Two bins.
Ashes and charred remnants are all that remain of what was northwest Calgary’s only year-round market – Symons Valley Farmers’ Market – and the devastation rippled its way to Cochrane.
Sunset Ridge resident Jessica Craig is left with a mere two bins as evidence of her flourishing market-based clothing business.
The owner of the popular boutique clothing and accessories store, Broken Arrow, had one of the largest inventories on site out of the 32 vendors devastated by the catastrophic blaze that erupted before daybreak on Jan. 26.
“It’s kind of like a piece of you is gone,” said Jessica, revealing that husband Jamie – who provides website maintenance and bookkeeping support for the business – tallied losses of around $30,000 to report to their insurance company.
Based on early indications, the Craigs are unsettled as to how their coverage will play out and whether or not their losses will be fully compensated.
According to the Calgary Fire Department (CFD), the cause remains unknown and the fire is still under investigation.
“It’s too early to say whether the cause is suspicious or accidental,” said CFD spokesperson Carol Henke, explaining that department is working with arson detectives as per protocol whenever a fire results in “serious injury, fatality or serious dollar loss.”
No injuries have been reported, but the cumulative damages are anticipated to reach well in excess of $1 million.
“If you can support any of the vendors right now, please do so,” said Jessica, adding that it’s not just about the loss of stuff, it’s the loss of income for her family and her part-time staff member – as well as the loss of the market itself, which she and Jamie agreed was rich with “so much character and history.”
Jessica, who has a two-year-old son Lockhart, opened her online store 14 months ago and her physical market location last August. She estimates that roughly 80 per cent of her business happened at the market.
She emphasized that some of the market vendors did not have vendors’ insurance or lost more than their insurance would cover.
In the aftermath of the blaze, ranch owner/operator Ken Aylesworth said the outpouring of community support for the vendors has been amazing – social media followers have likely seen the hashtag #svrstrong abuzz.
Aylesworth, former general manager of the Calgary Farmers’ Market, and wife, Tracy, took the ranch (and market) ownership reins in May 2015.
He received the alarm call at 6:01 a.m. that morning and arrived on scene at 6:14 a.m. to take in firsthand that there would be nothing left.
“It’s incredibly humbling,” said Aylesworth with respect to the community support that has come forward with offerings of spaces for the market to put up a temporary location, equipment and resources for vendors and pledges to support the vendors until they get their bearings back.
“All our discussions are to rebuild as quickly as possible,” he said, adding that it’s looking like they will immediately build a temporary facility at a different site on the ranch and on nearby lands.
The fire resulted in the loss of the entire market building – 10,000 sq/ft on the main floor and 6,000 sq. ft. on the lower level, which was used to host corporate events, promote of the ranch and build market awareness.
Aylesworth said they are hopeful to have a temporary market set up before the end of February; in the meantime, he is directing shop local supporters to follow the Symons Valley Ranch Facebook page for updates on vendor locations and statuses.
“The biggest issue right now is getting all the vendors up and running.”
Sara Bruce is a Cochrane mother of three who has continued to shop at the market since moving here from the NW Calgary community of Evanston less than a year ago.
“I just love to shop local – to support small businesses and put my money where I live,” she said, adding that she was “heartbroken” to watch the news and see all the vendors lose so much inventory.
The beginnings of Symons Valley Ranch date back to 1968, but the year-round market began in 2013.
A 1989 fire resulted in the loss of a couple of dance halls and a partial facility rebuild; there have been multiple add-ons and renovations over the years.
The ranch is located at 14555 Symons Valley Road NW, Calgary.
