Symons Valley Ranch Farmers' Market to rise again after devastating fire

Dozens of vendors atthe Symons Valley Ranch Farmers' Market got some good news Friday, following a devastating fire that swept through the northwest Calgary market late last month.

A market spokesperson toldCBC News that the market will be rebuilt on the existing site.

A local merchant development company, Capexco, has purchased the SymonsValley Ranch and promised to build a new market facility as part of a "whole village concept," said KenAylesworth.

• Vendors face uncertainty afterSymonsValley Ranch fire
• 'There won't be anything left': Symons Valley Ranch owners, vendors watch as market consumed by fire

"So out of all of thiscomes some pretty incredible news," Aylesworth said.

The Jan. 26 fire left more than 30 vendors without a market, and many without a source of income.

Aylesworth saida fundraising campaign, including the sale of T-shirts at the Market on Macleod, really brought out the generosity of some Calgarians.

"We have had a number of donations that have been exceedingly kind and lots of in-kind donations and support," he explained.

Aylesworth saidthe funds came just in time.

"We're already 15 days since the fire, so cash flow issues are a concern for individuals."

New market expected to take 2 years

Ron Hamilton owns Sunworks Farms and was one of the original vendors at Symons Valley.

"Farmers' markets are our bread and butter," Hamilton said.

"Another farmers' market in the city, especially in the north end which has been underserviced with farmers markets, is great. We'd feel it'll be fantastic."

They hope to have a temporary market up and running on site by spring, but the full replacement construction will take about two years.