Just three weeks after its second devastating flood in less than two years, Russell Farm Market is back in operation.
The Westholme business on the Trans Canada Highway at Mount Sicker Road reopened Thursday, well ahead of the best case scenario from another massive clean-up campaign.
Related story: Russell Farm staff in quick clean-up mode to reopen business after flood
“We had an amazing community behind us,” said operations manager Tammy Calverley. “It’s been really good. We’re very, very fortunate.
“I’m sure we’ll be cleaning up mud for months to come.”
But the main thing for staff and customers is the business reopening with a Thursday to Monday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. schedule in the lead-up to Christmas.
Calverly said the ice cream cooler is the only freezing unit that survived the flood and didn’t need a part. Since ice cream sales aren’t a necessity right now, it’s being used to freeze seafood and other more essential items.
All the other refrigeration units on site are awaiting parts that likely won’t come in until just before Christmas.
“We figure by the new year everything should be up and running,” said Calverley.
Both Coca-Cola and Grimm’s Meats have coolers on the premises for beverages and meats, respectively, but have allotted much-needed space for Russell Farm to utilize for dairy products.
Russell Farm Market as it looks now without any high water levels. (Photo by Don Bodger)
