Who Will Buy ?

Additional  documentation was provided to Council on Tuesday by Anna Kroeplin . A letter from the Owner/developer of Wells Street School was included.

It was in response to the motion before Council for a review of the Market Bylaw with  reference to election of officers. 

Concern is focused  on representation. 

The developer likes things they way they are.  Business interest of the  development and Market 

are aligned . To that end a Platinum Sponsorship has been paid for three years.  There is no mention of  how much that's worth.

The  owner, speaking for future condo owners, sees the Market as "lifestyle enhancement"

and an "influence to bring more people downtown" 

There's more palaver. The gist of it  that Anna Kroeplin should continue as Boss of  Everybody and elected by Nobody. 

Having  more people aware of  new condos under construction is  obviously a sales advantage .

 I understand  no stalls  obscure the "For Sale" sign

Several people accompanied Ms Kroeplin  to  Tuesday's meeting. 

They might have been committee members.

Or Great Uncle George and  Great Aunt Annie and second-cousin Norm. 

They were not introduced. 

The Market's Mission  and  Vision Statements were offered as evidence :

The first . ..where food, art and community meet.

The  Vision is to connect the community with local growers and producers of fresh,healthy food. 

In addition ,promote a relationship between the arts  and cultural community in our area. 

A  visit to a Market is a must in any city. Granville Island in Vancouver. Byway Market,Ottawa.

Cleveland ,where fishmongers entertain patrons with a  fish-tossing performance.

The entire neighbourhood  is alive with sights and smells and throngs of people.

St Laurence Market in Toronto takes a back seat to none . Kitchener,Elmira,Hamilton,St Catherine's.

all have Markets worth  a drive. 

Growing a Market is a laudable objective. ... in the right location. 

But if it's going to happen, we need a better Bylaw. 

If business and service clubs are solicited for funds , accountability is a must. 

Public funds and resources invested  generate confidence.  

The Municipality has an obligation to ensure everything is, as it should be. 

Fiefdoms are not in the public interest. Piracy is not confined to the high seas.

No matter how many names with a vested interest, are attached ,

It's 1.15 P.M.  Already thirty-four Aurora Market vendors have packed up and gone home. 

Won't be back for seven days.