The Public Record | Hamilton's Civic Affairs News Site (https://thepublicrecord.ca/topics/hamilton-farmers-market/)
City Hall doubles down on claims the Market is not directly tied to the City of Hamilton despite being a City corporation, in a City facility, with City staff, and all decisions subject to Council approval.
Eric Miller’s resignation letter states the Council have created a crisis in the Market by voting 13-1 to deny COVID rent support to vendors.
Vendors have until January 21, the day the Market reopens after a renovation shutdown, to agree to payment plans for 2020 rent or they will not be allowed to continue operating at the Market.
Two new food vendors will focus upon take-out and for home sales as the Market changes due to COVID changes in traffic patterns.
36-page report details serious problems with vendor representative behaviour, including a vendor rep who refuses to obey rules or pay fines.
Report calls for a new citizen led Board with only one vendor rep.
Market vendors are requesting a rent reduction in line with the federal Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program, City Council says they need more info before voting on the $150,000 request.
It is necessary that the City support local small businesses in whatever way we have at our disposal and we need to set an example that this is the right thing to do – Esther Pauls, Ward 7 City Councillor
“As much as I am committed to the Hamilton Farmers’ Market I can no longer, as a matter of personal integrity, be part of the Board, whose focus has shifted to the demands of one stakeholder group at the expense of the wishes and needs of other stakeholders” – Marisa Di Censo
Vendors will be expected to remain open until 6pm on weekdays and 5pm on Saturdays. Board authorizes Market Manager to enforce hours.
Council is meeting as the sole voting member of the Hamilton Farmers’ Market Corporation for the Annual General Meeting as required by the Corporations Act.
The meeting is required to delegate authorities to the Farmers’ Market Board and begins at 1:30 p.m. on June 8, 2016. Live video will be provided by The Public Record.