FREDERICTON (NB): The City has announced that preparations are underway to implement Phase I of a three-phase approach to re-open the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market on June 6, 2020. Phase I will allow essential food/grocery vendors to return to the market.

A lengthy evaluation process led to the creation of an operational plan designed to keep the health and safety of market patrons and vendors at the forefront. The Newmarket Properties Board of Directors, market staff, City staff, EOC and the provincial Department of Health conferred to determine that opening in phases minimizes risks while balancing the business needs of vendors.

Phase I of the re-opening includes (40) grocery vendors who offer meat, vegetables and other essential food items. Phase II will include prepared food vendors and the outside Food Court, while crafters and artisans will be invited back for Phase III. The time between each phase will not be mandated in advance, although is anticipated to be 2-3 weeks.

During Phase I the market will open at 7:00am and close at 1:00pm.

“Limiting the number of vendors and shoppers will affect the atmosphere of the market, which will not be as crowded and bustling as usual” said Stacey Russell, Manager of Fredericton Tourism and Chair of Newmarket Properties. “Finding a way to re-open while respecting social distancing guidelines was a huge challenge, and we trust market patrons will adapt to shopping without socializing, allowing us to move safely to Phases II and III.”

The only entrance will be 665 George Street, where a washroom will be dedicated to handwashing and staff will direct shoppers to follow one-way directional signage. All vendors will wear community facemasks, and customers are strongly encouraged to do so as well. Additional staff will be on hand to ensure washrooms, doors and other high-touch surfaces are sanitized regularly.

Eighty shoppers will be allowed in the market buildings at one time.

“Our goal is to open as much of the market as we can, but we must do it safely” says Russell. “We’ll do it as fast as we can, but safety will continue to be our primary concern”

Social distancing measures require vendors be spaced throughout the market, and businesses therefore may not be in their usual stall. Social media and websites for the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market and Fredericton Tourism will share information on which vendors will be in attendance, as well as a site map indicating their locations.

The Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market last operated on March 14, 2020 before closing as a precaution against COVID-19.

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Media Contact: Stacey Russell, Fredericton Tourism, 506-260-6958