One of Edmonton’s best-known farmers’ markets, the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market usually gets around 1,100 visitors on weekends; however, the market saw a huge drop in number when the City of Edmonton started charging for parking in an empty lot beside the market’s building.
“I’d like to say it’s 50 per cent. Our numbers have declined quite a bit,” said Corinne Olson, market manager of the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market. “We record these folks that come through the market with counters.”
Last year, the City changed the free weekend parking to paid parking. It can cost drivers up to $10 per day. A year later, the City’s quest to make parking more expensive is keeping customers away.
“We have customers who come here who do not have the technology. Do not have the app to use the QR codes. There are a lot of seniors who support us, who come to see their favourite vendor,” said Olson.
Corinne Olson (Left), market manager of the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market. (Leo Cruzat, CityNews)
Area city councillor Michael Janz voted to charge for parking instead of letting customers get a free ride. He claims money from those who drive to the market stays with the market. He thinks that’s not right. Janz wants parking revenue to be spread to other city projects.
“No private business should get the revenue from the City parking, that’s unfairly giving public money to a private business,” said Janz.
Those who run the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market hope the city will reconsider its pay-to-park plan.
“I’m not looking to take away from them, but maybe there’s something that we could work out together so it’s a win-win,” said Olson.