Canada's oldest farmers market will receive millions of dollars from all three levels of government to repair the ravages of time, weather, and damage from a burst water pipe.
"We want to make sure that we have people working right now,” said New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant, “and that New Brunswickers want jobs and economic growth right now."
The City Market is among the most visited locations in New Brunswick, and is a national historic site that has been operating continuously for 140 years.
"This is a very old market,” said vendor Lori McCullough. “It's an integral part of Saint John, and I really feel that putting money into this brings more tourists."
The market will receive its biggest refurbishment in almost four decades.The work will happen over a two-to-three year time period.
Every square inch of roof will be replaced on both the tower and on the market building. Every window will also be replaced, along with a new heating system and water damage repairs in the tower offices.
"There's 9,000 square feet in the head tower. That's the place that suffered significant damage. That will be repaired and restored back to life," said Saint John Mayor Don Darling.
Market vendors hope the repairs bring tenants back to the tower.
"We're really looking forward to having the offices up there because it's going to bring more people shopping and more people working in the area," said vendor Dave Forestell.
The renovations are expected to save the City of Saint John $200,000 a year in energy costs.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Mike Cameron.
