Calgary Food Hall Shuttered by Health Officials
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has mandated the immediate closure of First Street Market, a popular food hall located in Calgary's Beltline neighbourhood. The shutdown order was issued on Friday, November 28, 2025, following a routine inspection that uncovered significant pest activity within the establishment.
Market Management Takes Responsibility
In an official statement released on November 28, the management of First Street Market acknowledged the health violations identified by AHS. “Based on those findings, AHS required a temporary closure so the issue can be properly treated and resolved,” they stated. The management expressed a clear understanding of the significant impact this situation has on their vendors, employees, and the guests who frequent the market.
“All vendors are taking this situation very seriously, and we at First Street Market take full responsibility for ensuring the market meets the highest standards of safety and cleanliness,” the management's statement continued. They emphasized their commitment to public safety, adding, “We take all health infractions seriously, as keeping Calgarians safe is and always will be a priority for us.”
Comprehensive Sanitation and Reopening Plan
First Street Market has outlined a robust action plan to address the issues and regain public trust. Management confirmed they are collaborating closely with all their vendors and have enlisted professional pest control specialists to conduct a thorough treatment of the premises. Their efforts are being guided by the directives from Alberta Health Services.
A comprehensive, commercial-grade sanitation process is underway, targeting all surfaces, food storage areas, and preparation facilities. “Treatment and follow-up inspections are underway, and we will only reopen once AHS confirms that it is safe to do so,” management assured. They remain confident that the market and its vendors will resume operations shortly, believing these necessary steps will reinforce their ongoing mission to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors.
The statement concluded with a message of gratitude: “Thank you for your patience and understanding as we take the necessary steps to ensure a safe environment for everyone who works and dines at the market.”
Vendor Responds to Closure and Online Speculation
Aaron Ellard, the owner of La Mano, one of the food stalls operating within First Street Market, commented on the situation via Facebook. Ellard confirmed that everyone involved is treating the closure with the utmost seriousness. He provided specific details, noting that the inspection revealed a significant amount of pest activity, specifically cockroaches.
“Upon finding a significant amount of pest activity (cockroaches) during the inspection, it was decided the safest course of action would be to close operations until the issue could be resolved,” Ellard wrote. He explained that this decision resulted in ten individual businesses being forced to close while a pest control company performs a thorough treatment of the affected areas, typically involving a spray. “This sucks for us, and everyone is taking it seriously,” he added candidly.
Addressing speculation circulating online, Ellard was quick to defend the integrity of the vendors, asserting that every owner at each of the food stalls is deeply committed to the quality of the food they serve and the safety of their customers.
