Dieppe is weighing options to expand its city market as part of plans to further develop the downtown core.
On April 15, Dieppe released a survey asking residents to choose from two design options for the expansion of the Marché de Dieppe, following a public hearing on the matter hosted by the city on April 8.
According to Angèle Spencer, Dieppe’s deputy administrative officer, the project stems from the city’s 2025-2029 strategic plan, which includes urban development as one of its key priorities.
Spencer said the city is looking to densify its downtown core, starting with the market, which she described as an increasingly important part of the area as the city has grown in recent years.
The proposed expansion includes additional vendor space, community areas, underground parking, the possible relocation of Dieppe’s public library, and apartment buildings surrounding the market, she said.
“Our goal is for the market to not just be open a few days a week, but all week long,” Spencer said. “So we are really trying to create a commercial [space] where people can buy their goods during the week.”
She added that adding housing would help the market thrive while also supporting people living in the surrounding area.
The survey closed on April 23 and received more than 200 responses, Spencer said.
She said the city is still reviewing residents’ feedback, which is necessary to complete preliminary design studies and obtain cost estimates before submitting funding requests.
“It’s an ambitious project, so we are looking for partnerships with the provincial and federal governments,” Spencer said.
The city will use the survey results to extract the strongest elements from each design concept before commissioning an architectural firm to prepare a revised proposal that incorporates them, she said.
Once the revised concept is completed, the project will be brought to city council for approval, which Spencer expects will happen later in the summer or fall due to the upcoming municipal election.
While the city would like to begin tendering for construction by the end of the year, Spencer said the funding process could take longer, estimating construction will not begin for at least a couple of years.
