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It looks like the Sechelt Farmers and Artisans Market will begin setting up at the end of Cowrie Street this April.
At the Feb. 22 committee of the whole meeting, Sechelt councillors recommended approval of a new five-year agreement with the market to set up on Saturdays at the end of Cowrie Street where it turns into Shorncliffe Avenue.
"We've been back and forth for a few months and this is the worst kept secret in town, we think," said manager of sustainability and special projects Emanuel Machado.
The market attracts hundreds of customers each week between April and September. It currently has 65 permanent vendors and the new location will provide space to grow.
Council will have to officially endorse the new agreement at an upcoming council meeting.
Affordable housing
Councillors recommended staff work with community stakeholders to create an updated bonus density policy that would see more options for developers to give to affordable housing in the District.
The current policy allows a density bonus for developers in exchange for the provision of affordable housing and it favours units built by developers, rather than cash in-lieu.
The new policy would include a cash in-lieu option, as well as an option to donate land for affordable housing or construct new units.
Accessibility
Councillors accepted capital budget recommendations from the accessibility advisory committee that show six essential projects costing in excess of $118,000.
The list of essential projects include sidewalk improvements from Cowrie Street to Dolphin Avenue, ramps and crosswalk improvements, a replacement of the letdown on the northwest corner of Teredo Street and Inlet Avenue, a safe crossing from Brookman Park to Mission Point Park, improvements to the Trail Avenue walkway and a sidewalk from Burley Place to Shorncliffe. The final sidewalk project is expected to cost the most at $90,000.
Councillors said they would consider the recommendations during this year's budget process, which started with a special budget meeting on Feb. 29.
