B.C. storm devastates Surrey Night Market - Action News
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British Columbia

B.C. storm devastates Surrey Night Market

The summer Surrey Night Market is closing down early this year, after last weekend's storm left it devastated.

Popular summer market will close three weeks early after wind and rain leave stalls destroyed

Stalls at the Surrey Night Market, destroyed by the windstorm which hit Metro Vancouver this weekend. (CBC)

The summerSurrey Night Market is closing down early this year, after last weekend'sstorm left it devastated.

"It looks like a warzone. Everything around there was literally brought down. It's total destruction," said organizerSatbirCheema.

The storm left half a million customers without power, as the wind downed 500 trees in Vancouver alone and brought BC Hydro lines crashing down.

The popular night market was supposed to stay open for three more weekends, but organizers aren't insured for such a seriousweather eventand neitherare many of the vendors.

"We all feel sad for the vendors because they were all small businesses. They were all trying out," said Cheema. "We asked them all to get insurance up front, but sometimes, people don't."

Surrey Night Market organizers are not insured for storms as damaging as this. (CBC)
Despite the damage, Surrey Night Market will return next summer. (CBC)

Restaurants throwing out food

Many restaurants were also hit hardwhen the windstorm knocked out power.

GJ's Kitchen and Catering in Surreywent more than 48 hours without power, forcing them to throw away thousands of dollars worth of food and close their doors on a busy weekend.

GJ's Kitchen and Catering owner Gurjot Sathi had to throw out thousands of dollars of spoiled food. (CBC)

"On Saturday was an Indian festival and a lot of people came in to have food and have a nice time with some sweets, but we couldn't serve them because it was all dark," said chef and ownerGurjot Sathi.

The restaurant has only been open for two months andSathi remains positive, even though last weekend has left him in a deep financial hole.

TheSurrey Night Market organizersshare Sathi's outlook.

Cheema says they'll lean on the community for support, and eventually, return with a bang.

"We will definitely be back next year. That I can guarantee right now."