City Market, Saint John (must see)

The Saint John City Market, designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, stands proudly as a significant landmark in the heart of Saint John. This substantial brick building, completed in 1876, occupies an entire city block and is situated across from the northwestern corner of King Square in the central business district.

Designated as a national historic site in 1986, the Saint John City Market holds this prestigious status due to various noteworthy features. Its market hall interior, the commercial Second Empire facade along Water Street, and the two side elevations on North and South Market Street collectively contribute to its historical significance. It stands as a rare and distinguished example of a 19th-century building purposefully designed to serve as a market.

The formal entry facade, showcasing a distinctive three-and-a-half storey Second Empire-Style office block, elegantly faces King Square. As visitors venture beyond this facade, they discover the market hall, a captivating space characterized by double height openness. The hall is organized around a broad central aisle, with individual stalls lining both sides. The architectural charm of the market is enhanced by the exposed timber framing, queen post trusses, and cast iron columns that support the structure.

Constructed by New Brunswick architects McKean and Fairweather between 1874 and 1876, the Saint John City Market possesses a solid and fire-resistant structure. Notably, it withstood the challenges posed by the Great Fire of 1877 and underwent subsequent renovations over the years. These efforts have allowed the market to endure as a vital civic structure, preserving its original function and continuing to serve as a vibrant hub for the community.