Dear Editor:
Your articles on the market in the March 14 issue have prompted me to write how disappointed we are at the progress or lack of any incentive to lure back the customers to this venue.
In 1998, when we moved to B.C., we picked the Quay area because we loved the market that was here at that time. We enjoyed building our daily walks around the market, going often to partake of delicious lunches at the various ethnic eateries like Sweeties, Kirin's Sushi and our favourite - the Riva Café.
The main level indoors adjacent to some of the food courts was always full of happy customers enjoying coffee and delicious treats from Farm Cottage Bakery.
Then, when we thought it could not get any better, Top Gun Sushi opened its door, and we loved their lunch and dinner buffets so much we had friends come at least once weekly. We also enjoyed browsing the many retailers, the two veggie and fruit markets and the fishmonger.
In the spring and summer, the fresh and lovely flowers brought colour everywhere. It did not get any better than sitting outside on a warm summer day, enjoying our coffee and a treat, listening to the many fine buskers that frequented the area.
If we wanted to get our hair done, there were the friendly ladies at Handsome and Gorgeous. And if you needed an ATM, the RBC provided one at the entrance.
Now sadly all this is gone - the market has been chopped down into dark, dingy cubbyholes, and the eateries that have opened have not lured us back after the initial sample. The space where Top Gun Sushi was became a series of trial and errors - Orlando's catering, then La Perla Ballroom. And why a circus school?
In the outside areas hardly anyone occupies the few tables and chairs - and oh yes, the corn did not bear fruit - various veggies withered and died, and the thin, scraggly blueberry (or whatever they are) bushes look ready to bite the dust. Bring back the nice shrubs and the flowers.
We are not the only ones noticing this - people have stopped us on our walks to ask what happened to the thriving market. Things are not going to get any better.
Now we go to Columbia Square and the new Safeway - when the movie theatres and the other retail venues open, the River Market will become even more irrelevant. We don't need another hamburger joint, just somewhere we can get a good cup of coffee. On the positive side, we like Donald's Market, but it is too small and cramped - move them upstairs and give them the space where the circus school is, along with the other dead space there. And, for starters, bring back Top Gun Sushi - this will at least bring the loyal customers back.
D/J Stossel, New Westminster
