Farmers, vendors don't agree with 'alternative' street market

BY KEITH LACEY

Representatives of Sudbury Manitoulin Food Security Network held a news conference at Market Square today to say the farmers' market is finally making progress and closing it would be a mistake.

Allison Muckle said comments by Bob Wygant, a new member of the board for Downtown Sudbury, which represents business owners and merchants downtown, about wanting to close the market has upset a lot of people.

Daniel Mainville, a local farmer, said the current location has made big strides the past couple of years.

"We're just starting to gain momentum...and it would be disastrous to close this place," said Mainville.

He and many local farmers would not be part of any alternative plan to close this building and bring an outdoor market to the streets, he said.

Muckle said although the current market "has its problems, we feel moving it out of Market Square is not going to help matters."'

Dave Lewington, a member of the National Farmers Union and Ontario Small Farm Producers Association, said a new board of directors should be formed among local growers, vendors and market supports.

This board should report directly to city council and be separate from Downtown Sudbury and its board, said Lewington.

Lewington reiterated many local growers he's talked to want Market Square to keep operating and expanding, and they would not support any other market that might emerge if this location is closed.

"Closing this place down would be disastrous," he said.

Jo Cashmore, who has been selling jams and children's clothing at the current market since it opened five years ago and for 10 years before that at the old Shaughnessy Street outdoor location, said the idea of closing the building and replacing it with a rotating street market is ridiculous.

The only people who might benefit from any such scenario are downtown business owners who might attract larger crowds to their own businesses, she said.

Other speakers said issues over health and safety and promotion would result in the market being a huge failure if brought to the streets.