Richmond Night Market ends operations at its current location after 26 years

Richmond Night Market ends operations at its current location after 26 years

City of Richmond says it hopes the market will continue to thrive, even at a new location

The Richmond Night Market, which has been running for 26 years in the Metro Vancouver city, is concluding operations at its current location after this season.

"The decision comes as the market's lease has come to an end, bringing this chapter of the Richmond Night Market to a close," a statement from organizers read on Wednesday.

The summertime market, founded by Raymond Cheung, first opened in 2000 at its location on the east bank of the Fraser River near the Bridgeport Canada Line station.

It typically hosts up to 250 vendors and attracts more than one million visitors annually, the City of Richmond said in an email to CBC News.

The market has connected thousands of small businesses and entrepreneurs with new customers for over 20 years, according to a statement from organizers.

Many food vendors at the market offer specialty menu items such as flying cup noodles — a twist on traditional instant noodles — fried shrimp, sushi tacos, and more fusion-style food.

Filmmakers channel love of food to document stories of Richmond Night Market vendors

The news didn't come as a surprise to Richmond Tourism CEO Nancy Small.

"I know how challenging it is for entrepreneurs right now to actually make a go of it," she said.

Small said the closure will be a big hit to the local economy.

"Previous vendors have gone on to open restaurants in Richmond," she said.

"Hundreds of thousands of people will not be coming to our destination starting next year. It will be a hit for sure."

Richmond is set to open several new hotels over the next two years, according to Small, who said attractions like the night market helped the city grow as a destination.

The City of Richmond says it does not have a specific dollar estimate on how much of an economic impact the closure could have.

In an email to CBC News, a city spokesperson said the market has contributed significantly to the city's identity.

The city also said it hopes to see the market continue to thrive in Richmond, "whether at its current site or elsewhere."

Market organizers are encouraging people to experience the market one last time before "it closes this chapter forever."

The city said if the market operator wishes to "explore future options in Richmond," city staff are available to assist with meeting regulatory requirements.

Arden McLeod, from Vancouver, is an associate producer with CBC News. He has a passion for community storytelling, local news, and reflecting the values of B.C. He graduated from the British Columbia Institute of Technology's broadcast and online journalism program. You can reach him at Arden.McLeod@cbc.ca.