Fire crews responded to a water main break in the city's southeast on Wednesday afternoon that flooded a section of the Calgary Farmers' Market.
Crews were called to the market in the 500 block of 77 Avenue Southeast shortly before 4:00 p.m. following reports of flooding.
"At roughly 3:30 p.m. this afternoon, a water main break broke inside the building, a 10 inch water main, started flowing water throughout the building and into the outside," said Acting Battalion Chief Wayne Bonderud. "The front of the structure was comprimised so we had a heavy rescue team assess it and (it's) deemed to be still safe."
"We have been unable to shut the water off at this time." said Bonderud shortly before 5:00 p.m. "We're awaiting City waterworks to shut the water off at the street."
CFD officials say roughly 20 people were evacuated from the building but have since returned. "The on-scene captain said roughly 40 per cent of the building is flooded with about two to three inches of water."
As of 5:40 p.m., the water line was shut off and emergency crews had left.
According to Calgary Farmers' Market officials, the flooding is a blow to all of the vendors but staff will work throughout the night to address the situation in the hopes of reopening the market on Thursday. The market's offices and some of the vendor spaces have been impacted by the water.
"We've got some pretty severe flooding on the floors," said Amanda Langbroek, market spokesperson. "About 40 per cent of the market is covered right now but we have flood restoration on site. We're going to work all night to get our doors open tomorrow."
The market's general manager is reaching out to all 90 vendors to inform them of the water main break.
