Saint John City Market Gears Up for 150th Anniversary Celebration

The historic Saint John City Market, recognized as Canada’s oldest continuously operating farmer’s market, is preparing for its milestone 150th anniversary in 2026. As the market approaches this significant date, vendor experiences highlight a robust year in 2025, marked by a surge in tourism and increased business activity.

Vendor Linda Cooke, who has been a fixture at the market for 34 years, reflected on her experience, expressing her joy: “I can’t stop smiling. It’s a true privilege to be here.” Her sentiments echo the vibrant atmosphere within the market, which has seen a considerable influx of visitors earlier in the season than usual.

Another vendor, Tracey Brown, who has been selling her art at the market for three years, reported growth, stating, “I’m up from last year and I can’t wait to keep going and see what comes next year.”

Major Renovations Underway

The market is undergoing significant changes as part of a ten-year strategic plan initiated by the city. Some vendors are relocating to create more space, with Wild Carrot already having moved to a new location. Other vendors, like Kim’s Korean Food, are still in the process of renovations.

A new dining establishment called Market Street Kitchen is set to open in early 2026 at the former site of Billy’s Seafood. This addition aims to enhance the market’s appeal by creating a new seating area in the central section. Andrew MacDonald, the market manager, explained that the new seating will improve connectivity within the venue, transforming it from merely a lunch spot to a multifunctional space for performances and community events.

“It’s also going to be a performance space or a space where we can have a cooking class, or we can have a party there or whatever,” MacDonald noted. He acknowledged that the construction will require removing the current central aisle, a move that has necessitated discussions with vendors about the changes.

Vendor Involvement and Future Prospects

MacDonald emphasized the importance of vendor input throughout the renovation process: “The market is the vendors. So, we need to make sure that they know what’s going on and they’re part of the conversation.” Some vendors have expressed concerns, yet the overall goal remains to enhance the market experience for everyone involved.

Brown, who has reviewed preliminary plans for the renovations, remains optimistic, stating, “I think that there is still a very promising future here at the Saint John’s City Market, and I can’t wait.”

A more detailed construction plan will be presented to the city council in the coming weeks, outlining the changes and anticipated impacts on the market.

In addition to the physical transformations, the 150th anniversary celebrations will unfold throughout 2026, with significant events planned for the latter half of the year as construction nears completion. MacDonald mentioned that the celebrations will include collaborations with local artists and vendors, promising a festive atmosphere.

“We’re talking about all kinds of collaborations with community,” he said, hinting at various exciting events and gatherings to mark the occasion.

The revitalization of the Saint John City Market not only aims to enhance the vendor experience but also strives to solidify its role as a cultural hub for the community, ensuring it thrives for many more generations to come.