Shoppers will have more choices at the Kitchener Market this weekend thanks to some improvements to the temporary setup. Vendors have been selling outside the market’s main building since an electrical fire back in July. Even though the flames were contained to a small area, damage from smoke and soot led to an extensive remediation effort. Around 30 vendors have been part of the outdoor market since the fire, but the City of Kitchener says that number will expand to 46 starting on Sept. 5. “Investments in temporary electrical, plumbing and water infrastructure have expanded operations into the breezeway and parking lot of the building, making it possible for more vendors to return quickly and safely,” a news release from the city said. The changes are crucial for many vendors who wanted to participate in the temporary model, but were left in a bind due to public health requirements. City council approved a temporary 50 per cent rent cut for vendors while repair work continues inside the building. The city is also working to prepare the space for the colder weather through the fall and winter.
