Petition to Protect Canada Water Market – A Call for Fairness & Collaboration

To: Southwark Council

Subject: Request for Reinstatement & Constructive Dialogue on Canada Water Market’s Sunday Operating License

Canada Water Market has been an integral part of the local community, supporting small businesses, charities, musicians, and entrepreneurs since its launch in April 2022. However, Southwark Council has recently decided to terminate the market’s Sunday operating license, citing unpaid rent. We would like to clarify that all payments have been made, and any delays were largely due to invoicing discrepancies that remain unresolved.

We acknowledge that there may have been misunderstandings or miscommunications regarding payment processes, particularly given that no formal contract has ever been provided to establish clear terms. Instead of a sudden termination that puts livelihoods at risk, we believe that a collaborative solution can and should be reached—one that ensures fairness, transparency, and the continued success of the market for the benefit of all parties involved.

Signing is an unnecessarily clunky process, but just make sure you verify your email address once signed. Ignore the requests for funding, voice notes, signing other petitions etc, it will say skip at the bottom of the page. We tried other platforms but this is the recommended one. 

Why Canada Water Market Matters:

Since its inception, Canada Water Market has provided:

✅ Jobs & income for independent traders and small businesses
✅ Free stalls for charities and non-profit organizations
✅ A platform for live music & cultural events that enrich the community
✅ Opportunities for underrepresented groups in business

This market has grown into a vital part of the local economy and social fabric. The termination of its license—or a potential takeover by the council—puts traders’ livelihoods at risk, disrupts community initiatives, and undoes the 3 years of hard work we've invested in making it a thriving marketplace.

Key Issues & Need for Resolution:

🔹 No Formal Contract: Despite repeated requests, no official contract exists to establish clear terms for payments, cancellations, or dispute resolution. This has led to misunderstandings and unnecessary conflicts such as this one. 

🔹 Invoicing Discrepancies: Payments have been made, but the council has continued to issue invoices for canceled market days (due to dangerous weather conditions) and has not adjusted fees despite lower trading numbers during winter (and a fees document that clearly states a tiered rate is in place).

🔹 Lack of Transparent Dialogue: The decision to terminate the license was made without adequate discussion, despite the significant impact on traders and the community.

Our Request for a Collaborative Path Forward:

We are not seeking confrontation, but rather an opportunity to work together to find a fair and sustainable resolution. We respectfully request:

✅ Immediate reinstatement of the Sunday license to prevent unnecessary economic harm.
✅ A formal, fair contract that establishes clear terms for payments, cancellations, and dispute resolution.
✅ Accurate and fair invoicing that reflects real trading days and conditions.
✅ An open and transparent meeting between Southwark Council and market representatives to discuss a way forward that benefits both the council and the community.

Why This Matters:

Canada Water Market is more than just a place of trade—it is a community hub that fosters local enterprise, cultural expression, and social connection. We strongly believe that, through open dialogue, a mutually beneficial solution can be reached.

📝 Sign this petition to support fair negotiations, transparency, and the future of Canada Water Market!