With last of the Containers in place on the Promenade, Tourism Prince Rupert Announces Official Opening of the “Lax Süülda Container Market”

With all of the containers now in place on the Promenade
Tourism Prince Rupert has introduced Lax Süülda Container Market
to residents of Prince Rupert

Those who have been down to the Promenade between the Prince Rupert Cruise Terminal and the Atlin Terminal have taken note of the colourful array of containers that have been lined up and already making for some buzz for the tourism sector.

Today, Tourism Prince Rupert announced that with the arrival of the final two containers the new Outdoor Marketplace in Cow Bay is open for business and it comes with a new name that pay's homage to the land which has been placed.

The newest feature for the Tourism group now goes by the name of "Lax Süülda Container Market."

In their announcement today, Tourism Prince Rupert provided some background on the name chosen for the marketplace and the focus that the containers will serve for local artisans and commercial sector participants.

The name was selected with support, direction, and permission from the Ts’msyen Sm’algyax Language Authority. In Sm’algyax, the language of the Ts’msyen People, “Lax Süülda” means “on the ocean.” 

The name choice highlights the importance and significance of Ts’msyen language and culture in Prince Rupert, as well as the community's deep-rooted connection to the ocean and surrounding environment.

The Lax Süülda Container Market features refurbished shipping containers transformed into vibrant and weather-protected mini shops, providing an exceptional opportunity for regional small businesses, artists, and vendors to showcase their products to visitors and cruise ship passengers. 

The containers are fully accessible with wheelchair ramps available for each and intentional spacing to allow for mobility around the site. The marketplace's unique aesthetic and location aims to create a memorable experience for all who visit. 

“Tourism Prince Rupert is thrilled to open this site and provide new opportunities for local small businesses, vendors, and artisans on the North Coast to access the international market created by the cruise sector. 

We are grateful to the Ts’msyen Sm’algyax Language Authority for their support of our work and for their guidance in the selection of the name ‘Lax Süülda Container Market.’ 

The name will serve as a testament to the significance of Ts’msyen culture in Prince Rupert and provide visitors with an immediate glimpse into our community’s vibrant culture,”  -- Ceilidh Marlow, Executive Director of Tourism Prince Rupert.

Tourism Prince Rupert notes that the Seed Funding for the Development of the Lax Süülda Container Market was provided by Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) through the Province of BC’s Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Fund (TRTDI). 

As part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the province’s six tourism regions received a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and increase economic diversification within communities.

Support for land-use and the installation of electrical at the site is provided by the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

Lana Popham, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport noted of the innovative approach the market offers the community.

“Our government is proud to support the tourism sector in northern B.C., the people who work init, and its sustained recovery, By supporting the Prince Rupert Lax Süülda Container Market, we are investing in tourism infrastructure that is sustainable and innovative, shining a light on Indigenous stories and strengthening community vibrancy for residents and visitors alike."

For Sean Stevenson the Prince Rupert Port Authority's President and CEO, the new public space brings a new energy to the Promenade space and Cow Bay Area.

“The Lax Süülda Container Market aligns with the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s efforts to improvePrince Rupert’s waterfront for the benefit of the community and generate new opportunities for local small businesses, community groups and artisans by showcasing what makes our community unique from other destinations in the northwest and Alaska cruise ports of call.Adding renewed energy and vibrance to Cow Bay, the market helps enhance the experience for visitors and residents exploring the area.”

Ceilidh Marlow, Executive Director of Tourism Prince Rupert offered up a few additional notes for the North Coast Review. 

Ms. Marlow observed that the refurbished containers have been arriving over the last few months, manufactured in Vancouver they came by road to Prince Rupert.

As we noted last week they were put in place over the course of a few days in late may and early June.

Should the initiative go well this season, Tourism Prince Rupert is considering a further expansion for the marketplace concept.

There will be a sense of refresh on the Promenade through the Summer, with many of the vendors rotating over two week periods at the location. 

Tourism Prince Rupert is still negotiating agreements with potential participants, so follow their Social media stream to see who may be popping up in the  "Lax Süülda Container Market." as the season moves ahead.

In their announcement today, which you can read here, Tourism Prince Rupert has provided for additional commentary on the new addition to the landscape of the waterfront area at Cow Bay. 

As well the offer up some links related to the market operations and the Ts'mysen Sm'algyax Language Authority.

More notes on Tourism themes in Prince Rupert cane be found from our archive page.