CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Founders’ Hall in Charlottetown may finally be turning into the downtown market many have thought it should have been years ago.
The Charlottetown Harbour Authority has signed a two-year lease with Paul Madden, the developer who owns the building, and plans to develop an urban market on the main floor of the building.
Les Parsons, chairman of the harbour authority, said the lease kicks in March 1 and that the market will be located in the “old attraction space’’ of Founders’ Hall.
“What we’re trying to do is work on what we call an urban market, which means many things to many people but it will be a downtown market place that will hopefully run on a year-round basis, seven days a week,’’ Parsons said. “That is the target.’’
Currently, the harbour authority is in the very preliminary stages of its plan. They’re talking to lots of different parties, gauging different levels of interest.
“We’re trying to establish something that would have permanency. One month would be one (theme), the next month would be something different.’’
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Parsons avoids the use of the term ‘farmers market’ because he doesn't want anyone getting the impression the urban market is trying to replace the weekly Charlottetown Farmers Market on Belvedere Avenue.
So far, no tenants have signed on the dotted line.
“We’ve got some targeted businesses that we want to go after.’’
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Parsons acknowledges there has been talk for decades about creating a market in this location.
“That was really the original concept for the old CN car shop which is now Founders’ Hall and it went through fits and starts at the time because the farmers’ market was on the move before it got established.’’
And, the question has always remained, can a market exist on a year-round basis on the waterfront?
“Our intent is not to make it seasonal but, as you know in Charlottetown, January, February and March can be pretty lean months in that type of business.’’
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As for what the market could showcase, Parsons said fresh produce would be one obvious choice. It would also likely involve the artisan community and could include demonstrations from downtown businesses such as The Cook's Edge, which is a nearby knife-sharpening business.
“We’ve referenced an earlier study (by) CADC and the harbour authority actually participated in as a funding partner that was done by MacPherson Roach and Smith and it was one that talked about this whole concept in Founders’ Hall as a re-use potential. We’re sort of using that as a guide.’’
As for when it will open, Parsons said they don’t have a firm date in mind but are aiming for sometime this summer.
