Jessica Craig of Broken Arrow Boutique has begun to put the pieces back together after a fire that engulfed Symons Valley Ranch, home of Calgary’s only year-round farmers’ market, destroyed her shop.
Due to the uncertainty around the timeline of the ranch rebuild, the Cochranite decided to open for business at 208 First Street West four days per week.
“I thought it would be better to take this space and see how it goes,” said Craig, giving a nod to Shoe Closet owner Danielle Fawcett, who leased the space to Craig at a “significantly reduced rate. ”
Cost of the damages is estimated at $30,000 and the Craigs are still dealing with insurance to cover the claim. The loss of revenue from their prime traffic location at the ranch has been a huge hit for the entrepreneur and she is hopeful the Cochrane location will gain some steam and hold its own until she reopens at the ranch.
“We’re progressing ahead – it’s hard to believe it’s already been two months,” said market manager Ken Aylesworth,
The ranch pop-up markets will run each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot, starting next month. This month they were held twice monthly.
Aylesworth said the city has been “amazing” and he and his team continue to be humbled by the support from the community.
Damages are in the multi-millions and Aylesworth said the planning phase is well underway and he is hopeful rebuilding will begin as soon as possible.
