Like many downtown businesses, Zest sees a substantial decline in business during the well-attended Farmer’s Market and Fonthilll Bandshell Concerts on Thursdays. They proposed a Supper Market “under the Arches” – similar to last December’s highly successful Winterfest – as an opportunity to serve the Thursday crowds while using local produce and presenting local culinary features. They also proposed allocating two or three spaces for Pelham artists or Downtown retaillers. Finally, they suggested licensing the Supper Market so it could feature a local winery and / or brewery.
Staff investigated other Supper Markets and identified best practices including establishing a volunteer Committee. Staff also surveyed Pelham chefs, restaurants, food providers, local wineries and breweries to verify interest. Eleven Pelham restaurants and seven Niagara wineries / breweries wanted to participate; four restaurants declined involvement – two of which already participate in the Farmer’s Market.
While supportive of the idea, Council recognized several concerns from the community and directed staff to develop solutions. First, based on the experience from previous years and of Summerfest, Council required both an overall parking plan and an emergency plan for Thursday-nights. Second, because of concerns from the Farmer’s Market, the Bandshell Committee and local merchants, Council directed staff to resolve differences; this took effort and numerous meetings.
While staff continued to provide updates, members of the Farmer’s Market, the Bandshell, and of the newly formed Supper Market committee made presentations or sent letters to Council.
Heeding these and input from the community, Council reconfirmed holding the Supper Market on Thursdays, and approved the parking and emergency plans.
Most importantly, Council recognized that the location – under the Arches – represented a real concern from the community for inhibiting traffic flow.
On 5 May, Council asked the Committee to determine the best location for the Supper Market other than under the Arches. The Committee identified 19 possible locations, and short-listed to four priority locations. Following an evaluation, the Committee recommended the curved, one-way driveway connecting the parking lots at Pelham Town Hall as the best location.
The location meets Public Health Regulations, provides access for hydro and water, and increases visibility of the Supper Market. The location also gained acceptance from the Farmer’s Market and the Bandshell with the caveat that the Supper Market be a pilot for 2014 and that it be reviewed in the Fall.
Council accepted these compromises on 20 May and approved the 2014 pilot Supper Market to start on 12 June.
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UPDATE -- June 2, 2014: Town Council received word that the Supper Market committee moved the start date to Thursday, June 19, 2014. They wanted more time to plan and ensure that they have all the details figured out -- hence the extra time. Hope to see you on June 19!
