Global Market closes up shop permanently

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/01/2024 (982 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Brandon Global Market shut down permanently on Monday after more than 12 years of operation.

The Community Health and Housing Association Westman announced the decision, saying it was rooted in financial constraints that the not-for-profit organization faced in maintaining the outdoor market space.

CHHA program manager Erin Coleman told the Sun the deterioration of canopies, uneven ground and overall financial infeasibility were key factors leading to the closure.

“The decision to close the market was not an easy one,” Coleman said. “As a not-for-profit organization, unfortunately, we could no longer afford to maintain the outdoor market space.”

The organization moved the market inside Building Re-Fit Store on 12th Street in the spring of 2023 to continue providing an indoor market event. However, this move posed unexpected challenges, impacting the operations of the store due to the market occupying more space than initially anticipated.

Coleman thanked both vendors and customers for their support over the years.

“We want to acknowledge the impact this will have on market vendors and the community at large,” Coleman said. “We are hopeful that the market vendors will be able to continue at one of the several markets in and around Brandon.”

The closure announcement attracted reactions on social media, with residents sharing their thoughts on potential alternative locations for the market.

One of them, Melanie Cadman, envisioned the market thriving at the Dome Building on the Keystone Centre grounds, suggesting the addition of food trucks, picnic tables and live music for a vibrant community experience.

Donna McKay proposed the southeast area of the Keystone Centre or the Riverbank Discovery Centre as options, emphasizing the availability of various locations in and around Brandon.

Last May, CHHA Westman faced a major challenge when it was compelled to move from its outdoor location on Rosser Avenue, which had been occupied since 2010.

The decision was driven by the cost of staffing, overhead, upkeep and maintenance, making it impractical to continue operating the market in an outdoor space.

As well as windstorm damage to canopies, safety concerns arose as the sidewalk outside, referred to as the “yellow brick road,” started to shift, and the necessary repairs were financially out of reach.

The Re-Fit Store, which accepts donations of new or gently used furniture, building materials, and salvageable items, sells them at discounted prices. All proceeds, constituting 100 per cent of the funds, directly contribute to CHHA, which has been serving the Brandon community since 1956.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola