By Andree Lau
Ottawa’s newest co-operative market was launched Feb. 12 the same way it will be run: alternative, community-based and fun.
Belly dancers, world beat drummers and mehndi herbal body decorators entertained the crowd at the tentatively titled Art-Craft and Alternative Resource Market Co-op’s kickoff party.
The co-op will serve as an outlet for local arts and crafts, alternative health care, workshops, community resources and children’s programs.
“There’s something special around it,” says Malcolm Guthridge, the co-op’s volunteer organizer.
“Under one roof, we can empower the community, make it more fun, ecological and safe.”
A co-operative is a business owned by the vendors who use it; its business decisions are made by members, who each have a vote.
According to the Canadian Co-operative Federation, members of co-ops usually share common social, economic, and cultural goals.
“It’s a trend a lot of people are turning to,” says Jenny Stewart, a co-op vendor selling organic coffee and tie-dyed clothing.
“Because a lot of big companies and chain stores are coming into Ottawa, it’s a way for smaller businesses to get together and share expenses and be viable.”
The Canadian Co-operative Association says there are more than 10,000 co-ops in Canada including credit unions and caisse populaires.
Most co-ops in Ottawa provide housing and daycare. Carol Hunter of the association says there is a steady growth of retail co-ops.
“It’s a more holistic view of community,” says Hunter. “It’s combining social and economic objectives.”
The organizers of this Ottawa co-op want to promote local artists and community spirit.
“I think it’s also important to this neighborhood,” says Stewart. “This building has been vacant for a long time and I think this part of Bank Street needs some revitalization.”
The co-op is located at the corner of Bank and Catherine streets.
The company that owns the building could not rent out the street-level space, so it decided to try a local crafts fair.
That idea snowballed into the co-op.
“I said let’s stop looking at this place as a liability, it’s an asset and the asset is something we can create,” says Hania Grabowski, daughter of a shareholder in the company and a co-op volunteer.
Guthridge and Julia Fleming were asked to organize the co-op partly due to their experience as Byward Market vendors.
They have brought other vendors to the space, which has been billed as a viable alternative to the Byward Market’s bylaws.
The co-op’s vendors also say it’s a “friendlier” place to do business.
In less than two months, the volunteers have transformed Mayor Jim Watson’s former campaign headquarters into a colorful centre with only $400.
Paintings by local artists, plush couches, and a kids’ space filled with toys are just part of the co-op’s charm.
“I think it’s something Ottawa needs because there’s not enough homegrown culture and art and showing off our talent,” says Sean Lynch, who attended the new co-op’s launch party out of curiosity.
“I think it’s a good idea.”
The co-op plans to add an organic market and hold events like dance workshops.
It’s only open on weekends for now but should be open five days a week by Easter.
“Whether the co-op takes off depends on the community,” says Guthridge.
The co-op will have to form a board of members, decide on a permanent name and negotiate a lease in the coming months.