The Charlottetown Farmers’ Market sustained fire damage during the early hours of Christmas Day, prompting concerns among vendors about the future of their businesses. The Charlottetown Farmers’ Market Co-operative announced via social media that the market will be closed indefinitely due to the fire, with plans to find a temporary operating space. Significant damage to the building’s exterior and smoke damage were reported.
A GoFundMe fundraiser was launched, quickly raising over $2,000. The market, a beloved spot for locals, typically accommodates around 60 vendors every Saturday. Claudia Pérez, owner of El Sabor de Mexico, expressed sadness upon learning about the fire and witnessing the destruction, emphasizing the market’s importance to vendors’ livelihoods. She voiced concerns about the financial impact on vendors and uncertainty about finding a suitable alternative location.
Kent Mitchell, deputy fire chief, extended sympathy to vendors and patrons affected by the incident. Fire crews responded to the scene at 100 Belvedere Ave. around 3 a.m. AT on Thursday, working for three hours to contain the fire and conducting fire watch until 8:30 a.m. Investigations are ongoing to determine the fire’s cause and assess the extent of the damage.
The future reopening date of the market remains uncertain, adding to the holiday season’s challenges for vendors and the community.