The early market here was an open air gathering place, a shoreline fish market. In 1803,
Governor Peter Hunter proclaimed, that the area between Front and King, and between
Jarvis and Church Streets would be designated the "Market Block." The first permanent
market was built facing King shortly thereafter. This simple thirty-five by twenty foot
wooden building was enclosed on the east, west and south sides in 1820. A brick
building, stretching from King Street to Front Street, with an assembly hall and shops and
officers at the King Street end, replaced it in 1831. For the first eleven years following its
incorporation in 1834, The City of Toronto used the assembly hall and some offices as
temporary quarters. This building along with much of the City, was destroyed by the
Great Fire of 1849.

St. Lawrence Hall from the east

It was replaced in 1850 by the St. Lawrence Hall which still stands today. The new
buildings erected here were named the St. Lawrence Buildings for Canada's patron saint
and for the local city ward, St. Lawrence. St. Lawrence Hall was the social centre of the
city hosting public meetings, concerts, lectures and exhibitions. It was restored in 1967 to
commemorate the centennial of Canada’s Confederation.

St Lawrence Hall rear view and North Market Building
with South Market in the distance

South of St. Lawrence Hall, a new north market building was also built in 1851. Its main
entrance was a large archway facing Front St. At the turn of the century, the north market
building was demolished and a new one completed by 1904 following recommendations
of the Market Commission. The north and south markets were also connected by a
canopy that spanned Front Street. Shoppers could enter off King Street and proceed all
the way to the south market completely sheltered. In 1968 the north market was
demolished and replaced by the present building. Farmers come every Saturday to sell
their meat and produce just as they have been doing for many years. During the rest of the
week, the north market building is available for rent.

Much of this information came from The St. Lawrence Market website www.stlawrencemarket.com.

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