The Gibsons Public Market had a soft opening on March 3 that saw almost 2,000 eager patrons peruse offerings of organic produce, baked goods, fish, meat, cheese, chocolate, flowers and more.
Some sipped coffee or tasted treats from the bistro, while others stocked up on fresh local food for the weekend.
“Some people came back. They didn’t just come once. So we had repeat customers on the first weekend, which was fun. It was a nice surprise,” said market spokesperson Nancy Grenier.
“We’ve had tremendous support from the community. It’s been so encouraging. I think finally people can see what this can be and how great it can be for them. It’s the type of facility that’s really hard to imagine until it’s up and running.”
The March 3 opening was dubbed “soft” as it was the first day merchants were set up and able to take customers, and there are more areas of the market to be opened in phases over the next few months.
March will see the special event space, community kitchen and commercial kitchen opened and the outdoor farmer’s market will start sometime in the summer.
There’s a grand opening and ribbon cutting for the entire facility planned for April 29, but Grenier said the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre, which boasts a huge three-level fish tank, won’t be ready in time for the big day.
The market has yet to announce an expected completion date for the marine education centre or a firm start date for the outdoor farmer’s market.
“We haven’t worked out all the details yet,” Grenier said.
The Gibsons Public Market is now open Tuesday to Sunday each week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The coffee shop has a window open for early caffeine seekers at 7 a.m. on those days.
Local merchants onsite Tuesday to Sunday include Art Meets Chocolate, Bowen Island Roasting Company, Fromagerie De Baie, GG Greens, The Butcher, The Fisherman’s Market, Rainflorist and Emelle’s Market Bistro & Catering.
Find out more at www.gibsonspublicmarket.com.
