Three of the nine permanent vendor spaces at the Gibsons Public Market have been filled – by a chocolatier, a florist and a coffee roaster.
Since January, more than 40 business owners have applied to open shop in the six-day-a-week market located in the new Sunshine Coast community hub.
“I come from Europe where markets are where all the interesting things happen, so this is where I want to be – right in the heart of the community,” said Sylvia Punguntzky, a professional chocolatier and owner of Art Meets Chocolate, one of the selected businesses.
For RainFlorist owner Carina Torgerson, the public market offers flexibility and an energetic setting where she can stay connected to her source of inspiration. Her services will range from cut flowers to unique arrangements for special events.
The third space is reserved for the Bowen Island Coffee Company, a small-batch organic bean roaster. Since 2005, owners Victoria and Gino Rutigliano have mastered their slow roasting technique in search of the perfectly balanced, full-bodied, smooth cup of coffee. And, based on their 2012 America’s Best Espresso award, they have found it.
Rae Abbott, curator of the market floor, leads a group of volunteers who bring extensive experience in the food and retail industry to the task of finding the right vendor mix. The group is in negotiations with a baker, seafood vendor, deli/cheese operator, butcher and bistro operator and continues to welcome applications for a green grocer.
“Our vendor selection criteria is heavily weighted in favour of local entrepreneurs, but it also considers the importance of creating a destination with unique items not available anywhere else on the Coast and balances this with the need to offer everyday family staples,” Abbott said.
The Gibsons Public Market will be operated by the non-profit Gibsons Community Building Society. Approximately 70 per cent of the hub will be dedicated community amenity space that will facilitate learning and engagement in sustainability issues.
Along with the vendors, the ground floor of the public market will also host a community kitchen and a commercial kitchen and provide access to outside green space. From this level, visitors will see the bottom part of B.C.’s tallest water fish tank, which will stand through the three floors of the building.
The main floor of the Gibsons Public Market will be home to the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre, a licensed bistro, community gathering and public amenities. The third floor will provide meeting facilities and office space.
