Bringing a swap, shop, and flea to the Westshore

Every Sunday morning, locals gather in the library parking lot at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre to swap and shop. The weekly event, called The Westshore Swap, Shop and Market (WSSM), has already become a local summer staple, as it revives the Western Speedway tradition. The market mixes elements of swap/flea markets, craft fairs, and farmers markets, which results in an exciting Sunday event for families to enjoy.

For years, the swap and shop at the Western Speedway was a local favourite. With a variety of treasures to find, Sean Chewka and his business partner fell in love with the idea of swap markets.

“We've had all sorts of small businesses—we love market selling, but the swap shop was always near and dear to us,” said Chewka. “Unfortunately when they knocked it down, we were broken a little bit and we figured there was a bit of a hole in the market.”

With the opportunity in front of him, Chewka became the co-owner of the WSSM—a decision that would come with some risks.

“It was nerve wracking. There is a lot of overhead to go into the business: rent and insurances, dozens of tables and tents,” says Chewka. “So we hoped that with all the legwork that we put in, it was going to go well.”

Despite his fears, Chewka quickly realized the challenge would not be asking people to come, but rather having enough spots for vendors.

“I think we [originally] had 35 or 40 vendors,” says Chewka. “Fast forward eight weeks later, and now we have over 66 vendors weekly, and over 1,200 people through the door.”

Markets like the WSSM are a great way to connect with the community and support locals. Despite the original nervousness from Chewka and vendors alike, the Swap and Shop has grown into a formidable group—one that is creating waves in both connection and sustainability.

Chewka says that every item offered at the market is sold, swapped, or donated. The web of treasures and people connects the community through well-loved items; old or new, nothing goes to waste.

“A special part of what we do is if you love it and you want to sell it, you should have an opportunity to come up—we don't need to know where you got your product, it doesn’t have to be handmade, it doesn't need to be local,” says Chewka. “By sharing something special, everyone's letting you know about their business or their passions a little bit further.”

With an ever-growing business, Chewka is excited for the future expansions of the WSSM, and is already looking for a secondary space.

“Everyone wants to help each other out, and it wouldn’t be like this, without the community and without the outpouring support,” says Chewka. “You're going to see these trailers, there's bubbles in the air, kids are running around dancing and having fun—we’re that unique weirdo community.”

Running every Sunday until Sept. 3, the Westshore Swap, Shop and Market is open from 8am to 12pm in the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre library parking lot. General admission is $2 and kids 12 and under are free.