The River Market at Westminster Quay has been named a finalist for the Real Estate Foundation of B.C.'s 2012 Land Awards.
The Land Awards recognize initiatives by non-profit organizations, private companies and government bodies that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and collaboration in sustainable land use in British Columbia.
Take Root Properties - the developer leading River Market's revitalization - is passionate about using real estate to do good, says a River Market press release.
In 2008, company co-founder Mark Shieh and his team embarked on a "food-led revitalization" of the Westminster Quay Public Market, aimed at strengthening the local food economy and on reintroducing the public market as a focal point of community life, the release states.
"River Market is pioneering a new model for a market. The nomination confirms our momentum," Shieh says in the release, adding that it's a group effort. "We share this honour with our tenant-partners, an amazing family of restaurateurs, chefs, entrepreneurs and pioneers. They're the leading tastemakers in B.C."
The new River Market at Westminster Quay sets itself apart from other retail outlets by welcoming the community to engage in cultural and communal activities, and by highlighting food-related activities such as growing, making, distributing and serving. River Market has also introduced a customer loyalty program, which reinvests one per cent of money spent at the River Market into grassroots projects in New Westminster, the release states.
The changes are physical too. River Market has demonstrated leadership in sustainability with efficiency improvements to infrastructure and operations, and through public education. In addition to initiating a "zero-waste" challenge with tenants to divert waste to recycling and compost, events such as workshops and speakers series educate and engage the public.
The awards will be presented at the Land Awards Gala on Oct. 26, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver.
- Niki Hope
