
Farmers Market Board Debate Hours, Again. No Decision Made
, Editor |
The Market remains on “temporary reduced COVID hours” implemented in March 2020. No plans to change hours despite vendors leaving due to lack of after-work hours.
TPR Hamilton | Hamilton's Civic Affairs News Site (https://thepublicrecord.ca/topics/hamilton-farmers-market/)
The Market remains on “temporary reduced COVID hours” implemented in March 2020. No plans to change hours despite vendors leaving due to lack of after-work hours.
Resignations follow a Council vote to hire a fourth consultant with a stated intention of privatizing the Market prior to this October’s municipal election.
The Chair and the Treasurer of the Hamilton Farmers Market Board of Directors have both resigned from the Market Board on Monday in protest of City Council’s plans to privatize the downtown Hamilton facility.
This is only the latest resignation for the Board which two consultant reports have described as ineffective. A third consultant’s report is ongoing, no date has been announced for its completion.
Ombudsman’s findings follow a secret September 2020 meeting, and includes recommendations the Board ensure its meetings are open to the public with public notices provided in advance.
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.