The Friday night markets are good to go again this year in Parksville.
City council has given its blessing to the Parksville and District Historical Society for the farmer’s markets this year at the museum, Fridays from 5-9 p.m, starting May 26.
The market, entering its third year, usually has 29 vendors and the society has said in the past the markets help raise awareness about the museum and bring in revenue and new members. According to the society, the museum had 10,779 visitors in 2016.
The city owns the museum land and the society must ask for permission to conduct special events.
Council also gave permission for what society president called “a significant fundraiser,” July 29. The Garagiste Wine Festival will feature small wineries producing less than 2,000 cases a year and the society hopes to sell 200-500 tickets for the event.
• Access Oceanside Association chair Sandra Hobson asked council Monday if the city could host the group’s website.
Staff was directed to report back to council about any implications.
• Saying “our oceans are in peril,” members of Communities to Protect Our Coast (CPOC) appeared before council to talk about a possible ban, or at least a tax, on plastic bags in the city.
“Change in behaviour is created in the pocket,” said CPOC’s Sheri Plummer.
It’s unclear what action, if any, the city intends to take on this issue.
CPOC is presenting a movie, Plastic Ocean, at Knox United Church on Sunday. Doors open at 1 p.m. and admission is by donation.
“We’re interested in changing people’s attitudes, not profit,” Plummer said.
