mandate of promoting local food sustainability in Nelson and
surrounding area. Funding has not been entirely secured for us to make it through the season
though we are hopeful we will receive support considering we have been deemed an essential
service by the provincial government.

We have cancelled GardenFest, May 9th and both MarketFest events in July and August.

We would like to continue to hold 2 weekly farmers’ markets on Saturday and Wednesday
Beginning June 10 & 13th respectively with the proposed changes being:

- Cottonwood Saturday market moves to 600 Baker Street from 9am-1pm (not   including 1
hour  set up & take down).
- Downtown Wednesday market held at 600 Baker Street from 3pm-7pm (not   including 1
hour set up & take down).
- Both markets adapted to the CDC's farmers market protocols & best practices   listed here.
- Tents would continue to face businesses to promote better social distancing.
- Separate the market into 2 zones to control amount of people in each zone.     Zone 1 on one
side of Baker, Zone 2 on other side.
- Set up entry and exit points to control amount of people in each zone.
- Offer hand wash and sanitizing stations and signage listing new protocols   based on CDC
safety recommendations.
- Encourage vendors to use card payments only.
- We will be adding an online platform for all vendors to minimize amount of   customers
coming down to market site by offering delivery and pickup.
- Hall street plaza would 'not' be used unless vendor numbers exceed the   amount of booths
the 600 block Baker Street accommodates.

We will not be hosting live music or promoting markets this year as 'events' rather we are
going to be marketing them as 'food distribution hubs' to strengthen our local food security and
do it safely by encouraging customers to 'shop don't stop'. 

Cottonwood stage & bathroom construction has begun which would affect our markets
considerably and perhaps keep them from flourishing this season which is one more reason to
move up to the downtown location this year.

Lastly, it's my hope that the city would consider waiving our rental fees for using the market
location this year to help support our local farmers and food producers by providing a safe and
efficient way of buying local food. Also is it possible for the city to install an internet 'hot spot'
for the 600 block Baker Street so vendors can use their electronic payment systems rather than
take cash?

I hope you're staying healthy in this strange time,

Craig Mullin
Markets Coordinator

In light of COVID-19, our offices are closed and our staff are working remotely until further notice. Please continue
connecting with us and doing the good work in digital spaces. 

Protecting wild places and building sustainable communities since 1994

206-507 Baker St. Nelson, BC V1L 4J2 |954A Eldorado St. Trail, BC V1R 3V5 
ph 250-354-1909 ext 201                            ph 250-921-5497

ecosociety.ca
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Mobile: 250 354 7708

Hello Sarah, April 2, 2020

The BC government announced Friday that Farmers' Markets are an essential service! This was
great news for us and our vendors as it seemed there was a possibility of markets being cancelled
all together during this Covid-19 outbreak.

Along with this news came the notice that only food vendors will be allowed to vend fresh, frozen
and prepared foods, food carts and liquor. This is wonderful news that outside well regulated spaces
can support both local farmers selling their food and local residents buying fresh and healthy food in
a safer way than indoor shopping.

However, this means we'll be running our markets with less than 50% of our regular number of
vendors, which means we will collect less than 50% of our usual vendor fees. I have spoken with the
farmers who sell at our Nelson markets, and they are all planting and planning to be running.
However, they agree that one market each week will be their capacity. We are thinking that running
the downtown market on Wednesdays will allow for the most accessible markets and have the
Saturday Cottonwood venue be a CSA pick-up for farmers and CSA customers only.

This means we cannot afford to run the Nelson farmers’ markets unless we receive outside funding.
This is the dilemma we face. Our local farmers are key to food security in our community, especially
the low income families and seniors who use the coupon program to get healthy, fresh food each
month. With a reduced number of vendors and reduced number of markets though, we do not
generate enough revenue through their fees to run the markets.

I'm writing to ask the City of Nelson to consider helping us fund the 2020 Nelson farmers' markets
season.

Our preliminary budget shows a $50,000 shortfall, though this may change depending on when the
markets actually start and how many vendors participate. We are hoping the City of Nelson will
approve our CIP requests to meet some of this revenue. We will also approach CBT and any other
funding sources available. We are hoping the City will consider an additional request of $30,000 so
we can move forward with planning to run the farmers’ markets.
 2

We realize that asking for $30,000 to fund the markets at this time is probably a surprise. I would be
happy to go over our market budget with you in more detail if you like. This represents our bottom
line that we need to stay afloat and be able to host the farmers’ markets this year.

This pandemic has forced us to cancel GardenFest, as well as both MarketFest events in 2020. I
hope there is a way for you to help us facilitate a market space for all the farming and local food
businesses and help people buy food in a safe way outside, and to ensure food security is
maintained within our community.

Thanks for your consideration,

Craig Mullin

Markets Coordinator
West Kootenay EcoSociety
206 - 507 Baker Street
Nelson, BC
V1L 4H7
From: Craig Mullin
To: Sarah Winton
Subject: updated downtown market map
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 3:59:40 PM
Attachments: 2020 market map - baker & hall street.pdf

Hi Sarah,

Here is the updated downtown market map which includes hall street plaza.

Our proposal for this year includes having tents facing inwards to allow for physical
distancing of 2 meters throughout the market. 

This will also free up the sidewalks for customers to move more freely in and out of the brick
and mortar stores.

We are no longer working with a multi zone layout as advised by the provincial health officer. 

Please include this updated map at the council meeting on monday. 

Craig Mullin
Markets Coordinator

In light of COVID-19, our offices are closed and our staff are working remotely until further notice. Please continue
connecting with us and doing the good work in digital spaces. 

Protecting wild places and building sustainable communities since 1994

ecosociety.ca
like us on Facebook
follow us on Twitter & Instagram

Mobile: 250 354 7708


April 16th, 2020

From: Heather O’Hara – Executive Director

BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM)

To: Mayors, Councilors & Regional District Officials

RE: Farmers’ Markets are Essential Services under BC State of Emergency

Dear Mayors, Councilors and Officials,

The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets is sending this letter on behalf of our 145+ member
farmers’ markets which operate in each of your communities across BC. Please share this
information with relevant municipal and district staff and stakeholders.

As recognized by the BC Centre for Disease Control and Provincial Health Officer, on
March 26th, 2020 the Ministry of Health designated farmers’ markets as essential food
and agriculture service providers. Farmers' markets are exempt from the mass gathering
order: however, they must comply with physical distancing requirements.

BCAFM and BCCDC continue to work together as our farmers’ markets modify their operations
to ensure the health and safety of consumers, market organizers and vendors across BC. The
most current guidelines and restrictions on the safe operations of farmers’ markets can be found
on the BCCDC website and this farmers’ markets landing page:

http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/community-
settings/farmers-markets

Since the outset of the COVID-19 crisis, BCAFM and each one of our member markets have
been proactive and demonstrated great leadership in your communities. Please visit the
BCAFM website for our response to COVID-19 and see how all the ways farmers’ markets are
responding:

https://bcfarmersmarket.org/bcafm-covid19/

Like always, your market organizers and vendors are resilient and taking concrete steps to
ensure your local community has access to local food. Furthermore, the livelihoods of your local
farmers and food vendors rely on farmers market as a critical and vital direct sales channel to
local customers to sustain their livelihoods and directly support your local economy. Right now,
we are seeing the demand for local food in your community is increasing daily at our markets.

BC Farmers’ Market Online Initiative

BC Farmers’ Markets Online is a new e-commerce initiative launched by BCAFM and member
markets in response to COVID-19 to support member farmers’ markets of the BC Association of
Farmers’ Markets. This online e-commerce platform enables farmers’ market vendors to sell
their products through their new farmers’ market online store, in addition to their modified


physical market locations on the ground. Each market is unique in its operations, and BC
Farmers’ Markets Online will reflect this diversity. For example, each market may vary in how
products are delivered or picked up and how they manage their online store in addition to and
as a complement to their physical markets. Participation in BC Farmers’ Markets Online is
voluntary and does not necessarily replace a physical market. Additionally, for various reasons
individual markets may determine not to develop an online market for the moment.

Visit the BC Farmers’ Market Trail website to find and promote your local farmers’ market and
to determine which markets have now launched their online stores. Check back often as we
expect 80+ markets to offer an additional online store feature for their local customers across
the province this season in addition to their physical market locations which continue to be a
food retail channel and critical pick up and distribution point supporting this e-commerce
initiative.

BC Farmers’ Market Trail https://bcfarmersmarkettrail.com

BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program

As you may know, each year BCAFM together with participating farmers’ markets deliver the BC
Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program in participating communities with funding support
from the Ministry of Health and Provincial Health Services Authority. In 2019, this program
delivered $1.4M in farm, fresh food to over 15,000 pregnant women, seniors and low income
families in your community and across BC directly from your local farmers’ market. BCAFM is
adapting this program to work with modified participating farmers’ markets on the ground and
online for the 2020 season. In order for this program to operate in your community, your
farmers’ market must continue to operate in 2020.

Municipal & Regional District Support

Farmers’ Markets are doing their part. Municipalities and regional districts can do your part to
ensure local food is available and accessible. Together we can do this now and for the future.

• First and foremost, allow your farmers’ markets to operate.

• As markets modify their operations, be flexible, administratively efficient and supportive
of changing space and location requirements for the sake of local customers and market
organizers. This includes providing new, additional or different spaces for your market to
operate.
• Provide access to handwashing and washroom facilities.
• Provide access to underused equipment, infrastructure eg; barricades, pylons, ropes
and other equipment and infrastructure markets can use on the ground to manage
market spaces.
• Provide financial support. You should know that as all markets are required to modify
their physical operations and are limited to food only vendors, their operating revenues
are greatly reduced. Conversely, the work and time required of market organizers to
modify markets and build their online store has been dramatically increased.
• Provide municipal in kind staff and volunteer support on the ground to market
organizers.


• Market and promote your local farmers’ market as an essential place for residents to
purchase food locally and sustain your farmers and food entrepreneurs.

Reach Out

As always, we encourage our member farmers’ markets to reach out to their municipal and
regional districts. We invite you to do the same and reach out to your local farmers’ market
organizers and see how you can lend a hand.

Your farmers’ markets need your support today more than ever. Working together we will
ensure access to local food in your community today and tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Heather O’Hara
Executive Director
BC Association of Farmers’ Markets

91 Baker Street Nelson BC V1L 4G8 ● Toll Free: 1-877-663-5706 ● Ph: (250) 352-3433 ● Email: info@discoverNelson.com

April 29, 2020

Mayor John Dooley and Council

City of Nelson
101 310 Ward Street
Nelson BC
V1L 5S4

Re: Downtown Markets

Dear Mayor Dooley and Council.

The Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors appreciate the opportunity to
comment on the proposed changes to the downtown markets for this summer. The Wednesday
farmers markets in Nelson are generally well received by the public, but that is not always the
case for businesses operating right next to the market. Impacts on parking and accessibility for
customers to access stores are key concerns. Also, the impact of food vendors on local bricks
and mortar restaurants can also be cited as a concern.

Clearly, there are direct benefit to the producers and consumers. Selling directly to consumers
allows the farmer to capture the entire selling price. Consumers benefit by receiving access to
fresh, locally produced foods and goods.

This year is going to be even more challenging for everyone with businesses trying to recover
from limited or no income for the past 2 months and then allowing a temporary market to
dictate foot traffic on Baker Street that’s full of businesses trying to recover from pandemic
closures isn’t a good idea.

We understand the limitations being put on the Eco Society Market trying to run the market
with 50 people at a time including vendors. We question if that number includes sidewalk foot
traffic to stores. If so, how viable would that be for businesses or the market?

To lessen the impact, possible solutions would be locating the market on Victoria Street near the
Capitol Theatre, just one block off Baker, and rather than a Saturday market which is usually a
busy retail day, a Sunday market.

Sincerely

Tanya Finley President

From: Jen Barnes
To: Sarah Winton
Subject: Re: FW: EcoSociety proposal to City of Nelson
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 12:35:06 PM

Thank you Sarah,

I've heard the capacity is 50 including vendors. Is this true?

So, if the current plan is for vendors to be facing storefronts that will mean the capacity for the
entire block, including customers in stores will be 50. Is this correct? 

Our store is currently open and operating within regulations. We are serving one
customer at a time. The statement made by Nelson Star about the businesses not
being open was completely innacurate. Many of us are open to some degree and I
expect more will be soon. So I have some major concerns about this. 

What about those of us working in the stores? Shouldn't we also be included in the capacity? 

What if there are 15 people in pharmasave, and another 10 in the dollar store will they be
included in the capacity?

If i have someone who is coming to shop at my store, and the market/block is at capacity, will
they have to wait their turn? 

Will I have to wait to have acces through the front of my store? 

There are so many more scenarios that are unclear, I was running  through a myriad of them
while I couldnt sleep last night. I appreciate you providing this information. 

On Wed., Apr. 29, 2020, 12:16 p.m. Sarah Winton, <SWinton@nelson.ca> wrote:

Hi Jen,

Thanks for your response.

The Eco Society has made a request to Council to consider changing the time of the Wednesday
market and relocating the Cottonwood Market from Cottonwood park to the 600 block of Baker
Street on Saturdays. At this point, the plan is to take a report to Council on Monday May 4th, for
decision about these items. Council has not made ANY decisions with regard to the Eco Society’s
request, which is why we are gathering as much information as we can to include in the report to
Council.

I will do my best to answer your questions.

 

1. How is capacity going to be managed? Will that be for the entire block and therefore
restricting access to storefronts as well?

The Eco Society will be responsible for managing capacity and have laid out a plan
addressing how they will manage requirements that the province has implemented for
Markets.

2. Which way will vendors be facing?

If the market proceeds as requested, it will be set up the same as last year, with tent
openings facing the stores. There will be 10 feet between each tent to allow for safe
distancing, with two entry zones with hand wash stations at one end of the street, and two
exits at the other end. There will be sanitizing stations and signage listing new protocals
based on BCCDC protocols.

3. Why change the time of the market?

Good question. I do not have the answer to this one.

4. How are you going to ensure that businesses on the block are supported to ensure minimal
negative impact?

Again, great question. Council has implemented an Economic Stimulus and Financial Stability
25 point Plan to help businesses in Nelson. We also have a Business Outreach team that will
be in contact with each business to identify supports and connect businesses with
resources.

City staff would also work directly with the Market manager to ensure that there would be
minimal negative impact to businesses. Also, the Market cannot have food trucks or food
vendors.

 
5. What meaures are you taking to create the possibility of a positive impact for the
businesses on the 600 block?

See above. We are also open to suggestions.

Any feedback that you have would be greatly appreciated. It will help inform Council in their
decision.

Best regards,

Sarah Winton

Manager of Corporate Services

City of Nelson

Suite 101, 310 Ward St.

Nelson, BC, V1L 5S4

P: 250.352.8120

C: 250.551.8120

  

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From: Jen Barnes [mailto:jenbarnes.nelson@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 11:04 AM
To: Sonya Martineau
Subject: Re: EcoSociety proposal to City of Nelson

This questionnaire seems completely inadequate considering there are some major factors to
be considered and information about the possible changes has not been directly
communicated to the businesses on the 600 block

Can you please provide more information about the proposals and necesarry changes?

How is capacity going to be managed? Will that be for the entire block and therefore
restricting access to storefronts as well?

Which way will vendors be facing?

Why change the time of the market?

How are you going to ensure that businesses on the block are supported to ensure minimal
negative impact?

What meaures are you taking to create the possibility of a positive impact for the businesses
on the 600 block?

On Wed., Apr. 29, 2020, 10:29 a.m. Sonya Martineau, <SMartineau@nelson.ca> wrote:

Dear business owners:

On Monday, May 4th Council will decide the outcome on asks from the EcoSociety.

It is really important to the City that we obtain feedback from the business owners on the
600 Block of Baker Street regarding two proposals from the EcoSociety, staff will provide
your feedback to Council to assist them in making the best decision for everyone.

Please take the time to answer the following two questions with a yes or a no and any
comments you have on either question:

       1.            Do you support the EcoSociety’s request to change the time for the Wednesday

market from 9 am -1 pm

to 3 pm - 7 pm. 

2.            Do you support the EcoSociety’s request to relocate the Cottonwood market to
      

the 600 block of Baker Street on Saturdays from 9 am -1 pm.

Please provide your feedback by the end of the week as staff will be compiling this
information for the Council meeting next Monday.

Thank you

Sonya Martineau

Legislative Assistant

Corporation of the City of Nelson

#101 – 310 Ward Street, Nelson, BC V1L 5S4

Telephone: 250.352.8234   

Fax: 250.352.2131

 
   

 
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Roam
Hi Sonya, thanks for reaching out. Glad there is a follow up.
1. Timing of Wednesday market matters not. The real issue is the 50 person limit per block, if this
effects the access to our store by our customers ( eg. Person 51 being our customer);
that is an absolute non negotiable. We would like to see a plan of how the Eco Society is proposing
to manage the market traffic around our store. And traffic in general, as the Covid 19
issues/concerns will not be resolved by market time.
2. We do not support the market on Baker on Saturdays.

Robert Stojanowski
Owner
Roam Shop
639 Baker St.
Nelson BC
250 354 8460
250 354 2056
Main Street Dinner

Hi Sonya,

We can not support the disruption to our regular customers by supporting the request to move the
Wednesday market to the evening. When the market first arrived on our block two years ago we saw a
significant drop in business. The following year this loss was in part recovered as patrons found their
new normal.

We also cannot support a Saturday market on Baker Street. Saturday is traditionally a high traffic day
downtown and parking is always an issue for people wishing to come downtown. I don’t see it as
appropriate or necessary to move the market to downtown, especially with the costly improvements
that were made specifically for the eco society at cottonwood falls area.

We are also disappointed the market would again ask the city to waive its operating fee. When brick and
mortar businesses request a tent permit it costs 85$ a day. Why should businesses that pay thousands in
taxes then pay more than a temporary market would for the same size tent?

Also concerned about the eco society’s request for $30’000 from the city for ‘loss of potential revenue’,
especially at a time when all businesses are suffering as a result of covid 19.

Lastly, I’d like to say that allowing the market on Baker Street while the province has gather limits would
greatly impact our business and those around us. We rely on foot traffic and can’t have a farmers
market limiting the number of people that can access the sidewalk in front of our business. 50 person
max, including vendors, would have a negative impact on brick and mortar businesses trying to recover
from the pandemic closures over the next few months.

With the community centre closed, their parking lot would be a perfect location for the market.

Kind regards,

- Main Street Diner

Culinary Conspiracy

Sonya
1.
We are okay with the Wednesday market changing their times of operation.
With some caveats on unaddressed issues such as how will they restrict the amount of Farmers Market
shoppers, without restricting the flow of brick and mortar shoppers?
2.
We would not support the closure of Baker St on a Saturday.
As I understand it, the Saturday market will be mostly made up of people picking up their CSA boxes, and
that could be done, in the parking lot of the Chamber, or Civic Arena.

As a side note, I would not support the Eco Society asking for money, when they say they have a waiting
list for stalls.
They should be charging more, per stall, to round out their business model, not coming hat in hand
looking for a handout.
It flies in the face of all those B&M businesses that open everyday, on Baker St.

Chris
Culinary Conspiracy
610 Baker St.
Nelson BC
250.352.9966 ph.
store@culinary-conspiracy.com
www.culinary-conspiracy.com
From: Fiona Richards [mailto:fiona@fionarichards.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 8:03 AM
Cc: Council <NelsonCouncil@nelson.ca>
Subject: Re: Urgent: Eco Society’s proposal to council.

Hi John,

The merchants of the 600 block need to have a say in this - just as the Eco Society was required
to canvas us before they moved the market to our block.
We love the market but we are extremely concerned about the state of business this summer.

Permanent retailers and merchants cannot be compromised by the Eco Society’s needs.

This is very worrying to all of us on the block.

We need to be consulted.

Fiona
---------------------------------
FIONA RICHARDS - CEO + Creative Director
---------------------------------
CARTOLINA INC
Wholesalers + Retailers
652 Baker St,
Nelson BC
V1L 4J4
Ph: 250.551.2000
www.cartolina.com

On Apr 29, 2020, at 7:49 AM, John Dooley <mayordooley@nelson.ca> wrote:

Thank you Fiona

John Dooley
Mayor
City of Nelson
101-310 Ward Street,
Nelson, B.C. V1L 5S4
250 352 8263

On Apr 29, 2020, at 7:32 AM, Fiona at Cartolina <fiona@fionarichards.com> wrote:

Dear Councillors,

It has come to our attention that the Farmers Market / Eco Society will be making a proposal to
council. As business owners in the 600 Block of Baker Street, we would like to express our
concerns with what we understand to be some of their requests.

1) We will likely be re-opening our retail store, Cartolina, within weeks. We understand that the
Eco Society wants to limit the number of pedestrians to 50 people at any time. Obviously this
is completelyunacceptable to the brick and mortar merchants that are on the 600 block of
Baker. Most of us have voluntarily closed our business's for the good of the public during the
Pandemic. If we manage to make it through, and are in the middle of a 'soft opening' , limiting
the number of pedestrians on just our block for two days a week, is to put it mildly, ludicrous,
and a huge impediment to our recovery.

2) While we are enthusiastic supporters of the Market, it seems inappropriate for them to
purportedly be asking for money from the City, while brick and mortar shops who pay
business license fees, taxes, water sewer etc. aren't asking nor expecting a City of Nelson
bailout.

Thank You for considering all sides in this matter.

Regards,

Fiona Richards and Doug Jones

------------------------
FIONA RICHARDS
CEO + Creative Director
------------------------
CARTOLINA INC.
Wholesalers + Retailers
652 Baker Street.
Nelson. BC. V1L 4J4
Ph: 1.250.551.2000
www.cartolina.com
Response from Sam Baio
Vallhalla Pure

Dear business owners:

On Monday, May 4th Council will decide the outcome on asks from the EcoSociety.
It is really important to the City that we obtain feedback from the business owners on the 600 Block of
Baker Street regarding two proposals from the EcoSociety, staff will provide your feedback to Council to
assist them in making the best decision for everyone.

Please take the time to answer the following two questions with a yes or a no and any comments you
have on either question:

1. Do you support the EcoSociety’s request to change the time for the Wednesday market from 9
am -1 pm
to 3 pm - 7 pm. Yes, I support it, although prefer the morning, as we are open through the 9-1
time

2. Do you support the EcoSociety’s request to relocate the Cottonwood market to the 600 block of
Baker Street on Saturdays from 9 am -1 pm. Not for now, Originally I thought Wed was to help
bring people downtown in the middle of the week, Saturday is usually too busy for that

Please provide your feedback by the end of the week as staff will be compiling this information for the
Council meeting next Monday.

Thank you

Sonya Martineau
Legislative Assistant
Corporation of the City of Nelson
#101 – 310 Ward Street, Nelson, BC V1L 5S4
Telephone: 250.352.8234
Fax: 250.352.2131
1. Do you support the EcoSociety’s request to change the time for the Wednesday market from 9
am -1 pm
to 3 pm - 7 pm.
Yes

2. Do you support the EcoSociety’s request to relocate the Cottonwood market to the 600 block of
Baker Street on Saturdays from 9 am -1 pm.
Yes

Daniel LeBlanc, CFP® CIM®

Portfolio Manager
HollisWealth®, a division of Industrial Alliance Securities Inc.
dan@wlwp.ca
www.wlwp.ca

twitter.com/whiteleblanc2
facebook.com/WhiteLeBlancWealthPlanners/

239 Brownlow Ave, Suite 204, Dartmouth, NS B3B 2B2

902-477-4471 | 800-782-2345
628 Prince St. Truro, NS, B2N 1G4
902-893-3612 | 844-453-7600
608 Baker St, Nelson, BC V1L 4J4
250-352-3621 | 800-977-8887
4510A Joyce Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 3A9
604-485-6160 | 800-905-7293
19-3455 Harvester Rd, Burlington, ON L7N 3P2
905-634-6222 | 866-544-0502
From: Sidewinders
To: Council
Subject: baker street market 2020
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2020 9:24:20 AM

Mayor and Council.

It has been brought to my attention that the Eco Society is asking for changes to the baker street market for this
spring/summer. I would hope these changes would be discussed with the businesses that are affected by the market
especially in a critical time like this. Who knows how long businesses will be affected by this. The businesses that
make up the thriving downtown that we have. The ones that are there all year long and have to deal with the ups and
downs of the slower times of the year. The Eco Society asking for hand outs in a time like this is appalling. The
Market has never had a good impact on my business. Especially when on the 600 block of baker St. My Cafe
(Sidewinder Coffee) has been closed since the 20th of March due to Covid 19. I have yet to see the city extend any
help to local brick and mortar businesses who pay property tax, water sewer, business license, and nelson hydro
bills. Not to mention having to come up with rent ( our landlords have offered no help) and other bills in a time
when no money is coming in. I was shocked when a fellow business owner told me what the Eco Society was
asking for in 2020. Talk about “loss of Volume” who knows how long it will be before we are allowed to have a
customer actually sit at a table inside our establishment. Excuse the language, but you have got to be
kidding me.

Owners
Cait Cormie and Nick Cima
Nelson Farmers' Markets Budget 2020

Revenue Status
Canada Summer Jobs-summer studen $ 4,000 pending
CBT $ 15,000 confirmed
vendor fees $ 8,000 pending
CIP/APP $ 7,000 pending
City of Nelson $ 30,000 pending
Federal wage subsidy $ 757 confirmed
Community donations $ 5,000 pending
Other amount to fund $ 1,243 pending
Total $ 71,000

Expenses
Accounting, admin, insurance, rent, p $ 12,000
Advertizing $ 500
Supplies $ 4,000
Vehicle $ 400
Volunteer Reconition $ 100
staff costs (x3) $ 54,000

Total $ 71,000