A flea market set up on the grounds of Del's Bistro has been the cause of controversy for some people in the immediate vicinity.

Mel Bell set up the market in a vacant space next to Del's on the corner by the intersection at 3rd Street and 72nd Avenue and says that he is using funds from the market to establish a homeless shelter.

"We're getting a sign made and we're going to call it The People's Flea Market," explained Bell.

"We're taking donations to help youth in the area and our main thrust here is to get a men's shelter for the homeless."

Various items and some fruit is for sale and neighbouring businesses don't seem very impressed - some did not want to go on record but said they weren't in favour of the flea market.

Marty Boisvenue, the owner of Home Hardware on 72nd Avenue, said Bell lied to him when broaching the topic of setting up a market across the street.

"He said it was going to be local arts and crafts, 'would you have a problem,' and I said, 'No,' said Boisvenue. "That would be good; it would be like a farmer's market, but now it turned out to be a bunch of junk, garage sale items (being sold)," Boisvenue said.

He said the flea market is an eyesore.

Bell disagrees though, especially considering the way the lot was before.

"This was a lot with three-foot high weeds and random cars parked. I feel that it's much better as a stroll-through, browsing place that adds to the colour of our city," he said. "From the different aspect of Market (Ave), when you look down towards 72nd and see the colour and the sparkle of the flea market, it draws people through."

Bell also says that he is breaking no laws because he has all the appropriate documentation.

"I have a business licence and this is private property - I can be here," Bell said.

"We're covered, we have insurance, and it's taken all our money to get that."