The Town of Gibsons and Sunshine Coast Community Futures have thrown their support behind efforts to open a public market in the former yacht club building next to Gibsons Marina.
Proponents secured an option to purchase the site in February and are studying the feasibility of the project with $15,000 from Community Futures and commitments totaling $20,000 from local in-kind contributions, according to a grant application to Vancity Community Foundation.
The proponents are seeking a $20,000 grant from Vancity to complete the due diligence process and the Town has agreed to support the funding application, while Community Futures would administer the grant.
The market would sell locally grown food and "provide art, cultural and educational services and activities in a community amenity space," the application said.
The feasibility plan would look at governance and ownership options, rental market projections, building inspection reports, and municipal and First Nation requirements. Working with the Town, proponents would also develop a definitive idea of the maximum amount of community amenity space possible on the site.
Council agreed at its March 19 meeting to receive the grant funding on behalf of the proponents if the Vancity application is approved.
"The project envisions a cooperative. Right now the non-profit role would be filled by Community Futures," said chief administrative officer Emanuel Machado.
While property taxes from the project would not likely have a significant impact on the Town's bottom line, the market could become a catalyst for the Landing economy, director of finance Ian Poole said
"It would create a buzz to get people to come to Lower Gibsons and would help support the businesses in Lower Gibsons," Poole said.
Community Futures is funded by Western Economic Diversification Canada.
