2 Week Update 

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Aug 1, 2025

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We are happy to update you all on how our new registered NFP is going. We also want to take a moment to address some concerns and clarify the vision for the Nelson Vendors Market Society.

Here is what happened over these last 2 weeks:

• 31 members have joined the society

• Identified our first major project for 2026

• Identified grants

• Developing timelines for grant applications

• Survey vendors and identified concerns

 
Concern we have heard:

• Hostile take over

• Increase in booth fees

• Not wanting to work with the city/creating conflict

• Membership is only for Nelson vendors

 

Next steps:
Continue to build membership and outreach to identify needs and concerns.
Transferring the KAF Harvest Market to our new Platform the Nelson Vendors Market Society for the 2026 season. With the incredible amount of support we have seen from the community we are now in the perfect position to start applying for grant money to turn this into Nelsons very own Garlic Festival.

 
We want to take a moment to address some concerns and clarify the vision for the Nelson Vendors Market Society.

There has been some worry that our effort is “NVMS versus the City.” We want to be clear: it is not. This is about vendors, farmers, and the community coming together to build something sustainable, with the City as a partner. The best way to make this vision a reality is by joining the society. Membership gives you the ability to share your concerns and ideas, and/or benefit from the efforts of those speaking out so you can just enjoy the success of the market. If you want a market built in collaboration, not conflict, this is the step to take. This is not about individuals, it’s about creating a sustainable, vendor-led structure that ensures consistent leadership for years to come. With 16 years of market organizing, and 40 years combined vending experience on the board, our goal is to use that knowledge to create stability, food security and vending opportunites.

As a not-for-profit, every dollar raised will be reinvested back into the market. Unlike a City-run model, we will have access to agricultural and community grants that can help lower vendor fees over time and expand marketing and support. With a grant writer on the board with more than 10 years of successful grant writing experience, we are well prepared to take on this project with confidence. We have already secured a corporate Sponsor with Positive Apparel Thrift Store Inc.

If you want this as well, then the best way to see this come to fruition is to become a member of this society. Your membership gives you the ability to voice your concerns, and get meaningful and timely answers.  If you just want a successful market without the drama, this is the best step. When members speak with one voice, they speak the loudest.
 
You do not have to be a Nelson resident to be a member. Any vendor who lives within the Kootenay Boundary and has attended any Nelson Market’s in the last 2 years is eligible to purchase a membership.
 
Together, we will work with the City to build the strongest possible markets for vendors, farmers, and our entire community.
 
We will host an open meeting in Oct to answer any questions. 

Thank you for your continued support and for trusting in this process. Together, we can make Nelson’s markets stronger and more resilient than ever.

Here is some things to consider when comparing your options.

NFP vs. City-Run Farmers Markets

NFP vs. City-Run Farmers Markets

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✅ Not-for-Profit (NFP)-Run Farmers Market

• Vendor-Led Decision Making – Vendors have voting rights and input on key decisions.

• Focused on Vendors & Community – Primary mission is to support local farmers and food security.

• Access to Grants & Funding – Ability to apply for agricultural and community grants.

• Community Accountability – Run by people who live and work in the community.

• Consistent Market Leadership – Dedicated board and coordinator for stability.

• Profits Reinvested – Surplus goes back into the market, not municipal budgets.

• Adaptable & Responsive – Quick decisions to address vendor and customer needs.

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⚠️ City-Run Farmers Market

• Limited Vendor Input – Decisions are made with little vendor voting rights.

• Broader City Priorities – Markets compete with other municipal projects.

• No Access to Grants – Cannot apply for many agricultural and community funds.

• Bureaucratic Process – Changes require city approval, slowing response.

• Market Fees Often Higher – Costs are passed to vendors.

• Leadership Turnover – Staff changes create inconsistency.

• Profits to General Budget – Revenue goes to the city’s general fund

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With gratitude, the NVMS Board