Handmade crafts, fresh produce and seafood, cuisine of any flavour and other special finds have attracted locals to shop at the Saint John City Market for over 150 years. If you go further back in history, there used to be many markets throughout the city. A committee was formed in the late 19th century to construct a centralized building for vendors throughout Saint John, New Brunswick. Still bustling with business today, the Saint John City Market is the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the country.

City market history

There’s a long history of markets in Saint John, New Brunswick. The City’s first market building was constructed for fish vendors in 1830 at Market Square. Throughout the next few decades, the number of markets in the area grew to six in total, including a Country Market on Market Street, a hay market on King Street and a cattle market in King Square. As Saint John grew, these were consolidated into a single market location and in 1874, the City created a Market Committee to organize the construction of a new building for all market vendors.

Taking a creative approach, the committee launched a design competition for the new market and awarded three architects prizes totaling $300 for their work. After two years of construction, in 1876, the Saint John City Market on Charlotte Street opened its doors for the first time. The unique building paid homage to the area’s shipbuilding industry, with a roof resembling an upside-down ship keel. Thankfully, the structure was unharmed by the Great Fire of Saint John in 1877 and remains today.

Market operations

The City Market has always been governed by the piepowder court that ensures fair commercial dealings. A Market Clerk was appointed to enforce rules, assign fines and ban vendors for unfair practices like underfilling orders or selling bad produce. This responsibility is now with the provincial government. However, a Market Clerk still manages daily operations and maintains a fun tradition—ringing the market bell every morning and evening to signify the opening and closing of the market each day.

The Saint John City Market building has had many renovations over time to improve and maintain its structure, including adding a glassed-in eating area, building an underground connection to Brunswick Square and major roof and window restoration unveiled in 2018.

Staying strong

Now the oldest continually operating market in Canada, the Saint John City Market remains a cornerstone of its community. Open Monday to Saturday, year-round, many vendors have come and gone over time, including long-time vendor Slocum & Ferris, which closed in 2024. However, patrons can still find a variety of handcrafted goods, fresh groceries and restaurants for every taste.

With its unique mix of history, community and culture, the Saint John City Market continues to bring people together, as it has for generations.

Note: A representative of the Saint John City Market was unavailable for an interview; the above article is based on third-party research.

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