Ontario Construction News staff writer
Remediation and restoration work has started at the Kitchener Market following a July 12 fire, with the city targeting spring 2027 to reopen the building.
Kitchener-based Woodhouse Restoration Services will complete the work, which includes removing fire-damaged materials, cleaning and decontaminating affected surfaces, and preparing the building for restoration.
Construction follows environmental, public health, technical and insurance assessments to determine the extent of the damage and identify the requirements for safely reopening the building. An open procurement process was also completed to select a qualified contractor.
The initial phase will include removing damaged walls, flooring and other affected building components, as well as clearing contents such as furniture and equipment that can be cleaned, restored and returned to service. Crews will also clean affected surfaces, including sandblasting ceiling areas to remove soot, smoke residue and charred material.
While work proceeds inside the building, the market has continued operating every Saturday using temporary infrastructure to accommodate vendors displaced by the fire.
Approximately 46 vendors, including lower-level market vendors and outdoor produce sellers, continue to participate in the Saturday market. The city has also reduced vendor fees by 50 per cent during the recovery period, effective Sept. 5.
Kitchener expects to spend more than $240,000 on vendor supports and temporary infrastructure, including electrical and plumbing services, to help businesses continue operating while the building is restored.
The city is also preparing for winter operations to maintain market activity through the colder months.
Recovery work coincides with the market’s annual Fall Fair, held Oct. 10, which features seasonal activities and opportunities to shop with local farmers, food producers and entrepreneurs.
The Kitchener Market, which has operated for more than 155 years, remains an important venue for local businesses and community gatherings.
Updates will be posted on the website as restoration progresses, with the goal of welcoming vendors and customers back into the building in spring 2027.
