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.
"It looks like a war zone. Everything around there was literally brought down. It's total destruction," said organizer Satbir Cheema.
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 serious weather event and neither are 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."
Restaurants throwing out food
Many restaurants were also hit hard when the windstorm knocked out power.
GJ's Kitchen and Catering in Surrey went 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.
"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 owner Gurjot Sathi.
The restaurant has only been open for two months and Sathi remains positive, even though last weekend has left him in a deep financial hole.
The Surrey Night Market organizers share 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."
