Mayor: Council has no intent to shut down Algoma Farmers' Market

City Council has never had any intent to put an end to the Algoma Farmers' Market, says Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Christian Provenzano.

Speaking to council at last night's meeting, Provenzano said he has no opinion on the agreement and council can't make any decisions one way or another because it doesn't have all the information it needs to make a decision.

He said he has directed staff that, rather than come to council with an agreement that's nearly complete, bring all the options to council so it can give direction before the lease is negotiated.

"The intent of this motion was simply to put this on city council's radar because, as I understand from staff, the lease was coming to an end and notice had to be given," he said. "We're getting in a rhythm with staff where they will bring all of the options to council and not preclude any of those options."

Making good decisions requires a careful and thorough analysis and assessment of all the options, he added.

Ward 1 Councillor Paul Christian wanted to know what costs were associated with the operations of the market.

"Currently there are a number of costs involved with the operating of the market," said Virginia McLeod, city manager of recreation and culture. "We take care of set up and take down of the tent, which amounts to about $3,500, as well we're looking at having to do a replacement of the tarp, which has reached the end of its useful life and it's a 50-50 cost sharing right now, at a cost of anywhere from $5000 to $7000 for the city's portion in 2016; and, the set up fees, so currently the agreement states that the market pays the set up fees each day for the students to set up the tables and chairs and take them down at the tent - which works out to be about $725 a year." 

"I'd be happy to see 12 of these places operating," said Ward 5 Councillor Frank Fata. "The fact that it's stay open is great and it's good news for everyone."

Ward 2 Councillor added her support for the market as well.

She pointed out that Susan Wilding, Algoma Farmers' Market president and Jeff Marshall from the executive were in attendance at the meeting.

"The reason that they've stayed here is because they were very concerned about the street rumour that was out there that council was on a mission to close them down," Myers said. "It absolutely couldn't be further from the truth."  

Myers said Algoma Farmers Market, as a heritage market, is an asset to the community that is valued by tourists and locals alike.

She said the important thing to focus on is that the motion before City Council directs staff not to come back with a negotiated contract but to come back with the information so council can provide direction on negotiating a new contract.

Ward 6 Councillor Ross Romano said he believes Algoma Farmers' Market is one of the most important attractions to the downtown core and that the downtown can't afford to lose it.

Along with the other items on the consent portion of the agenda, Council passed the motion to direct staff to inform the Algoma Farmers' Market Association of its intent to terminate the existing contract, and to report back to it regarding an assessment of the appropriateness and/or feasibility of continuing to lease the space to the Algoma Farmers’ Market and the recommended terms and conditions for such a lease. 

McLeod is expected to return to council with information after consultation with the Algoma Farmers' Market Association and a full assessment of factors that could impact an agreement with the market. 

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