Despite previous hesitations, council will allow the Jasper Farmer’s Market to operate on the McCready Centre parking lot this summer as part of a one-year pilot project.
The decision was made late last week, following detailed discussions and debates that ultimately resulted in the realization that the market falls within the municipality’s business licensing bylaw and council’s priorities.
“We’re very, very excited,” said Julie Des Becquets of the Jasper Local Food Society. “I think it’s going to be a good opportunity for the community. It’s more of a central location; it’s more visible to tourists and it’s a great location for our seniors.”
Des Bequets said the other perk of the new location is that there is the opportunity to hold markets indoors once the seasons change.
The local food society requested the new location earlier this month for just those reasons. But, initially, it was met with reservations about private use of public land and the contravening of the business licensing bylaw, which prohibits street vendors.
Following further discussions in committee-of-the-whole March 11, council realized that—as the society argued—farmer’s markets aren’t street vendors. It also determined that the market fulfills priorities within the Jasper Sustainability Plan.
So, on March 13, the society was informed it has permission to use of the McCready Centre parking lot for 10 markets—beginning June 25—on a trial basis.
“We don’t know what the impact is going to be on traffic; we don’t know what the impact is going to be on the rest of the town, so we’ll allow the 10 markets this year to be held on a pilot project basis,” explained Peter Waterworth, chief administrative officer for the municipality.
“It was recognized that it was an asset and it’s one that goes toward supporting the community and tourism balance: it’s good for locals and it’s good tourists.”
Because it’s a pilot project, council has also decided there will be no fee for the use of the space. But, if after an assessment, there are no negative implications and the market is given permission to use the parking lot on an ongoing basis, then a rate will be determined for future use.
Until now, the Jasper Local Food Society has been hosting markets on the Legion parking lot—which is part of the Legion’s leasehold. That space has been sufficient for the past few years, but with the yearly growth of the market, with more and more vendors signing up, the society identified a need for more space, as well as greater visibility.
Although there were reservations from council early on, Waterworth noted that there has always been support for the society and the market, and there is acknowledgement that the market meets a community need.
“Council wanted to be able to help the Local Food Society, but we thought we were trapped by the bylaw.
“But the bylaw doesn’t need to be changed as long as [the society is] acting inside it.”
And, the market is, said Waterworth.
Before the pilot project can move forward for June, the use of the parking lot will have to be approved by the Planning and Development Advisory Committee.
“Then we’re good to go,” said Des Becquets.
 Nicole Veerman
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