Revisiting the Market District

[Spokes]

Looks like they are trying to start up a Wed night Farmers Market for the summer.  I would go for sure.

www.therecord.com/news-story/9022869-kitchener-to-test-wednesday-evening-market-next-summer/

However, another ridiculous statement in a survey completed by the market.

Respondents also raised the perennial complaint about a lack of parking. "Now that we aren't within walking distance, we don't go because there is nowhere to park and the traffic is horrendous," wrote one.  

What they are saying is.  I find it hard to park right in the market and not have to walk.....

Indeed!  Or "I have to pay to park easily a short distance away".

To be fair, I think there is a lack of knowledge around parking.

My solution to the Market problems would be:

1.  Charge top dollar for parking in the garage under the market, it's absurd this is free.
2.  Put up big HUGE temporary signs showing directions to the huge empty garage literally a block away from the market (and maybe even the Benton garage if things go really well).
3.  Close Market Ln on market days (maybe even put the fresh produce or flea market in the laneway).

And a bonus option we should just do anyway: 4.  Charge market rates for street parking.

Look at that, parking problems magically solved for literally negative money.  Complaining will ensure I am certain, but the reality is this is a better solution than wasting money on anything else.

Those are great ideas, and easy to implement.

I can't imagine there would be much drop off from a business perspective either.  I don't think many people would stay away just because of this.  Maybe some, but I don't know if it would be noticeable.

Although that would be the argument against doing it that the vendors will make.