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Nelson Vendor Market Society

Our New Not for Profit

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Call To Action:


If you are in favor of our Regestered Not for Porfit the NVMS, taking over responcibility of Nelson Farmers Market, here are a few things you can do.

Read our formal 2-year proposal to the City of Nelson below. We want to return the Farmers Market to a funded NFP. 

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1- Become member

2- Share this update and the proposal with vendors you know and help spread the word that we have submitted a formal proposal to the City

3- Wright a short statement of support (one sentence is enough). Currently our membership is anonymous.

Farmers Market Proposal

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – Nelson Farmers Market Transition Proposal

Submitted by NVMS – December 2, 2025

 

NVMS proposes a two-year, phased transition for the Nelson Farmers Market, shifting day-to-day operations to a community-led non-profit while maintaining City oversight and alignment with municipal bylaws.

 

Key Goals:

  • Reduce administrative workload on City staff

  • Improve stability and vendor support

  • Ensure long-term financial sustainability

  • Strengthen Nelson’s food security and tourism presence

  • Align with provincial best practices used across BC

 

 

Why NVMS?

  • 16+ years of experience running large Nelson markets

  • Vendor-led governance

  • Capacity to access grants unavailable to municipalities

  • Strong community support

 

 

What the City Contributes:

  • Market space

  • Signage, barricades & road-closure equipment

  • Special event permits

  • High-level safety compliance

 

 

What NVMS Takes Over:

  • All vendor communication, applications & scheduling

  • Market layout, logistics & conflict resolution

  • Staff & volunteer coordination

  • On-site operations

  • Digital systems for payments & receipts

  • Grant applications & long-term planning

 

 

Timeline:

2026 – Phase 1 (Hybrid):

City collects fees; NVMS runs operations.

 

2027 – Phase 2 (Shared Admin):

NVMS collects fees; City provides space & compliance.

 

2028 – Phase 3 (Full NFP):

NVMS manages all aspects; City remains supportive partner.

 

This model mirrors successful transitions in Kamloops, Vernon, Revelstoke, and Kimberley.

 

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COVER EMAIL TO SONYA

 

Subject: Proposal Submission – Nelson Farmers Market Transition Model

 

Hi Sonya,

 

Thank you again for your guidance on next steps.

 

Attached is the proposal from the Nelson Vendors Market Society (NVMS) outlining a collaborative, phased transition model for the Nelson Farmers Market. Our goal is to reduce administrative strain on the City while strengthening long-term stability for vendors, farmers, and the community.

 

The proposal includes:

- a 2-year transition timeline

- clearly defined roles for NVMS and the City

- grant and funding pathways

- BCAFM membership requirements

- benefits for food security, tourism, and community development

Meet our Board of Directors

Aviva Keely.jpg

Aviva Keely

345613038_2135956129934920_6258654938284675466_n.jpg

Clarissa Thompson

Simone Varey.jpg

Simone
Varey

Larry James.jpg

Larry
ames

Sean keely.jpg

Sean Keely

Della Schafer.jpg

Della Schafer

Introduction:
We’re proud to introduce the Nelson Vendors Market Society, a vendor-led, not-for-profit created by and for our market community.


Our Mission statement:
Nelson Vendors Market Society is a vendor led initiative to produce markets, promote vendors and farmers and support their small businesses.

 

Our Board is composed entirely of current and former vendors. We bring with us:
• Experienced market coordinators/Producers  (16 years)
• A dedicated bookkeeper  
• A professional grant writer  
• Strong marketing and social media support

Corporate Sponsor

We are very grateful to our sponsor for the continued support 

Positive Apparel is one of our Corporate Sponsor

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