A permanent outdoor market in downtown Kitimat is moving forward following public engagement sessions and ongoing consultation with the Haisla Nation.
“The open house was very helpful. The feedback was insightful and will shape how we proceed with the project,” said Walsham Tenshak, director of economic development for the District of Kitimat.
Public sessions were held April 30 and May 1 at Tamitik Arena and Save-On-Foods, followed by a May 2 meeting at the Kitimat Valley Institute for Haisla members. The events marked the latest stage in a feasibility study examining potential locations, vendor interest and building design for a year-round market space.
The project, a collaboration between the District of Kitimat and the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce, is backed by funding from the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program. It builds on previous revitalization efforts and aligns with council’s 2023 Economic Development Strategic Plan, which includes goals to boost downtown activity, support small businesses and encourage tourism. As part of the plan, residents were asked what they wanted to see in the community — and the idea of a permanent outdoor market emerged directly from that feedback.
“This was a question of what resident’s vision of Kitimat was, what was important for them in order to see the community thrive,” said Tenshak. “The outdoor market came up as one of the action items through that process.”
More than 150 public responses and 70 from vendors were collected through surveys. Participants were asked to comment on possible market locations, preferred building styles such as pavilions or indoor-access structures, and amenities like loading zones or multipurpose space. Three locations emerged most often in the feedback: near the Dairy Queen, the courthouse parking lot, and a green space behind Two Peaks Brewing.
The district is continuing discussions with the Haisla Nation Development Corporation to ensure the project includes Indigenous entrepreneurs and incorporates culturally meaningful design elements.
“Since this will be a new structure in town, we want to know what it might look like to engage with Haisla artists for designs that will go on the building, or other design elements they might find important,” said Tenshak.
Ideas for the market's use beyond regular vendor hours were also raised — including art workshops and community gatherings. Incorporating food trucks into the market footprint was another recurring theme. The goal is to move vendors from their current location in the City Centre parking lot to a dedicated space with amenities such as seating and utility hook-ups.
“It would be great for entrepreneurship and place-making and all those things, but it could also be a great destination attraction to visit the community and see what else we have here,” said Tenshak.
Next steps include completing the feasibility study, site design and market assessment by the end of September. A report will then be brought to council to determine whether the project will proceed. While cost estimates have not been revealed, Tenshak said staff will also seek grant funding to help offset the project.
“My mantra has been, ‘we’re trying to create a realistic project that’s not going to cost more than the benefits we get from it,’” she said. “That doesn’t mean it’s going to be cheap; we’re just trying to make the best use of public funds.”
