Symons Valley Ranch Farmers' Market to rise again after devastating fire
David Bell | CBC News | Posted: February 11, 2017 2:36 AM | Last Updated: February 11, 2017
A new facility will be built at the site of the original market, which was engulfed by flames last month
Dozens of vendors at the Symons Valley Ranch Farmers' Market got some good news Friday, following a devastating fire that swept through the northwest Calgary market late last month.
A market spokesperson told CBC News that the market will be rebuilt on the existing site.
A local merchant development company, Capexco, has purchased the Symons Valley Ranch and promised to build a new market facility as part of a "whole village concept," said Ken Aylesworth.
- Vendors face uncertainty after Symons Valley Ranch fire
- 'There won't be anything left': Symons Valley Ranch owners, vendors watch as market consumed by fire
"So out of all of this comes some pretty incredible news," Aylesworth said.
The Jan. 26 fire left more than 30 vendors without a market, and many without a source of income.
Aylesworth said a fundraising campaign, including the sale of T-shirts at the Market on Macleod, really brought out the generosity of some Calgarians.
"We have had a number of donations that have been exceedingly kind and lots of in-kind donations and support," he explained.
Aylesworth said the funds came just in time.
"We're already 15 days since the fire, so cash flow issues are a concern for individuals."
New market expected to take 2 years
Ron Hamilton owns Sunworks Farms and was one of the original vendors at Symons Valley.
"Farmers' markets are our bread and butter," Hamilton said.
"Another farmers' market in the city, especially in the north end which has been underserviced with farmers markets, is great. We'd feel it'll be fantastic."
They hope to have a temporary market up and running on site by spring, but the full replacement construction will take about two years.