The Comox Valley Regional District committee of the whole supports in principle a farmers' market facility proposed at Comox Bay Farm, but it's premature for the City of Courtenay to provide financing and operating information, says Courtenay director Greg Phelps. The Comox Valley Farmers' Market Association is raising money while the City will own and operate the building, says vice-president Marla Limousin, who updated the board Tuesday about the proposal."It's more than just a farmers' market, it's a place to celebrate agriculture," Limousin said. "It's planning a legacy."Last year, the association and Ducks Unlimited launched a capital campaign to build a permanent home on a 2.3-hectare site. The intention is to promote agriculture in the Valley. Limousin said the market is outgrowing its indoor winter site at the Native Sons Hall. The association hopes to construct a multi-purpose hall with an indoor vending centre and classroom, an interpretive centre, a distribution centre, and a sales and marketing incubator for new farmers, among other features.Over the next six months, the market will continue to build partnerships. It is supported by the Comox Valley Economic Development Society.Last fall, the district agreed to spend $5,000 on a study to determine the feasibility of establishing a service to support the facility's operation, as requested by CVEDS. Courtenay director Larry Jangula was the lone board member opposed to the idea, suggesting the district's support could be deemed illegal in terms of interfering with businesses.    On Tuesday, Jangula noted pushback from private business."I hear a lot of negative comments," he said. Limousin said the market also runs into its share of red lights, but notes other B.C. municipalities such as Vancouver and Kelowna are moving toward establishing permanent markets. The City of Courtenay has indicated its support, subject to operational costs from a district-wide service. A CVEDS proposal indicates annual operating costs would run from $100,000 to $150,000.reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com