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St. Lawrence Market
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Market Stalls
Canada 150
To celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary Orchard & Vine Magazine is highlighting our country's historic Farmers' Markets. We are starting in Toronto with the St. Lawrence Market Complex, one of the world’s great markets with over 120 merchants and farmers. The St. Lawrence Market is the oldest ongoing farmer’s market in Upper Canada, and the original market pre-dates the city of Toronto itself.
The North Market houses the Saturday Farmers' Market, a tradition begun on this site in 1803 that continues today. Farmers and producers from all over Southern Ontario bring their seasonal produce to market in the city.
- 1803 Governor Peter Hunter proclaimed that all the land north would be officially known as Market Block, the first wooden structure to house the market was built this year.
- 1831 The original structure was replaced by a brick building.
- 1849 The Great Fire of Toronto destroyed the brick structure along with much of the city.
- 1850 Plans for rebuilding include the new St. Lawrence Hall.
- 1904 the building is demolished and rebuilt.
- 1971 the planning board proposed the Market be demolished.
- 1972 it is saved by a group of citizens who call for the historic building to be renovated. The renovation is completed in 1979.