A national urban planners association is asking people to vote for their favourite public spaces, and among the nominees are a number of places in the Maritimes.The Saint John Market has been a popular gathering place since it opened in 1876. (Great Places in Canada)

The Canadian Institute of Planners is accepting nominations and votes for locations across the country.

The Saint John Market has held a prominent place in the city for more than 100 years.

The building takes up a full block and features a wrought iron gate and brickwork from the late 1800s. It opened for business in city's uptown in 1876.

"It's about people earning a living, it's about people buying product for their households, and it's a place to socialize. It's the essence of our society," Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase said Sunday.

Chase said the architecture, along with the rows of merchants inside, makes it a big draw to the public.

"It's where you come and you meet acquaintances, meet new acquaintances, talk about the news of the city, the news of the country and gossip."

Prince Edward Island has two nominees.Victoria Park was granted by Queen Victoria in 1873. (Tourism PEI)

One is a pedestrian mall Victoria Row, and the other is 16-hectare Victoria Park, granted to the city by Queen Victoria in June 1873.

Charlottetown mayor Clifford Lee said public spaces are important no matter where they are.

"It's about the quality of life here in the city, it's nature, it's a real healthy environment," Lee said.

Nova Scotia has five nominees, including the LaHave River and King Street in the town of Lunenburg — which is on the UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage list.

Maritimers can vote for their favourite place until Feb. 29.

Winners will be announced in April.