UNBC Completes Research on Prince George Farmers Market
October 26, 2005
Research undertaken by the UNBC School of Environmental Planning
indicates that the local farmers market is a major attraction for the
downtown, attracting thousands of residents downtown and contributing
to the local economy.
The research was completed by professor David Connell, who worked with a group of students to survey visitors to the market in September. More than 600 people participated in the survey. The findings illustrate the importance of the farmers market:
• 70% of respondents come downtown because of the farmers market
• 50% come to the market regularly, usually two or three times per month
• 60% would like year-round access at an indoor location
• 25% would like to see no changes to the market
“On a day with pleasant weather, the farmers market here can attract about 2,200 people – that’s significant,” says Dr. Connell. “Few farmers markets collect the data required to make effective changes and improvements. For example, while local farm produce is an important reason for visiting, the atmosphere and the chance to socialize with other residents are easily as important. I’m also hoping to study the economic impact in more detail next year, including the indirect impact of what people spend at other stores while they’re downtown for the market.”
“This is our tenth anniversary, so it was a good time to ask our customers what they like about the market,” says Angela Willis, the Farmers Market manager.
The open-air Prince George farmers market at the Courthouse Plaza (Wilson Square) attracts up to 55 vendors, which provide goods and wares that change with the seasons, including fruits, vegetables and herbs, bread and baked goods, sweet and savoury preserves, specialty meats, bedding plants and cut flowers, soaps, woodcrafts, art, clothing and jewelry, and home and garden décor. All of the items for sale are grown or crafted locally. The market is open on Saturdays from May to September.
The final report is available online: www.unbc.ca/environmental_planning/news
Contact:
David Connell, Planning professor, UNBC - 250.960.5835
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622
The research was completed by professor David Connell, who worked with a group of students to survey visitors to the market in September. More than 600 people participated in the survey. The findings illustrate the importance of the farmers market:
• 70% of respondents come downtown because of the farmers market
• 50% come to the market regularly, usually two or three times per month
• 60% would like year-round access at an indoor location
• 25% would like to see no changes to the market
“On a day with pleasant weather, the farmers market here can attract about 2,200 people – that’s significant,” says Dr. Connell. “Few farmers markets collect the data required to make effective changes and improvements. For example, while local farm produce is an important reason for visiting, the atmosphere and the chance to socialize with other residents are easily as important. I’m also hoping to study the economic impact in more detail next year, including the indirect impact of what people spend at other stores while they’re downtown for the market.”
“This is our tenth anniversary, so it was a good time to ask our customers what they like about the market,” says Angela Willis, the Farmers Market manager.
The open-air Prince George farmers market at the Courthouse Plaza (Wilson Square) attracts up to 55 vendors, which provide goods and wares that change with the seasons, including fruits, vegetables and herbs, bread and baked goods, sweet and savoury preserves, specialty meats, bedding plants and cut flowers, soaps, woodcrafts, art, clothing and jewelry, and home and garden décor. All of the items for sale are grown or crafted locally. The market is open on Saturdays from May to September.
The final report is available online: www.unbc.ca/environmental_planning/news
Contact:
David Connell, Planning professor, UNBC - 250.960.5835
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622
