The Germain Street entrance of the Saint John City Market. (Image: Tamara Steele)
The city will set aside $3.3 million for the next stage of renovations at the historic City Market, after council gave approval Monday night.
It awarded a $3.1 million contract to Eclipse Construction Services, and approved a contingency allowance of 150 thousand dollars.
“The City Market, the oldest continuing farmer’s market in Canada, forms the historic centrepiece of the revitalized city centre in Saint John. The City Market is a National Historic Site, which recognizes the Market’s defining contribution to the identity and culture of Canada,” said city staff in a report.
Under an agreement with the Federal Government, the City of Saint John has a responsibility to maintain, protect and restore the City Market until 2030.
The work also aligns with Plan SJ’s values and goals for the Uptown.
Phase one of the renovation consisted of exterior and structure work as well as replacement of windows, doors, roofs, rainwater leaders and gutters, which was completed in April 2018.
Phase two includes work on the market’s floors, stairwell, and main lobby, a replacement of its boilers, and installation of new lighting systems. It will also upgrade the elevator.
The city says the original boilers, heating systems and electrical service entrance are over 35 years old and have reached the end of their lifespan.
That work is expected to be completed by this November.
A tender for the work was posted on March 6 and closed on March 26. The report recommended Eclipse Construction Services as the lowest bidder while having the necessary expertise and resources to undertake the project.
