OREANDA-NEWS. August 22, 2016. Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John, and the Honourable Brian Gallant, Premier of New Brunswick, joined Saint John Mayor Don Darling and Saint John City Market officials to formally announce a joint contribution of \\$6.09 million to support infrastructure upgrades and improvements to the Saint John City Market.

MP Long spoke on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).  Other participants in today’s event included the Honourable Ed Doherty, Minister responsible for Service New Brunswick and Kevin Loughery, Manager, Saint John City Market.  

The project involves renovations and upgrades to the Saint John City Market building, including replacing the roofing, repairing and stabilizing the masonry, upgrades related to building code and energy efficiency, and the addtion of an escalator and elevator to improve asscessibiltiy.

The Government of Canada is contributing \\$2.03 million to this initiative through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), while the Province of New Brunswick is providing \\$2.03 through the Regional Development Corporation (RDC), and the City of Saint John is also providing \\$2.03 million.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to developing prosperous communities and supporting vital community infrastructure. Our investment in the infrastructure improvements for the Saint John City Market will enhance a popular community locale while promoting new tourism opportunities, which will in turn strengthen the local economy, and promote the quality of life in this region.”

-  The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister for Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Government of Canada, through ACOA is committed to projects that create economic opportunities by building on local strengths.  For centuries the Saint John City Market has represented a rich fabric of flavours in food, music, art and friendships.  Support for these upgrades and improvements will help continue this vibrant community tradition and contribute to this region’s economy for years to come.”

-  Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John

“We know how important economic growth is to New Brunswickers.  We are getting things done with investments like this which will spur economic growth.”

-  The Honourable Brian Gallant, Premier of New Brunswick

“The City Market has been a special place for residents and visitors for generations. This funding from our provincial and federal partners will allow the Market to be an iconic gathering place for years to come.”

-  His Worship Don Darling, Mayor, City of Saint John

Quick Facts 

  • The renovations/upgrades and improvements will result in significant cost savings, estimated at approximately \\$200,000 annually for the City. These include reduction of GHG emissions, energy costs and energy consumption by 38%. These strategic upgrades will include energy efficient lighting, a new air distribution system and solar air heating. 
  • It is estimated that approximately 24 full and part-time construction related jobs will be created through this project.
  • The Saint John City Market is the oldest continuing farmer’s market in Canada and is a National Historic Site
  • In 2013, the Saint John City Market was named Canada’s Great Public Space, by the Canadian Institute of Planners.  The contest is staged annually by the institute to celebrate places Canadians love and to highlight the role of professional planners in creating these places.  http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/saint-john-city-market-named-canada-s-great-public-space-1.2419631