Catherine Knoll showcases the innovative solution in place at the historic Aberdeen Pavilion, where a system of suspended fabric and tubing collects leaking water, diverting it into buckets along the walls. Managing the pavilion’s regular client, 613Flea, Knoll expresses excitement over the city’s upcoming renovations to the Victorian-era heritage structure.
Despite the upcoming displacement of her market during the construction period, Knoll mentions that vendors have capitalized on the delays to continue running their regular markets throughout the year. Originally slated for repairs to begin in January and closing until late 2026, the city now anticipates launching a tender for extensive retrofit work on the leaky roof and aging concrete floor early next year, with repairs expected to extend until mid-2028.
During the closure, Knoll suggests the Horticulture Building as the probable alternative venue for 613Flea, albeit at a smaller size, necessitating vendors to rotate through the limited space. This change may pose challenges for small businesses that rely on the current venue, Knoll notes.
Chef and co-owner of Farang Thai, Cameron Fraser, acknowledges the long-term benefits of the renovations but expresses concerns about the financial impact on his catering and pop-up food business due to the temporary closure of 613Flea. Conversely, potter Zoe Tremblay remains optimistic, believing that temporary market disruptions are acceptable for the eventual enjoyment of a renovated pavilion.
Knoll highlights the availability of temporary solutions, such as the use of tents, drawing parallels to the St. Lawrence Farmer’s Market in Toronto, where a temporary tent housed vendors during renovations. She expresses openness to a similar approach for 613Flea during the Aberdeen Pavilion renovations.
