The City of White Rock has fast-tracked endorsement of a night market at Memorial Park on the waterfront so that it can go ahead for the summer months of this year.
At Monday’s (March 11) council meeting, CAO Guillermo Ferrero said that, following council’s direction, the city is moving forward with the night market, but that timelines would not permit a full consultation process with waterfront businesses.
“If you want feedback, this event will not happen this year,” he said.
Recreation and culture director John Woolgar had already noted that the organizer, the Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival, had hoped to receive full city approvals by February.
“We’re running out of time,” he said, noting the GVFTF might have to scale back planned activities this year.
Instead, on a motion made by Coun. Michele Partridge – following concerns expressed by Mayor Megan Knight – the city will notify all waterfront businesses that the market will be operating from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Friday night from May 24 to Sept. 20.
Partridge’s motion was endorsed by all council members except for Coun. David Chesney, who said he felt that only informing businesses that way, without the potential for feedback, was “a little heavy-handed.”
The market had received initial approval from council on Dec. 11, and latterly received endorsement from the White Rock BIA board, on Feb. 27 for a one-year trial.
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The corporate report, from cultural development manager Rebecca Forrest and Woolgar, outlined plans for the market, which will be organized by the GVFTF in collaboration with city staff.
“The Night Market by the Pier will add and compliment White Rock’s diverse events and further animate the waterfront,” the report stated.
It pointed out the market will draw visitors to the waterfront that will build tourism, support local businesses, and create opportunities for local artisans, musicians, entertainers, and food cart operators.
“Staff will review the success of the event at the end of the season to gauge impact and determine future viability and potential expansion.”
The report noted that local businesses already in support of the night market include The Ocean Beach, Little Ootie’s, Little Louie’s, Galaxie, Ricardo’s and Ricardo’s Kandy Korner, Waffle Bar, Cilantro, Sushiiwa, India Chat House, Charlie Don’t Surf, Uli’s, Five Kitchen and Oyster Bar and The Boathouse.
