Expansion of local farmers markets - being debated at City Hall

A report will be debated by City Council on July 20, 2010 that would make it easier to operate farmers markets and thereby allow more local farmers and producers to sell in Vancouver.

Help make sure this report is approved. If you support the following recommendations please write council at mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca and send a copy to tara@eatlocal.org for hand delivery at the council meeting.

It will only take 2 minutes and it could secure the future of the farmers markets in Vancouver. Your voice does count!

Here's a letter you can write:

Dear Mayor and Council,

I support the following recommendations included in the Farmers‘ Market By-law amendments and Interim Actions Report:

· Reducing permit fees for farmers markets.

· Expanding the zoning in which farmers markets can operate.

· Establishing a streamlined application process for setting up a market.

· Creating a formal definition of what can be sold at a farmers market.

· Increasing the permitted maximum market size.

· Allowing permanent seasonal farmers market signage.

(Feel free to include a personal message about why farmers markets are important to you)

Sincerely,
(Insert Name)

(Please include address including postal code)

These are the main recommendation in the report:

· Reducing permit fees for farmers markets.
· Expanding the zoning in which farmers markets can operate – except in Commercial District Zoning.
· Establishing a streamlined application process for setting up a market.
· Creating a formal definition of what can be sold at a farmers market.
· Increasing the permitted maximum market size.
· Allowing permanent seasonal farmers market signage.

To view the report in full click here
http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20100706/documents/p1.pd...