While the Sooke Country Market is back next to Firehall No. 1, it anticipates future expansion and a permanent home at Lot A on Wadams Way.
 
The organization approached Sooke district council recently with its plan, asking for $100,000 in funding and a commitment to include the market in Lot A planning.
 
"We want to put this forward to make sure it's included in the plan," said Ellen Lewers, president of Sooke Region Food Chi, in a submission to council.
 
This year the country market celebrates 28 years as Sooke's first farmers' market.
 
Lewers said the market is growing steadily, and a supportive core of sellers and buyers arrive every Saturday.
 
Vendors offer fresh vegetables, baked goods, poultry, and other locally made goods.
 
Lot A is a two-hectare piece of land owned by the municipality on Wadams Way.
 
Council has mulled possible public uses for the property since the district bought it seven years ago.
 
So far, only a new public library has been built on the land.
 
Still, there are plans for a senior housing complex and an integrated health-care centre.
 
A consultant report in 2019 suggested that a community public meeting space in the southwest portion of Lot A be constructed, including a permanent covered structure for a local farmer's market.
 
The area should also include water features, on-site water retention capability, public seating, performance areas, washroom facilities, and public art.
 
Mayor Maja Tait said the district's focus now is on the senior complex and the health building.
 
Still, when planning begins for the plaza stage, she wants to see how the country market is factored in.
 
"The request is too early for us. If we gave it the greenlight without the other pieces, we'd end up digging it up again," Tait said.
 
Kevin Laird.