Breaking news at the breakwater!

By Rita Button

You and I might see a small square of grass and an old cement step attached to a pier with very thick lines, but Ian Robertson, CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority sees a ”blank canvas with  a potential to create a vibrant area.”. Sarah Turner, events coordinator for the GVHA; Carole Elliott, Chair of the James  Bay Market Society; Leslie Freeman, a vendor at the James Bay Market; and I stood on the patch of grass just beyond the Bistro near the Band shell at Ogden Point’s Breakwater. This space will welcome the world this summer when the Breakwater Market opens on Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm in July and August, the two least windy months in Victoria.

Planning started in April. The idea is to extend open market opportunities while simultaneously creating a welcoming environment not only for those who enjoy the Breakwater but also for those who have yet to experience the joy of walking on the pier, breathing the pure sea air. Beginning July 5, food trucks, local vendors and farmers as well as local entertainment will come together to become the Breakwater Market. The Food Trucks, offering an international cuisine, will be parked on the barge, located directly behind the band shell. Local groups, similar to those you may have heard at the James Bay Market, will perform on the Band Shell. The two lots of grass will come alive with vendors and farmers. Carole is hoping to create a market that includes something for everyone:  a cup of coffee, a muffin or cookie, fresh produce, local crafts, artisans’ creations as well as local wine and beer tastings. After all of that activity, you’ll want to relax to the sounds of our local musicians.

Entrepreneurs who currently sell their wares at the James Bay Market have been invited to participate in this new venue, but organizers are also reaching out to the community for more vendors. Leslie, a long-time vendor in the James Bay Market, looked at the area, and said, “Who wouldn’t want to spend a day here near the water?” If you want to join Leslie at the Breakwater, you’re in luck. More spaces have become available. Contact the market’s email info@breakwatermarket.com to connect. This is meant to be a place where locals can sell their produce and products to locals who see the value of home grown products.

In February, 33,000 people walked the Breakwater, so it seems natural to offer further experiences after a jaunt down the pier. Concepts such as the One Hundred Mile Diet, shopping as a political activity are supported in this market since the idea of buying locally is good for the environment, for the people who grow food, and for those of us whose talents force us to buy most of what we consume. 

In keeping with the local theme, the organizers are very aware of the neighbours, walking and cycling are encouraged. The entertainment will be of a peaceful, calm nature, including buskers, musicians and perhaps even actors from summer Shakespearean theatre.

John Briant and Barry Hobbis have been identified as being integral to making the idea a reality because of the hours they have contributed to the concept. Carole emphasized that the idea is to start small and build on success. Leslie just loves the family feel of open air markets; Sarah truly appreciates being a part of creating something new while Ian is passionate about establishing a vibrant feeling at the Breakwater.

When you head out to the Breakwater between 11am and 4pm on July 5, you’ll be surprised at the sensory smorgasbord that awaits you!