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Market steals away shoppers say local merchants

'We're trying to make a nice balance between all the different vendors,' Kojima

A "glorified swap meet" and "food court" are some words used by local merchants to describe this year's Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market.

Now in its fourth year, the bi-monthly Sunday market continues to struggle to find a balance between promoting local products and businesses and attracting shoppers from around Metro Vancouver.

"I like the concept of a farmers and artisans market -- albeit you have to weigh the consequences," said Tim Culling, owner of Timothy's Frozen Yogurt on Bayview Street.

"I know for a fact everyone up here (on Bayview) is hurting every other Sunday," said Janice Sieg, owner of the Pierside Deli.

Bayview Street food merchants like Sieg and Culling, whose businesses lie beyond a stone's throw away from the market on Third Avenue, contend that while the market does draw people to Steveston such shoppers are not venturing outside the market to eat food. For Sieg, market days mean less business for her deli shop.

Sieg contends the reason is because the market has allowed vendor tables to sell ready-to-eat snacks like hot dogs and chilli as well as having a coffee stand.

Last year the market was faced with similar complaints from businesses, which resulted in the elimination of some non-local food vendors, such as Hunky Bill's perogie stand.

"It's supposed to be (farmers) with fresh produce or (local) artisans with handmade items. It definitely has turned into something different," Sieg said.

Other merchants have also complained that market visitors clog the village so store patrons have nowhere to park.

Jim Kojima, president of the Steveston Community Society, which operates the market, said having some food vendors is needed for the market's atmosphere and the shopper's convenience.

"With coffee it's more a convenience to the shopper than a slight to other coffee shops," he said, noting some food vendors are fundraising for charity such as a Scouts Canada hot dog stand last weekend.

Kojima said having food vendors this year has taken away the sting of losing some fresh produce tables as a result of the cold spring.

"We're trying to make a nice balance between all the different vendors. We want more farmers there if we can get them there."

The market's manager Paula Morimoto said the market draws thousands to Steveston every other Sunday. She said it wouldn't make sense that none of those people are venturing around the village during the day.

She added that the food offered at the market should not stop people from eating at sit-down restaurants. "People coming specifically for the market are seeing Steveston for the first time. People don't just stay at the market and go home," she said

Kelly Krull, manager of Splash Toys on Moncton Street, said her business has been positively impacted by the market crowds.

"I find it positive, any attraction that brings new people to Steveston. I think the market is great. Albeit, for me, I understand other businesses might have an issue because (the market) is duplicating the businesses that exist," she said.

The outdoor market runs until Sep. 18. Among it's stated goals are to support the community and promote local agriculture.