Demolition debate leaves Christmas at the Forum in doubt

Yum, yum, yum, come on, try some, and try our rum. A holiday hallmark at a Halifax landmark. But, as Halifax Council mulls plans to demolish the building, vendors and shoppers are hopeful that this year's Christmas at the Forum won't be the last. For us to lose a venue like this, we'll see detrimental, you know, issues within just small businesses. Some of these people only do this one market every year. As a vendor and as a show organizer that's been doing these shows for 18 years, Thank you very much. I think that it would be a real tragedy and a loss for the cohesion of the community to lose this space after more than a hundred years. It would be nice if it got refurbished because it's definitely old but hopefully like the actual You know, crap show doesn't go away. Halifax Council plans to demolish the nearly century-old building sometime, but exact plans and timelines have yet to be figured out. With no clear answers about the building or the market's future, some shoppers understand the need for change. You know, it's been a staple in this area forever, so I think it'll be missed, but I don't know, maybe it's an opportunity for something. I am definitely torn, and I would be sad not to see it here, but I would hope that it would be in another location that is also easily accessible for everyone. This vendor says whatever the future holds, shoppers will be able to find her on the holiday marketplace for years to come. Whether it's Christmas at the Forum, Or Christmas somewhere else. I would love to be able to stick with Christmas at the forum or whatever, but I would follow Chris, the organizer, if I was able to. A meeting to discuss the demolition of the building is scheduled for the end of November, and city staff will present a report to council in December. Ben Dornan, CBC News, Halifax.