Backcountry - Helping You Enjoy The Great Outdoors

Phone: (250) 785-1461

Backcountry is one of British Columbia’s largest hunting, fishing and outdoor supply stores. The Fort St. John area is home to some of the best hunting and fishing opportunities in North America and often referred to as “The Serengeti of the North”.

The North Peace Arena and Farmers Market

Image: Sean Assor

Updated 13 weeks 9 hours ago.

Raised rent means uncertain future for Farmers Market

After a drastic rent increase, the Fort St. John Farmers Market is now being forced consider other options. New rate structures for city-owned building rentals were approved by City Coucil last month, and the cost for renting the North Peace Arena went up from $110 a year to $3456 a month.

That's based on a newly formed hourly rate of $108 per hour.

A public meeting for members of the Farmers Market is now being held to discuss what a fair rate would be, and other possible locations. President of the Farmers Marker Liz Calder said the fee increase came as a surprise during a meeting that was intended for signing a new lease. Calder and her associates walked out of that meeting.

The issue was brought up at the end of Monday's City Council meeting, with council asking for clarity around how those rates were established with a staff report back for next meeting. Mayor Lori Ackerman commented on how the new fees were intended to create a consistent rationale for fees, with a Benefits Based Approach.

“Our policy really was to ensure that our community became financially sustainable and that the community faces the reality of operating the community.”

That rationale follows a guideline of, “Those who benefit from a good or service should pay in proportion to the benefit they receive.”

Ackerman has also asked council to consider what implications can come from making these types of policies in strategic planning.

Calder says she was told the new rate is non-negotiable, and it’s now up to the Farmers Market to figure out what to do next. One option is to find a new location, and Calder says she’s already been approached by the Curling Club, but finds some flaws in that location, including not having an elevator. Another option is increasing the cost to have a table at the market, something Calder says she would have no problem with.

“We charge $15 dollars a table right now and it’s quite obvious we’re gonna have to charge a bit more… and that’s fine. I don’t think any of us have a problem with that.”

The average number of tables throughout the year is 27, which brings in around $400 a week, and that number fluctuates depending on the season. Calder says what she’d like to see is a percentage of the money made from each table go to the City.

The Farmers Market meeting will take place Thursday, February 23 at 7 p.m. at Northern Lights College in rooms 119 and 120. The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in the market.