THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Country Market will look remarkably different on Saturday when it opens to the public again.
Workers are busy installing plexiglass dividers throughout the facility, which plans to allow food vendors to welcome customers in the first phase of its reopening plan.
For the time being, artisans will still only be able to sell their wares online, with pick-up available on Wednesday, when no foot traffic will be permitted.
For baker Joe Myslicki, it’s a day that couldn’t come soon enough.
Known for his pies, butter tarts and breads, Myslicki said he’s seen a drop of nearly 60 per cent in sales since the market closed because of COVID-19 restrictions.
But it’s more than just sales he missed.
“It’ll be nice to be able to get to see again the people who used to come on a weekly basis and at least say hi to them as they’re going by, with the shop, but don’t stop policy,” Myslicki said.
After attempting to reopen the market on March 21, only to realize it was too crowded and work needed to be done, vendors have been reduced to online selling only since mid-April.
There have been plenty of changes made in the interim inside the Dove Building on the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition grounds.
Booths will be further apart and only two customers will be allowed to shop at a booth at any given time. There will be a reduction of vendors on site and the number of customers allowed inside will be strictly controlled. New market marshals will also be decked out in bright vests to answer questions and help move traffic along in a steady manner.
It’ll be a slow and steady reopening, said Kelly Fettes, president of the Thunder Bay Country Market board. There’s no point in moving too fast, she added.
“Limited vendors onsite will now only be offering produce, baked goods and groceries for the time being, as we implement the first phase of reopening Thunder Bay Country Market to the public.”
The goal is to make shoppers feel safe and at ease when they visit.
“So, with a little creative thinking, we have developed extra safety measures for all those in attendance. It will still be the local experience you love, but at a distance.”
Annet Maurer, manager of the market, said customers have been clamoring to come back, but they wanted to make sure they got things right before reopening their doors.
What customers won’t be able to do is linger, like they have in the past. It’s no different than going to the grocery store in that respect, she said.
The popular Market Kitchen will also be open, but for take-out only.
Still, it’s a chance to connect local producers with eager customers in a central location.
“Customers make an effort to buy locally grown and produced food because they trust it. They appreciate where their food is coming from and feel reassured knowing local food and products travel less and is safely handled, coming right from the farm to your shopping bag. Our vendors are resilient, hardworking individuals and they are committed to serving Thunder Bay,” Maurer said.
About 20 vendors are expected to be on site on Saturday.
For more information, visit www.tbcm.ca.
