The St. Albert Farmers' Market is working on enhancing security, St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce members told city council on July 15, as the event experiences some of its highest attendance numbers in its history.
The once-small community event has ballooned, drawing people from across Canada, the United States, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Australia, Thailand and Mexico. The market sees up to 30,000 visitors each week, the highest attendance numbers in the event's 42-year history.
"It's a powerful tourism driver, and often the first stop for people visiting our community," said Chamber chair Angie Hampshire, adding it has also become a launch pad for local businesses, with some booths eventually setting up brick and mortar stores or a large online following.
But large gatherings can breed concern. A horrifying incident at the Lapu-Lapu festival in Vancouver in April saw a man drive an SUV through a crowd in downtown Vancouver, killing 11 people and injuring over 20 others. The tragedy prompted B.C. Premier David Eby to launch an independent commission on safety during public events.
It has also clearly had an effect on St. Albert's Coun. Ken MacKay, who asked Hampshire what is being done to improve security at the farmers market and lower the risk of a similar tragedy in St. Albert.
Jane Ilott, the Chamber's events manager, said bringing a vehicle through the market among some 15,000 people on a Saturday afternoon is nerve-wracking. This happens especially when coordinating events like Rock'n August or an event at the Arden Theatre. However, she said the Arden lets them know in advance of bringing in a vehicle.
"We've had a couple of near misses," Ilott said. "It always makes my heart kind of stop. And to have the staff stop and bring a vehicle in, it is tough, I'm not going to lie. To me it's a safety issue."
She said they have had a child dart across the path of a vehicle, despite numerous warnings and advisories.
Hampshire said safety is a priority for the market.
"We want our attendees to be able to attend the farmers market and feel safe and protected and be able to enjoy what they have and that they've been able to do safely for years. Has the world changed? Yeah. Do we recognize that this is now a risk? 100 per cent," she said.
She added there are meetings happening behind closed doors to make sure the market is a safe event, but couldn't publicly disclose them or provide details.
"Rest assured, they've been addressed and we are actively working on it. And I think given the dynamics of the world we live in, it is now going to have to stay a constant topic of conversation between the police, the city and the Chamber as [the market] grows," she said.
