Kitchener Market to see expansion for interim operations
Posted Aug 21, 2026 01:22:42 PM.
After a fire on July 12 disrupted the Kitchener Market’s usual operations, the city is focused on the recovery, while keeping the market open.
Despite the fire, the Kitchener Market has remained open every Saturday. Now, the city has announced an investment between $240,000 and $270,000 to support vendors and expand their temporary set up of the market. As repairs continue, vendors have had their rent waived since July 18.
Temporary infrastructure is one of the listed items in Kitchener’s next planned investment, giving market vendors the ability to have more products available. These changes will kick in on Sept. 5, for vendors choosing to partake in a modified format.
Andrew Sturgess, the director of business growth and entrepreneurship is looking forward to the Kitchener Market fully recovering.
“The Kitchener Market has been bringing people together for more than 155 years. It’s an institution – we’re committed to it and to supporting the vendors who are at the heart of it,” he said. “We’re excited to welcome back most vendors next month while we continue the important work required to fully restore the market.”
Council is also being asked to approve temporary fee reductions for vendors that are still working under the interim changes. In the news release, the City of Kitchener says they expect to spend $240,000 to $270,000 for:
- Vendor supports
- Temporary infrastructure
- Services and rent reductions to help businesses stay open
While recovery efforts continue, the Kitchener Market will continue to be open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information about the proposed changes and ongoing recovery plans can be found here.
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