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Local has gotten a lot of love this year, but one Toronto institution has been connecting the city with Ontario’s bounty since long before it was trendy. More than just a place to do your weekend grocery shopping, St. Lawrence Market is a community hub that brings people closer to the food that nourishes them and the amazing local farmers, makers and producers behind it. The market represents the beating heart of the city and has been etched in Toronto’s history for over 200 years.
Now, a bold new chapter begins with the opening of the St. Lawrence Market North building at 92 Front Street East in Old Town Toronto. The stunning new space hosts the Saturday Farmers’ Market, continuing a beloved weekend tradition dating back to 1803. A pillar of Toronto’s local food community, the Saturday Market connects visitors with farmers and producers offering fresh, seasonal and artisanal goods.
This exciting advancement to the St. Lawrence Market district offers more than just a modern home for the Saturday Farmers’ Market. The bold new space includes flexible public spaces for exhibitions and events, four levels of underground parking, a seniors’ centre, and municipal courtrooms. The new St. Lawrence Market North continues the long legacy of connecting Torontonians and visitors through food, culture and community.
St. Lawrence Market, a Toronto tradition
Home to Toronto’s original market, the historic site of the new St. Lawrence Market North building has been a community gathering place for over 200 years.
Since 1803, this historic site has been used as a public market, and for much of the 19th century, it was the only place to buy meat and poultry. The home of Toronto’s original market, it acted as the political, commercial and social centre of the city, drawing in people from all walks of life. While the physical buildings have changed, the tradition of community and connection has continued on through the history of the market — one of the longest-running in North America.
Now, the shiny new St. Lawrence Market North is maximizing the full potential of the previously underutilized building. The sixth building to operate at this Toronto landmark, St. Lawrence Market North was designed by internationally recognized architecture firm Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, in collaboration with Adamson Associates Architects. This beautiful and functional redevelopment improves the utility of the site and contributes to the economic development of the area with a multi-purpose facility that will serve the community, seven days a week.
Meet the Makers: Now at Home in the New St. Lawrence Market North Building
While shopping at the Saturday Farmers’ Market, you can treat yourself to something special from GoodLot Farmstead Brewing Co. Based in Caledon, Ontario, this solar-powered brewery and organic hop farm crafts hyper-local beers and canned spritzes using ingredients grown on their farm and from fellow Ontario farmers. Made with 100 per cent Ontario hops, each brew captures the unique flavour and character of the region.
Niagara is known for growing an incredibly high percentage of Ontario’s fruit, but you don’t have to make the drive to get your hands on it. Located in Beamsville, Eborall Farms grows apples, plums, apricots, cherries, strawberries, peaches and more. Every Saturday, the family-owned and operated farm brings its haul of exceptionally fresh fruit to sell at the Farmers’ Market in the new building.
Don Webb
Fourth generation farmer, Don Webb comes from a long line of St. Lawrence Market vendors. His great grandparents ran the family farm in Etobicoke, bringing their goods to the market by horse and buggy. His grandparents moved the farm to Pickering, and eventually his parents settled in Sutton, Ontario, with each generation bringing their bounty to the market. Now, Don and Christine Webb sell over a dozen different herbs and vegetables at the Saturday Market.
To the Saturday Market and beyond
The new St. Lawrence Market North offers a variety of amenities and services, seven days a week
Saturday Farmers’ Market
The Saturday Farmers’ Market now runs in the St. Lawrence Market North building from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., year-round.
Parking
With four levels of underground public parking offering 250 spots, visitors can easily load up on local goods to take home.
Event Space
At the St. Lawrence Market North building, new spaces for events, exhibtions and programming will draw in visitors of all ages.
Courts
Onsite courtrooms and administrative offices at St. Lawrence Market North now support essential City of Toronto services.
