The St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is the largest year-round market in Canada. In September 2013, a devastating fire burned down the original building that housed many of the long-time vendor booths. Following the fire, a new wood beam structure was built to maintain the charm of the market. Many vendors within the buildings required NFPA kitchen hoods for their operations.
Challenges
Collins Engineering contacted us to support the design of the kitchen hoods and associated controls. Given the large number of hoods and associated exhaust airflow, energy efficiency was a priority. The system also needed to address the diverse operational challenges of supporting multiple vendors. With limited space for equipment, the complete network of hoods had to be served by a single exhaust fan and makeup-air handling unit. Additionally, the wood structure presented challenges due to its combustible nature.
The Solution
Working with Spring Air Systems, ULC-listed hoods were selected to meet the requirements of each vendor. Each hood was equipped with a two-position Zoneflow damper for individual control of the hood exhaust. When a vendor is cooking, they turn a switch that activates their hood and sends a signal to the TruFlow control panel. This panel opens the corresponding kitchen hood damper and resets the exhaust and supply airflows accordingly. Effectively, the system provides individual hood control for each vendor while being serviced by a single exhaust system.
To address the wood structure, we used Spring Air’s ULC-listed zero-clearance exhaust ductwork. By providing fire-rated, zero-clearance grease ductwork, O’Dell ensured a safe, code-compliant, and easy-to-install system that offered cost savings and superior performance.
An additional advantage of the ULC-listed duct is its aesthetics. With a stainless steel jacket and manufactured joints, the ductwork has a clean appearance that complements the market’s overall design.
Our Approach
Our approach focused on collaboration with Collins Engineering and Spring Air Systems to ensure the kitchen hood design was efficient, safe, and adaptable to the diverse needs of the vendors. By leveraging innovative technologies and materials, we prioritized energy efficiency and compliance with safety regulations.
Conclusion
The successful implementation of the kitchen hood system at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market has enhanced the operational capabilities of the vendors while ensuring safety and energy efficiency. With its blend of charm and modern functionality, the market continues to thrive as a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
