The Charlottetown Farmers’ Market is gearing up to open in a temporary location this weekend, according to the market co-operative. The current location was damaged by a fire on Christmas Day, and repairs are expected to take time. Co-operative president Travis Cummiskey mentioned that the market will initially function as a pop-up, gradually expanding with more vendors joining in.
Insurance will cover the restoration of the fire-damaged building, a process estimated to last around a year. Additionally, the insurance will assist in funding the temporary alternate location. Cummiskey emphasized the importance of getting the market up and running swiftly, especially for members who rely on it as their primary source of income.
While the insurance covers the building damage, it does not extend to the vendors’ property losses. Many vendors have suffered significant losses, with some having personal insurance coverage while others are left uninsured. The community has been offering support to the affected vendors, helping them get back on their feet.
Patrick Bunston, the owner of Caledonia House, expressed his sentiments about the fire’s impact on his family business. Despite the losses, Bunston sees this as an opportunity for a fresh start and is determined to rebuild. He stressed the importance of a new temporary location for vendors to maintain their income flow.
The market’s reopening may not be immediate but is expected to happen soon, potentially as early as this Saturday. Bunston highlighted the financial challenges vendors face without the market’s weekly income stream and the need to swiftly resume operations.
