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The future of Vernon's downtown market is in the hands of downtown merchants.
Throughout the summer, every Friday afternoon-evening, a section of 30th Avenue was closed off for the Avenue Market. Similar to a farmer's market, the weekly event featured a wide range of items and many of the merchants set up their wares on the streets.
The merchants have been asked to fill out an anonymous form letting city officials and the Downtown Vernon Association know what they think of the market, what they would like to see changed and other information.
Coun. Catherine Lord said she likes the survey, but wonders about adding questions to the survey about having a Saturday market and to ask the merchants of the economic benefits from holding the event.
Cleo Corbett, city long-range planner said the goal of the market was to draw people to the downtown core and that the DVA has said there may be some conflicts hosting the event on Saturdays.
“We are happy to modify the survey any way council sees fit,” said Corbett.
Coun. Juliette Cunningham, who operates a business on 30th Avenue, said the “the goal of an anonymous survey was to glean as much information as possible in a fair manner without interference from anyone.”
Cunningham said some people have raised concerns in the past and they have been ignored.
“I want to get to a place where it's not just anecdotal and the staff are saying things, but the membership,” said Cunningham. “The way the market is laid out, certain businesses are impacted more than others. We have put a lot of effort into this and we need to get it right.
“We want to get right down to the nitty gritty, with everyone feeling free to give their opinion on this.”
Coun. Scott Anderson wanted the survey to go a little deeper, saying the multiple choice format offers only a snapshot of the issue. He would like to see merchants have an opportunity to add their own comments.
Mayor Akbal Mund said council will do whatever is best for the downtown merchants.
