(September 6, 2024) OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE RAIL YARD MARKET: A HUB FOR LOCAL RETAIL INNOVATION

The City of Campbell River (the City) is excited to announce the official opening of The Rail Yard Market (formerly the Campbell River Micro Market), in the heart of downtown Campbell River. Following a soft launch a few weeks ago, the City and market vendors are excited to welcome you to an event marking The Rail Yard Market’s official opening.

Event details:

• Date: Friday, September 13, 2024
• Time: 1 p.m.
• Location: The Rail Yard Market, 1235 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, B.C.

Honouring the historic logging rail lines and steam powered locomotives that revolutionized the logging industry—ushering in growth, innovation, and building our community—The Rail Yard Market supports today's entrepreneurial spirit to help drive Campbell River's modern economy.

The Rail Yard Market is intended to serve as a launchpad for micro businesses, offering new retailers an opportunity to scale up operations, build their customer bases and test their concepts in a supportive environment. One of the standout features of The Rail Yard Market is its affordable, short-term lease rates. This flexible approach provides an opportunity for emerging businesses to establish themselves without the long-term financial commitment typically associated with brick-and-mortar locations.

The market is home to four promising new retailers who are eager to make their mark: The Mossy Coast (www.themossycoast.com), Maggie’s Treats (www.maggiestreats.ca), The Tin Can Pottery Shop (@emmaheitzmannartstudio), and Sinfully Delicious (www.sinfullyd.com). Each business brings a fresh perspective and unique offerings to the community, enhancing the local retail landscape and showcasing the breadth of talent and innovation in Campbell River. All four of the new businesses will be participating in business training provided by the Rural Island Economic Partnership. This training opportunity will be extended to up to four additional entrepreneurs.

“The Rail Yard Market is a fresh, bustling addition to the heart of downtown Campbell River. The City of Campbell River would like to acknowledge the City of Langford for providing the inspiration for this project through the success of Langford Station,” says Mayor Kermit Dahl. “The Rail Yard Market provides opportunities for small and home-based businesses to learn, grow and scale up to permanent locations, while adding diverse retail options to locals and visitors alike. I encourage everyone to get down to Shoppers Row on September 13 and throughout the year to support these incredible local businesses.”

Funding for The Rail Yard Market is provided by the BC Government, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation – Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), the Island Coastal Economic Trust – Capital and Innovation Program and the City of Campbell River.