Belleville’s Farmers’ Market rules and regulations need a “significant review” according to the city clerk.
City Clerk Matt MacDonald told the Economic and Destination Development Committee Tuesday one of the major issues with the venue is that some farmers have spaces they don’t use fully and there’s a long waiting list.
MacDonald also indicated the farmers “don’t get along that well.”
“The market could be more attractive,” he said.
He emphasized the by-law needs to be changed. noting that right now “there are no markers for attendance” and then, he said, “some days it is more like a bazzaar.”
Committee Chair Councillor Ryan Williams tells Quinte News the Farmers’ Market is important to the city.
Manager of Economic Development Karen Poste said the idea is to have more activity in the space, mentioning there is “lots of good behaviour and lots of bad behaviour,” and it could be managed better.
She suggested a market clerk, who could do promotions for the farmers, might help the situation.
Poste said the farmers buy a space at the market behind city hall for a whole year, but don’t use it fully.
President of the Downtown Business Improvement Association Kathryn Brown told the committee there could be some ways to work together with the farmers on promotion, but there have been no discussions between the groups.
A staff report will come back to the committee in November or December.
