COVID-19 Market Changes

During COVID-19, the Thunder Bay Country Market has made a number of changes to ensure the safety of our vendors and customers:

  • The Thunder Bay Country Market is following the Re-Opening Ontario Act, and consults often with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit regarding any changes announced.
  • Masks are not required for Vendors or Customer but are recommended.
  • All types of vendors are now open on both levels.
  • Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the front door.
  • Market staff help monitor and manage traffic flow to prevent congestion.
  • Downstairs and upstairs layout both have very wide aisles, with more room for social distancing.
  • Indoor dining is open upstairs only, where there is more space, and outdoor dining is open when the weather permits.
  • Please DO NOT attend the Market if you are feeling unwell, or have any of the potential COVID symptoms (see list from TBDHU)

Last updated: June 10, 2022

This page is updated frequently to reflect the continual changes the Market is making to be adaptive to the changing environment that COVID presents.

Please refer back regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all vendors accepting payment by cards?

The majority of vendors now have tap or debit/credit options available.
However, some of our vendors are still cash-based.

There are also 2 ATMs on site – 1 in the back foyer and 1 in the front foyer.
Note there is a $3 charge to use the ATMs.
Revenue from the ATMs helps support Market operations.

Can I bring my own bags? What about returning bottles and jars?

Yes, we continue to encourage the use of your own bags. 

You may continue to return bottles from Slate River Dairy and jam jars to the relevant jam makers (H&P Jams, A Little of This) and honey jars to Bears, Bees & Honey as well as maple syrup bottles to Nor’Wester Maple Co.

As Kumbaya Kombucha has closed their business, we can no longer accept those bottles back, however they may be eligible for Beer Store returns.

We cannot currently accept egg cartons back.

How has the layout changed?

This is a continually evolving process as we try to adapt to the “new normal”.

Some vendors continue to have plexiglass shields hung at their booths. 

The downstairs booths have been rearranged for less contact between vendors (more space per booth) and more space for customers to social distance.

The dining area is currently open upstairs only where there is more space. 

Will the Online Market Store return?

The Online Store was an important pivot during the initial crisis, which allowed the Market and the majority of our vendors to continue to sell directly to customers. We are so pleased with the strong support we received from orders each week.

As the Market reopened, the demand for the Online Store was no longer there. While we understand some customers are not comfortable returning, at this time we do not have an online option.

We encourage you to connect directly with your favourite vendors to purchase their products (some offer home delivery) or to shop through Superior Seasons, run by Belluz Farms, which has a wide selection of our vendors’ products available on their site. They offer local delivery as well as contactless pickup.

We are working to figure out potential opportunities for online sales and will keep our customers posted.