Alberta Health Services (AHS) has ordered the immediate closure of a popular Calgary food hall following a serious pest and sanitation violation. The First Street Market, located in the city's Beltline neighbourhood, was shut down on Friday, November 28, 2025, after inspectors discovered a German cockroach infestation and significant buildup of grime.
Health Inspection Uncovers Critical Violations
During a routine inspection, AHS officials found multiple live German cockroaches trapped on monitoring glue boards placed throughout the market's bar area. The discovery pointed to an active infestation. Beyond the pests, inspectors reported a poor general level of sanitation, with an accumulation of food debris and grease in hard-to-reach areas, creating an environment conducive to pest activity and posing a risk to public health.
Mandatory Corrective Actions Ordered
The public health order mandates that the market's management undertake a comprehensive remediation process before any consideration of reopening. The required steps are extensive and include:
- Hiring a licensed pest control professional to exterminate the entire cockroach population.
- Safely disposing of all cockroach remains and discarded food debris.
- Thoroughly disinfecting all surfaces that showed signs of cockroach activity.
- Conducting a deep sanitization of all containers, utensils, floors, walls, and ceilings.
As of the following Tuesday, the market remained closed to the public while this work was underway.
Market Management Accepts Responsibility
In a statement released on November 28, the management of First Street Market addressed the closure directly. "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 statement read. 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."
The management confirmed that commercial-grade sanitation was being performed across all food preparation, storage, and surface areas. Treatment and follow-up inspections were also in progress. The market and its vendors will only be permitted to resume operations once AHS inspectors are satisfied that all violations have been corrected and the premises are safe. "We are confident that the market and all vendors will reopen shortly, and these steps will strengthen our ongoing efforts to provide a safe and welcoming environment," the management concluded.
The closure by AHS confirmed community speculation about the sudden shutdown of the well-known eatery. The incident serves as a reminder of the rigorous food safety standards enforced in Alberta and the serious consequences for establishments that fail to comply.
