The Kitchener Market is set to reopen on Sept. 5, nearly two months after a fire broke out inside the main building. However, it won’t be business as usual. The City of Kitchener said it will be operating with a “modified format” that will “significantly expand the products available to shoppers, including meat and dairy.” Fire details The fire started at a vendor’s stall around 1 a.m. on July 12. Officials said, even though the flames were contained to relatively small area, the related damage was significant. “The impacts from the smoke and soot damage from the fire itself went throughout the whole facility. We’re talking 40 feet in the air all the way up to our ceiling, so the majority of that inside of our facility will have to be cleaned and remediated,” said Andrew Sturgess, the director of business growth and entrepreneurship with the City of Kitchener. Since then, the doors have remained closed so workers could clean up and make any necessary repairs. The outdoor market was not affected by the fire. Council report A staff report, which will be presented to council on Monday, said 16 indoor vendors have resumed operations through a temporary arrangement with the market. “However, most are operating with less than 50 per cent of their traditional footprint and have reduced product offerings due to infrastructure constraints,” it said. “At present, only one meat vendor and one cheese vendor have been able to operate under these conditions.” In an effort to help vendors, the city has waived their rent since July 18. Councillors will also be asked at a meeting on Monday night to approve a temporary reduction of vendor fees while the city works towards a full restoration of the building. “The planned expansion is expected to enable more than 30 additional vendors to resume operations, representing 72 per cent of vendors typically located within the lower market level,” the staff report said. “Once the interim market is established, staff are recommending that a reduced rate rent structure be implemented until the market is fully operational.” That date is still being determined while the city works with insurers and Waterloo Region Public Health, as well as its remediation and renovation contractors. “Over the estimated six-month recovery period, the city expects to invest between $240,000 and $270,000 in vendor supports, temporary infrastructure, services and rent reductions to help businesses continue operating,” a media release said. Vendor reacts It’s been tough for vendors that need to adhere to public health requirements. Cressman Meat Limited based out of New Hamburg has been selling their products at the Kitchener market for five generations. Since the fire, they’ve been selling prepackaged products out of their truck at the market, but they’re excited for the new model. “We’re looking forward to having our display coolers set up as part of the upcoming expanded market model and returning to our normal meat sale practice,” staff at Cressman told CTV News, in a statement. On Saturday a shopper at the smaller market said he too is eager for things to return back to normal. He said he feels the squeeze with the limited current space. “It used to be stores, like inside here. Now it’s like everybody, they’re all outside here and all stacked together with no room to even walk around,” the shopper sad. “It was busy, busy.”
