After almost five years in business, the Chemainus Public Market has closed its doors.
The Market, located in the former Chemainus Foods building in downtown Chemainus, was home to about 15 different businesses, including a fish and chips restaurant, ice cream parlour several unique enterprises.Market owner Warren Goulding, who launched the business in 2020 with partner Tony van de Mortel, owner of the Osborne Bay Pub in Crofton, says the business struggled from opening day and never gained the traction it needed.
“Opening in the early days of COVID didn’t help and there were other problems along the way, but for whatever reasons the Chemainus Public Market just didn’t garner the support it needed to pay the bills,” Goulding said.
“It’s a shame because so many people put their blood, sweat, tears and money into this idea. It just wasn’t meant to be, I guess.”
However, Goulding says there were some positive aspects of the Market that will continue.
Several businesses that began as small outlets in the Market moved out and into larger premises elsewhere in town when their businesses began to grow, and more space was required. The Blue Orchard is owned by Cath and Steve Scanlan who are running a successful store on Willow Street next to the Owl’s Nest. Bronwyn Berg and Hal Bennett moved from the Market just over a year ago when it became apparent they needed more floor space than the Market could offer. Their business, Clover Clothing, is located on Willow in the space once occupied by Gifts ‘n’ Things.
“And I’m pleased to see that at least four of our recent tenants have found new locations and will be able to continue their ventures,” Goulding added. “Others have decided not to continue in business, are operating from home or are still looking for a space, ideally in Chemainus.”
Colour Wheel Salon and Spa, owned by Keirsten Tymko, one of the original tenants in the Market, has moved to 9736 Chemainus Road and Fogarty Design Studio has found a location on Oak Street next to the Chemainus Bakery. Wiffle Games and Wizard’s Arcade have secured space in Duncan, close to the firehall and the downtown area. Brickitty-dooda, a unique store selling Lego products opened in its new location at 303 Festubert Street in Duncan on February 8.
The former Chemainus Public Market space has been cleared out to make way for renovations.
The owner of the building, Anthem Properties, also leases space along Willow Street between CIBC and The Pastry Haus. The Vancouver-based company also owns the buildings that are home to the BC Liquor Store, Bonnie Martin Restaurant and Cowichan Valley Denture Centre.
No Frills, a discount grocery chair with 300 outlets in Canada is owned by Loblaws, will be taking over the almost 11,000 square foot space. Anthem Properties says renovations will begin soon and No Frills will be open for business later in 2025.
Chemainus.com