KELOWNA — There’s a call for the resignation of the entire board of directors of the Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market Society.
A group of market vendors are angry that the results of a secret ballot held earlier this month are not being honored by their board.
Despite a majority of members voicing their opposition to moving to a proposed public market space on Clement Avenue, the board announced yesterday that it is moving ahead with plans to do just that.
Mark Houde is one of the vendors in support of the petition. “The issue is democracy,” says Houde, “in any other democratic vote, majority rules.”
The popular market has been in operation for 18 years, at it’s current summer site, in the east parking lot at Orchard Park Mall.
That site is only offered for lease on a year to year basis, and for years there have been concerns that the mall might not renew the agreement, or that other development might overtake the site.
The board claims it has the right to make decisions, and has a duty to act in the best interests of the society as a whole.
It also promotes the proposed new site, saying it will offer the market room to grow, increased amenities, and year round vending opportunities.
Some vendors agree with the decision, and are excited about the prospect of moving.
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“It’s an opportunity to get more of kelowna coming to the farmer’s market, I think, a great growth opportunity.” says Peggy Fekete.
Where there does seem to be agreement, is that the divide in opinions is likely to lead to a divide in the market.
Bob Harrold says he’s been with the market almost since the beginning. ” I don’t see it splintering, the farmers market will remain strong, where it is or somewhere else, and the splinter will be the people who want to leave.”
For this summer season, things will remain as they are.
The market is set to open at the corner of Dilworth and Springfield on April 2nd.
Plans to move to the new location, which the developer is calling Urban Square, aren’t set to go through until the summer of 2015.
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