Countdown on to closure of Regina’s Centennial Market

Saskatchewan’s biggest indoor market is looking for a new home.

The Centennial Market, located in the heart of Regina’s Warehouse District, has housed a variety of both new and old businesses within its walls for years. Now, after a recent inspection by Regina Fire and Protective Services, those businesses will be forced to move.

In a post on its Facebook page, Centennial Market said its stay at its current location is nearing its end.

“The Centennial Market has enjoyed almost 8 years of happy and successful trading in the old Sears Clearance building … with an emphasis on ‘old,’ ” the post said.

“Last week we had a visit from the Fire Marshall and City officials, who deemed the old building not up to safety code in so many areas. The owners have decided not to incur the cost of remediation and have put the building up for sale.

“The Fire Marshall understands that all our vendors will need to find alternative space, so has granted us permission to trade until the end of May, our last day of trading therefore will be Sunday, May 26th, 2024.”

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In a statement sent to 980 CJME, the City of Regina said inspectors discovered a number of issues that required attention.

“Regina Fire and Protective Services Inspectors were called to this property due to public complaints,” the city’s statement said. “Several serious fire and life safety deficiencies were identified upon inspection and our team was working with the owner on options to remedy.

“In this situation the owner made the decision to not address the deficiencies and instead to cease some tenancies.”

Vendors in the market will continue to operate and will remain open to customers until next month’s closing date.

“We would like to thank all our customers for helping us become such a successful market,” the post said. “We had over 25,000 visitors last year. More especially, we want to thank our vendors (past and present), along with a multitude of volunteers.

“Whilst this is very sad news for us, it does present you, our customer, a perfect opportunity to pick up that bargain of a lifetime.”

980 CJME attempted to speak to active members of the Centennial Market board, but they declined to comment on the situation.