Downtown Market Plans To Stay At Charles Clark Square Through 2019

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The Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market is seeking council approval to set up shop for next season again at Charles Clark Square, and in addition to make it their permanent home until at least 2019.

The Downtown Residents’ Association, which operates the market, is also requesting that all permit fees be waved for the 2014 season.

City administration however is recommending to council that they deny the request to wave the fees, and charge the organization the normal rental fee for the square which is $400.25 a day and the fee to wave the noise bylaw which is another $74.00 a day. For the entire 20 week 2014 market season the total in fees to the city would be $9,485.00.

The association is also requesting between 20 and 40 parking spaces for free for market vendors. The normal cost for this would be between $4,520 and $9,040 for the year. City administration is also recommending this request be denied.

The fees for this year were waved by City Council as part of the pilot project of the market in the new location.

In addition for 2014, the Association has put forward a request to the city to have an agreement for the square until 2019. They say in their letter to the city that they can no longer rely on a contribution from the Downtown Windsor Business Association beyond this year due to budget issues. If the city approves the market under a multi-year agreement, then they would be able to apply for other funding sources and grants.

City administration says that to go more then a one year agreement, they need to consult other city departments and have language in the contract that can provide flexibility to other groups.

The report goes to the social Development, Health and Culture Standing Committee on October 9th, From there the committee will make recommendations based on administrations recommendations and the matter will go to council for final approval.