Vernon council supports downtown merchant markets

VERNON – Vernon council has embraced a new vision for summertime merchant markets downtown.

After hearing a pitch from the Downtown Vernon Association last month, council voted to support plans for two events in the summer of 2016.

The first is a Merchant Market in Cenotaph Park every Saturday from May 21 to Sept. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In addition, there will also be the Downtown Night Market on the last Friday of every month from May to August, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“The Night Market would be held on a closed section of 30 Avenue, but only one block, which would alternate throughout the summer months. For both of these events, downtown merchants would be encouraged to participate by using the sidewalks for outdoor displays and retail,” long range planning and sustainability manager Rob Miles said in a written report to council.

Previously, the market ran every Friday evening on 30 Avenue, but that led to concerns from some businesses. The new vision is hoped to increase foot traffic and vibrancy in the downtown core. 

To contact a reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.