The Calgary Farmers’ Market (CFM) first opened its doors nearly twenty years ago. Initially renting a historic aviation hangar, CFM quickly became a local tradition. People from Calgary came to support small businesses and shop local. In the summer of 2022, CFM opened a second site on the western border of the city, expanding its reach. The interior fit-out was handled by Govan Brown’s Calgary team. Today, CFM West is one of the first landmarks visitors see when entering the city. It’s also one of the last sights visible when heading west on Canada’s Highway 1 toward the Rocky Mountains.
It makes sense that the development of CFM West was akin to a contemporary barn raising, with the community at the forefront at every turn. The main market area, a food hall with 12 commercial kitchens, a second-floor event space, and a children’s play area were all filled out by Govan Brown’s Calgary team after they received the core and shell building from the base builders. The 59,000 square foot complex was completed. Additionally, Govan Brown helped set up each of the 67 small business suppliers that now call CFM West home.
HIGH YIELDING SOLUTIONS
The team pushed themselves to be creative and bring unconventional ideas to the table for project difficulties because of the astounding number of parties engaged. Those 67 suppliers are one obstacle. To make the difficult task of managing multiple vendors at once easier, the team employed a vendor coordinator, a dedicated point person. Additionally, the team used their prior expertise designing similar typologies for hospitality spaces, which provided them with a framework for creating an implementation plan. By tackling the area in segments, the site and the workforce were more organized, resulting in safe and effective work. Agility was crucial for everything from making sketches on napkins come to life to adapting to changes in the design.
When we needed to change, they were really understanding. The Govan Brown staff was amiable, according to Sharla Dube, owner of Cherry Pit & Better Juice Bar. The team maintained control of the schedule by planning ahead. The Govan Brown staff was amiable, according to Sharla Dube, owner of Cherry Pit & Better Juice Bar. “We had equipment come in with different electrical, but they were always willing to find a solution to our concerns,” she said. “They solved every problem, which is why they are my genie in a bottle.”
NO KINKS IN THE CHAIN
Before moving to vendor build-out, the team had to consider the supply chain. Many raw materials had to be ordered before shop plans were finalized. This ensured the project could be completed in time for its summer 2022 opening.
Success depended on a strong start. The team maintained control of the schedule by planning ahead. They accounted for lead times on mechanical equipment, structural steel, and main distribution panels—avoiding delays tied to the supply chain.
“It was a pleasure working with the Govan Brown team,” CFM general manager Stacey Petropoulos remarked. “They completed the project, remained composed, and maintained their composure.”
The team was able to overcome the supply chain as a stressor they would face later on and deliver on time despite pandemic difficulties by prioritizing getting ahead of it.
Naturally, the team’s drive came from a desire to build something that CFM and its suppliers could proudly call home. Another key motivation, according to Graham Polson, senior project manager at Govan Brown, was the opportunity to serve both Calgary and the wider Alberta community. “I grew up in Calgary, where I was born. Many of our trading partners lived nearby. This project offered a special chance to become active in the community.
Project Details:
Location: Calgary, AB
Size: 59,000sf
Client: Calgary Farmers’ Market
Project Manager: CBRE
Architect: Riddell Kurczaba
Engineer: DBk Engineering
