The Kitchener Market is preparing to enhance its temporary operations in the coming month, enabling most vendors to resume business activities while the city progresses with the restoration of the market building following a fire incident in July.
Commencing on September 5, the city will introduce “temporary infrastructure and services” to facilitate the majority of market vendors to operate in a modified capacity. This expanded arrangement will offer shoppers access to a broader range of products, including meat and dairy.
Andrew Sturgess, the city’s director of business growth and entrepreneurship, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming back most vendors next month as efforts continue to fully restore the market. CBC News has sought clarification from the city regarding the specifics of the “temporary infrastructure and services.”
The announcement comes after a fire outbreak at a vendor stall on the market’s second floor on July 12, resulting in an estimated $50,000 in damages and the closure of the indoor market. Despite the building remaining shut, the market has remained operational every Saturday, with over 30 vendors serving numerous customers weekly at the city’s temporary outdoor market.
Vendors had previously raised concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the closure and the duration of their inability to operate indoors. The market closure significantly impacted vendors like Gordon Hum, co-owner of Mango and Rollz, who highlighted the challenges of operating outdoors due to equipment and public-health regulations.
City officials had cautioned that the recovery process would be lengthy, with the need for extensive cleaning and remediation due to smoke, soot, and other contaminants spread throughout the facility. The recent announcement offers an immediate solution for vendors while restoration work continues.
Vendor rental fees have been waived since July 18 as the city devised recovery plans. A staff report presented to Kitchener city council on August 24 proposes temporary fee reductions for vendors under the interim model during the anticipated six-month recovery period, with an estimated investment of $240,000 to $270,000 in supporting vendors, temporary infrastructure, services, and rent reductions.
Sturgess emphasized the market’s longstanding role in the community for over 155 years. Ongoing coordination with insurers, public health authorities, and contractors is in place for remediation and restoration planning, although a specific reopening date for the market building has not been provided yet.
Residents can continue to visit the Kitchener Market every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. as the restoration efforts progress.