April 19^th, 2009

Honourable Mayor and Members of Council,

As an active community member, with a Masters in business and environment (MES), and as a member of the Main St. Markham Committee, I feel not only compelled but I also have the credentials to speak to the proposed new Farmers Market at Town Hall.

In the past few years, growing, distributing and selling foods locally and regionally has taken root. So too has the increase in local farmers markets. The Village of Markham is one such village that can boast its own Market. There is research underway that speaks to the trickle down effect that Farmers Markets bring to small towns, and local BIA’s. The potential to create jobs, inspire entrepreneurship, keep much needed dollars in the community and contribute to the sustainability of the local economy is something that cannot be ignored.

There has been an explosion over the past two years with high interest in the local-food movement from the individual consumer, communities, government officials and farmers. The sustainability focus is one that must take centre stage because of the triple benefit: it makes a positive impact on the environment, improves the community and enhances the bottom line for local business.

I read with interest and alarm that the Town of Markham is considering a farmers market at the Town Hall. Why would the Town consider that such a location would be ideal for a farmers market? The town of Markham has two farmers markets, one in Thornhill and one on in the Village or Markham. Creating a Market at Town Hall, could have a negative impact on the one already operating in the village. And with good reason;

§ The Village of Markham Farmers Market is an important element in providing vibrancy and variety to the local area (Main St. Markham), thereby enhancing it’s attraction as a tourist destination

§ Farmers Markets have a consumer appeal that bring in large number os shoppers each market day. While these people may come predominately to the area to shop and experience the farmers market, they also spill out into the surround community. For example, if the average consumer spent $10.00 at the Farmers Market, it could be fair do say that, that same consumer would spend an additional $9.00 at local businesses.

§ Shop owners have increased traffic on Market days.

§ Farmers Markets offer a colourful array of products, the gathering of community members and the mixture of local sellers in the marketplace, farmers markets are a snapshot of local culture. This makes farmers markets a draw for tourism, bring people into the community from outside the area. Tourists bring dollars into the local economy, which is spent at the market and at local business.

§ Farmers markets play a significant role in community development. Their economic role in community revitalization is well documented in studies as well as anecdotally. The large numbers of customers drawn to farmers’ markets helps to crate new business that spin off into the community. Existing businesses benefit from the traffic generated by farmers’ market, increasing their sales potential on market days and experience growth along with the growth of the farmers market. The result is the creation of a renewed business district, new jobs and in increase in the community’s tax base.

This is just a short list of the reasons why it would be a mistake for the Town to promote its own, tax payer funded, Farmers Market. Finally, to promote a Farmers Market where there is a paucity of local business would be detrimental to an already established market. The proposed market would be in direct competition to the Market in the Village of Markham.

I would like to propose that the town not set up such a dichotomous situation and instead, offer funding to the Village Market to help put our Market on the map. There is a potential that with funding the Main St. market could continue to expand. Thus promoting and show casing the Main St business, that are in need of our support. A partnership would show other communities that once again, the Town of Markham is serious and does indeed value a sustainable relationship between the environment, the local small farmers and business. There is a strong business case to be made, one that promotes value across the board.

Thank you in Advance,

Sincerely,

Deirdre Kavanagh, BA MES

Member Heritage Committee,

Main St Markham

Chair Doors Open 2009