The Prince George Farmers' Market is seeking $20,000 in funding from the city and regional district to upgrade its location at the corner of Third Avenue and George Street.
The Farmer's Market is planning a $32,500 facelift for the former Morrison's Mens Wear building. The market leased the building in March, 2010 to provide an indoor venue to complement the outdoor Farmers' Market.
"A renovation of the outside of the building will directly benefit the members of the Prince George Farmers' Market, downtown Prince George in general and the community at large," market president Nancie Krushelnicki wrote in a letter to the regional district. "It is the goal of the Prince George Farmers' Market to provide an affordable venue for small producers, growers, makers and bakers..."
The project includes recladding and painting the exterior, installing banners, replacing damaged or missing windows, and installing decorative wood elements.
The Farmer's Market is seeking $10,000 from the city's Downtown Enhancement Pilot Project and a grant from the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.
The organization plans to contribute $5,000 to the project, plus $7,500 worth of labour.
Commonwealth Realty Corporation owns the building. In a letter of support, Commonwealth Realty president Dan McLaren said his organization is providing a lease "below operating cost," to the Farmers' Market.
"While Commonwealth has been happy to subsidize the operating expenses -- by mutual agreement --the market is responsible for their own interior and exterior improvements," McLaren wrote. "We would encourage the city to approve the requested funding."
McLaren declined to comment about the lease agreement. Krushelnicki was not available for comment as of press time.
