Gates and barricades now block the entrances to Trails End Farmer’s Market. And while some go around, vendor Alex Schelhaas, no longer worries about access. He is now on the outside looking in. This week he cleared out his Trails End business Legacy Gems Co. after the Thames Centre Fire Department (TCFD) posted a closure order for what it called, “Potentially catastrophic fire code violations.” Given the action, Schelhaas felt he had no other option but to close his stall. “We just didn’t feel safe leaving our stuff behind. We didn’t know if we would get locked out, fined, or the place would burn down.” But while he has packed up, he said other vendors are still questioning their futures while worrying about their ability to make ends meet. “It’s their lives. It’s not just a hobby or a side gig. For some people, it’s everything. For them, it’s their bread and butter. And without that, they’re going to be homeless.” Schelhaas tells CTV News there were ‘rumblings’ of concern inside the market for the last several weeks. “You know, one thing led to another. And I guess there are a lot more problems than people understood there were. So, it’s devastating.” Schelhaas said inspectors of varying types visited the main building his stall was located in. At the same time, he said the operators of Trail’s End were conducting cosmetic and facility upgrades. “They were updating stuff as they go. So, while we were there, the floors were getting updated. The lights were getting updated.” But it was not enough to satisfy fire inspectors, who again cautioned Friday that anyone disobeying the closure order is “guilty of an offence.” TCFD Chief Neil Dorken added that the inspectors will monitor activities on the site this weekend. Meanwhile, Shelhaas said he understands the directive, but reiterated his concern for fellow vendors and the on-site manager. “People are hanging on by a thread in this economy, especially in a place near London, where it’s the highest unemployment rate. So, we can’t really afford to lose something small like this because it might mean everything to somebody.” CTV News has again reached out to officials with Trails End. A phone call was answered and a message left, but we have not received a reply. On social media Friday, the market posted that it is working with its legal team and the fire department to “rectify any outstanding concerns with respect to the closure notice.” Chief Dorken confirmed Trails End management reached out to TCFD on Friday afternoon.
