Mission City Farmers Market has found its home at Centennial Park.
Mike Gildersleeve and Karen McDiarmid presented to council as a delegation on Monday night (Dec. 3) on behalf of the farmers’ market
“We've just finished our third season at Centennial Park, which was kind of seen as a pilot project over these last three years and it seems like now it's really more like home,” Gildersleeve said.
The Mission City Farmers Market has cycled through seven different locations since its founding in 1996.
He said the turnout experienced an uptick for both vendors and patrons during the last season.
“It seems to be gathering steam as well. So we're really excited by that,” he said.
Coun. Mark Davies said Centennial Park is a fantastic location for the market.
“It’s shaded with the trees and people can get out and play and walk the park. It really is a great combination,” Davies
Gildersleeve said the market appreciates the ongoing support from the City of Mission.
The presentation also included a wish list of improvements that could make the park a better home for the farmers’ market in the future.
The list included potential signage throughout the community, power on the west side of Centennial Park, pathway upgrades, more permanent seating spaces and improved drainage when it rains.
“We're open, of course, always, to the public – any concerns that might arise, and we want to, we want to have that debate and solve those issues as they come up,” Gildersleeve said
Several councillors said they weren’t surprised by the market’s wish list. Most items are in the process of being addressed through the city’s activity hub plan for the Centennial Park area.
“I know that we're expecting to have a more descriptive plan for the activity hub and the intentions for that park,” Horn said.
Per the presentation, the Mission City Farmers Market contributes $1.5 million annually to the local economy from direct sales, shopper spending and people going to other stores.
