The Sechelt Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market has been asked to find a new home for 2026, but market president Jon Bell is determined to argue the case for staying put on Cowrie Street to District of Sechelt (DOS) mayor and council.
Bell is also hoping to discuss the proposed relocation with the DOS planning department.
In December, the market board had a virtual meeting with the manager of community services to discuss the letter of agreement between the district and Sechelt Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market. Bell assumed the meeting would be to address topics such as garbage, barricades and the cost of their lease, but then was told the DOS would provide a letter of agreement for 2025, but not 2026, and that they should start looking for a new location.
“It's not easy moving a farmers' market. The requirements are quite difficult, to say the least, I mean, we need a hard surface,” said Bell. “People say we could move to a park, but if we were on grass, it would be a mud bowl or it would be a dust bowl. The grass would not survive and it wouldn't be accessible and we pride ourselves on being accessible.”
Rental apartment development requires access for construction
At issue is the construction of a rental apartment development at 5535 Shorncliffe Ave., which is approved to include 109 units. The farmers’ market cuts off the west end of Cowrie Street at Shorncliffe, as well as the northwest highway entrance to downtown from the Sunshine Coast Highway, though short detours are available.
In a staff report to council regarding the development proposal, dated Sep. 7, 2022, one section reads, “The future of the farmers market in its current location will need to be reviewed in light of the proposed development. Additional residential traffic will be generated from Shorncliffe through the Cowrie Street intersection and the farmers market location would be problematic. Shifting it further east along Cowrie Street would allow the district to close a block off to traffic on the market day and more easily divert traffic around the area.”
Bell says construction of the development can easily go ahead, while the market stays in place.
“We understand that the vehicles do need to come in on off Shorncliffe, but we're on that street for like, eight per cent of the year, a very tiny part, Saturday mornings,” said Bell. “And most construction is not on Saturday morning. We're not there during midweek. We're not there during the winter, so it's just a very small portion of the year that we're there. Hopefully, we can get some resolution with the district, so we can stay there.”
Other locations considered
Bell notes moving the market east, closer to the downtown core, is not an option because it’s a weekly event, unlike Car Free Day, which was a successful event on Cowrie Street this past summer, but only takes place one day a year. He says the market would interfere with the retail shops and businesses located along Cowrie.
He adds it’s also been suggested Inlet Street between Cowrie and Dolphin could be blocked off and used as an alternative, but he was told residents of the street were opposed to the idea.
“That was not going to work for whatever reason. So, we're really pushing to stay on Cowrie Street between Ocean and Shorncliffe,” said Bell. “Because it's such a good location for the market and a lot of people have just gone, ‘Oh my goodness, why would you ever move? It's such a positive downtown event.’ And if we were to have to find a new location, and that's going to be really, really hard, there's no guarantee of where it would be.”
Sunshine Coast Tourism weighs in
Annie Wise, executive director for Sunshine Coast Tourism, told Coast Reporter she’s been aware of the issue since 2022.
“Sunshine Coast Tourism has long supported the Sechelt Farmers' and Artisans Market as a key partner in both local tourism and economic development,” said Wise. “The market is a vital asset, drawing visitors to the Sunshine Coast and providing a valuable platform for local producers.”
Wise noted, as evidenced by the 2023 BC Farmers' Market Economic Impact Study for the Sunshine Coast, farmers' markets in the region are important economic drivers, “contributing significantly to local economies and creating community spaces where locals and visitors alike can enjoy unique experiences.”
The report included combined data on both the Sechelt Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market and Powell River Farmers Market, which are members of the BC Association of Farmers Markets (BCAFM).
An average of 372 people participated in the survey, which is 10 per cent of the estimated total crowd counts for all of the market assessment days.
According to the 2023 annual economic impact, included in the report, BCAFM member markets on the Coast, contribute an estimated $5.2 million to the provincial economy each year.
As well, the ‘spillover’ effect the Sunshine Coast BCAFM member markets have on their neighbouring businesses worked out to an average of $3.5 million in spending at neighbourhood businesses for 2023.
The average amount spent by survey respondents at neighbouring businesses in the Sunshine Coast region is $54.94, which is higher than the B.C. average of $47.17.
Wise suggests a relocation of the market could be an opportunity to explore new possibilities and adds, moving it to Cowrie between Trail and Inlet, where it could be closed to through-traffic during market hours, could significantly increase foot traffic, benefiting both the market and the surrounding businesses.
“We saw this work really well during last year's Car Free Day on Cowrie. This would not only maintain the market’s role as an economic driver but also strengthen downtown Sechelt as a destination for both locals and tourists alike,” said Wise. “Ultimately, wherever the market goes, Sunshine Coast Tourism remains committed to supporting the market’s growth and sustainability, and we are hopeful that the new location will allow the market to thrive even more in the future.”
District of Sechelt responds
In an email statement to Coast Reporter, Lindsay Vickers, manager of communication for DOS, said the discussion about potentially moving the market has been ongoing since 2021, during the previous council's term.
“Increased traffic, new much-needed long-term rental housing, as well as a traffic light at Shorncliffe and the highway are all big factors,” Vickers wrote. “At the end of the day, it's about ensuring the market is located in a safe space for all to enjoy.”
Vickers noted the district has yet to receive an application from the market for 2025, but staff assumed it would like to continue in the same space, so “are pleased to bring one-year renewal forward for Council's consideration on February 5.”
“We recognize there are challenges and opportunities as Sechelt continues to grow and will present to council in February to seek direction for the future. We'll work hard to find a great location for all to enjoy the market.”
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