Charlottetown Farmers' Market close to securing temporary location, says president

The Charlottetown Farmers' Market could be open in a new location as early as this Saturday, the market co-operative says. 

The temporary location would house the market until the building — which was damaged by a Christmas Day fire — can be repaired, said vendor and co-operative president Travis Cummiskey.

"We'd essentially start out like a pop-up and we'll build it on the way out," Cummiskey said, noting that it will take some time to get fully set up. 

"As things are added, more vendors are able to be accommodated." 

The market's insurance will cover the gutting and restoration of the fire-damaged building, which is expected to take about a year, Cummiskey said. He added insurance will also provide some coverage for the cost of the alternate location.

"For a lot of our members, this is their primary source of income, so the sooner we can get things rolling again in a new location, the better it is for everybody." 

While the market's insurance provides coverage for damage to the building, it does not cover vendors' property. 

"Most people have lost everything," he said. "There will be the odd thing that could be saved, but for the most part, if it can be saved, it will need to be treated for smoke damage." 

Some vendors have their own insurance coverage, he said, while others may not be covered at all. 

The community has been offering support and equipment to market vendors, Cummiskey said. 

While the first market back won't be perfect, he said it could be very soon. 

"In the first week we're not going to have everything, but it could be this Saturday."