The Little Market Box: A Community Business Faces Legal Turmoil
In the heart of Saskatoon, a local business owner, Julianna Tan, finds herself in a precarious situation that has turned her world upside down. This summer, she received a court summons that would change the trajectory of her business, the Little Market Box, a beloved community hub in Riversdale. “It’s like pure chaos,” Tan expressed, highlighting the emotional toll this legal battle has taken on her and her business.
The Heart of the Matter: A By-Law Dispute
The Little Market Box is not just any store; it is a vibrant marketplace that showcases artisanal products from over 75 local vendors. However, Tan is now facing a staggering fine of more than $18,000 for allegedly operating without a business license. This fine, she fears, could force her to close the doors of her store, which she describes as operating on “thin margins.” “A fine of this magnitude would absolutely force us to close our doors,” she stated, emphasizing the dire consequences of the situation.
The Move and the Miscommunication
Tan moved The Little Market Box, along with another venture called Those Girls at the Market, to a new location on 20th Street West roughly two years ago after outgrowing her previous building. According to city bylaws, businesses are required to obtain a new license prior to moving, as the license is tied to the physical location. Tan insists that she filed the necessary paperwork before the move, but complications arose when the city raised concerns about the building’s use.
In October 2022, Tan’s license application was put on hold due to these concerns, leading to a series of miscommunications. The city sought a permit from Tan, which was ultimately denied in February 2023. Following this, Tan received a letter informing her that further actions would be taken if she did not complete her business license application. Unfortunately, a second letter was sent to an outdated address, which Tan did not receive, resulting in the city charging both businesses under the bylaw for operating without a license.
The Court Summons and the Community’s Response
Tan learned of the legal ramifications only when she received the court summons in June 2024. The city solicitor’s office claims that Tan was part of an email exchange detailing the steps needed to rectify the situation, but Tan maintains that she was unaware of the ongoing issues until it was too late. “My first time learning about the infraction was at court, and so it was very fast and escalated very quickly,” she recounted.
On October 10, the court levied fines of $9,254 for each business, which included a $4,000 fine and a daily fine of $5 for 522 days of non-compliance. With the deadline to appeal the fines looming, Tan found herself in a desperate situation. Unable to pay the fines, she turned to fundraising and community support. Remarkably, she raised half of the required amount in just a week, a testament to the community’s commitment to supporting local businesses.
A Call for Change
As Tan navigates this challenging period, she hopes that the city will reconsider its policies regarding communication with business owners. “Not even being able to make a phone call, not even being able to send a letter to our address,” she lamented. “Yet you’re going to stop us with a fine that’s astronomical and that will absolutely force us to close. That seems extremely punitive, not protective.”
Tan’s experience sheds light on the challenges faced by small business owners in navigating bureaucratic processes. She advocates for more transparent communication from the city, such as providing notice of denial or using registered mail, to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
Conclusion: A Community United
Despite the chaos and uncertainty, Tan remains hopeful. The support she has received from the community has reignited her passion for her business and the local marketplace. “Feeling the support of the community has been something that reminds me of why we do this in the first place and why we choose to live in Saskatoon,” she said.
As the Little Market Box continues to fight for its survival, it stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit. The outcome of this legal battle will not only determine the fate of Tan’s business but may also prompt necessary changes in how local governments interact with small businesses, ensuring that they can thrive rather than merely survive.