To the editor;
Quoting Shannon Claypool, “To steal a line from Field of Dreams, ‘If you build it they will come’.”
Is Mr. Claypool relying on professional advice from Kevin Costner when making decisions concerning a venue that is known and appreciated quite literally throughout the Lower Mainland, B.C. and countless international visitors?
Mr. Claypool is of an unsubstantiated opinion that Surrey residents would benefit by a Granville Island style market.
The obvious contrast in demographics as well as the historic failures of numerous local farmers markets clearly indicates that this vision is seriously flawed.
The proposed plans for changes of the Cloverdale Flea Market would create a grave disappointment for the tens of thousands of people who frequent the flea market (yes, there are that many people who enjoy the current market!!).
It will affect the hundreds of vendors who depend on a boost to their incomes for survival in these times of rising costs, should those vendors be selling cell phone covers or doing their part to re-use and recycle by selling used merchandise.
Furthermore, has the potential loss of revenue to the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association been considered should this grand vision for change prove a failure??
I hope those responsible for this decision would take the time to consider the facts and drop by the current flea market and realize that it is a vibrant entity that should not be changed for the sake of change.
Chris Williams
Port Coquitlam
cc: Dianne Watts