The City of Campbell River is extending an invitation to local entrepreneurs to become part of The Rail Yard Market, a bustling downtown hub for local business. With a popular clothing retailer and a diverse artisanal collective already drawing in shoppers, the market is now seeking new vendors to add their unique flavour.
Now embarking on its second year, The Rail Yard Market has built considerable momentum within the community. This is a prime opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs to accelerate their business growth. As part of The Rail Yard Market program, vendors are offered short-term leases that are reviewed annually; current vendors may apply to renew their leases. Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis, with the next review scheduled for mid-March. The next available lease begins May 1, 2026, with future openings coming up in 2027. If the spots are filled before then, a waitlist will be created.
Could your business be the perfect fit? We are especially interested in entrepreneurs who see an opportunity to collaborate and grow with the market’s current vendors:
- Are you a culinary creator? Imagine your specialty baked goods or savory treats providing the perfect refreshment for customers browsing the latest fashion at the market’s clothing retailer or discovering unique art at the artisanal collective.
- Are you an aspiring retailer with a curated collection? Your unique selection of gifts, home goods, or specialty products could be the missing piece that makes The Rail Yard Market a one-stop destination for shoppers.
- Are you an artisan entrepreneur with a distinct craft? Your handmade jewelry, pottery, or other creations could add another layer of unique, local artistry to the market’s collective, attracting even more visitors.
"The energy at The Rail Yard Market is fantastic, and the current vendors have built a wonderful foundation," said Kimberley Worthington, the City's Economic Development and Tourism Manager. "Now, we're asking, 'Who's next?' We want to hear from the creative and ambitious individuals in our community who can see their businesses thriving alongside our existing retailers. We're not just filling empty spaces; we're building a community. This is your chance to join a supportive ecosystem and grow together in a collaborative environment where you can learn from your peers, cross-promote your products, and contribute to a shared success story in the heart of downtown."
The Rail Yard Market offers entrepreneurs affordable retail space combined with structured mentorship and hands-on business education. While vendor spaces are limited, all businesses in Campbell River are encouraged to develop their business skills and get on the market’s vendor waitlist by taking part in the City’s business planning tool found at BusinessGrowthTrack.ca. Businesses that take the first two modules may be eligible to be on the waitlist for future The Rail Yard Market openings.
To apply and learn more about The Rail Yard Market and its community of vendors, visit ecdev.campbellriver.ca/articles/the-rail-yard-market.
About The Rail Yard Market
The Rail Yard Market is a business incubator program from the City of Campbell River, engineered to fuel local entrepreneurship and power the vibrancy of the downtown core. The market provides an express route for new and emerging businesses to gain valuable retail experience and bolster their success within a supportive and affordable environment. Our program is designed to set vendors firmly on the right track, ensuring they have the tools and momentum needed for a successful journey into the world of brick-and-mortar retail.
Contact: Rose Klukas, Director of Economic Development and Indigenous Relations | 250-286-5738 | Rose.Klukas@campbellriver.ca
Photo: The Rail Yard Market