Nov 03, 2009 - 04:30 AM

By Jeff Hayward

UXBRIDGE -- When it comes to a successful farmers' market in Uxbridge, it's all about visibility, according to a local grower.

Lisa Cooper, who along with husband Steve runs Cooper's CSA Farm and Maze in Zephyr, has been involved with the Uxbridge farmers' market for a number of years. And despite the opinion of some councillors, who would like to see the operation moved downtown, she said the current spot at the arena is the best location for the market.

"The arena has the best visibility," said Ms. Cooper. "We tried downtown and it was terrible."

The group has tried the parking lot behind Mac's on Brock Street and other areas without the same success as at the arena, she added. The market has been at the arena for the past four years, with the latest "great" season wrapping up on Thanksgiving.

"Every year it gets better," she said of the market's success. "It helps (farmers) get their name out in the community and promote a product."

Discussion arose about the future location of the market at a recent council meeting, which had councillors at odds on the subject. A report from the clerk's department outlined an effort by Durham's economic development department to secure Trillium Foundation cash to add hydro at the arena parking lot. But the deal also required a commitment from the Township toward a five-year lease at that spot.

Councillor Gordon Highet, who said he shops the farmers' market, noted having the vendors at the arena is "going against our own vision statement", which points to a market in Uxbridge's core. Councillor Jack Ballinger said Centennial Park, next to the Uxbridge Library, is adequately equipped to handle the 25 or so growers.

"I'm disappointed," said Coun. Ballinger. "We have electricity in Centennial Park ... I'd think (the farmers) would have at least come to council (to speak)."

But Ms. Cooper, president of the farmers' market group, said she wasn't aware the matter was being discussed at that meeting.

"We really appreciate the help we get from council (and staff), but it's not (the farmers') job to help revitalize downtown," she said.

Adding hydro to the arena would allow vendors to run freezers, coffee makers, deep fryers and more, explained Ms. Cooper, noting currently some farmers are hauling their own generators to the site. She added having a Sunday market downtown wouldn't make sense, as many of the surrounding businesses aren't open that day.

"Until downtown is even open, we wouldn't consider moving there," she said.

Coun. Ted Eng, also a farmer, defended the arena location.

"People like to get in, get out and get their shopping done," he said, noting there is more parking at the arena than other places. "Centennial (Park) is not convenient ... people want convenience and quickness."

In a narrow vote, councillors decided to extend the lease with the market for five years at the arena, with Township staff to draw up a lease agreement.