The City Market - Change is good?

So I finally got out to explore the Red Deer City Market yesterday. We went last weekend, but we were only able to run and grab our sausage on a bun and then we ran back to the car without getting too soaked. With the nicer weather yesterday, we were able to hang out a bit. My son got to go for a bounce in the bouncy castle, we got our breakfast (all 3 of us - sausage on a bun) and I saw an old teacher. We didn't have a whole lot of time, but we got to look around a bit, and I always enjoy that.

The market has a certain vibe to it. Most Red Deerians like to check it out and many make it part of their summer Saturday morning routine. Everyone has particular vendors they like to visit and those vendors are missed if they aren't there. Its unusual not to bump into at least one person you know. The market is an important part of Red Deer and area culture.
Now there is talk of making the market year round. They want to put the market indoors at the old bus barns west of downtown. Now, I like the location choice, its a chance to revitalize a scenic but underused area of the city. Right now the debate in council is centred around ownership. But we need to keep an eye on the overall vision. We need to make it a market that Red Deerians will want to visit. Part of the attraction of the current market for me is that its only available in the summer. Outside. Most Albertans (and Canadians for that matter) try and take advantage of as much outdoor time as possible once the snow melts and tempuratures make it comfortable to stay outside without a moonsuit.

Making the market year round will also affect the vendors. Many vendors have full time shops and jobs, and make the summer sacrifice to get their name out and make a little extra money. How will making the market year round change their business planning? Will this keep away some vendors that are currently staples at the market but who just don't have the energy to do this year round?

The City Market is an important cultural part of our city. Even if you don't go every weekend, its something most Red Deerians go to at least once from May long weekend to Thanksgiving. So, I will be keep a close eye on this debate, and encourage everyone else. Because sometimes decisions are made that do not work for the majority if the majority do not raise their voices.