Toronto- Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre) celebrated the first Saturday Farmers’ Market hosted at the new St. Lawrence Market North building. As the original home of the Saturday Farmers’ Market since 1803, St. Lawrence Market North is welcoming farmers back to this historic space, just in time for spring.
The St. Lawrence Market District, which includes St. Lawrence Hall and the North and South Market buildings, has served as a Toronto landmark for more than 200 years – and remains one of the most prominent historical sites in the city. The redevelopment of the St. Lawrence Market North building has enhanced community spaces for vendors and fostered both social and economic growth in the area.
The redevelopment of the St. Lawrence Market North building has improved the community spaces for vendors, visitors and shoppers, while contributing to neighbourhood infrastructure and engagement.
Since July 2015, the Saturday Farmers’ Market has been operating at 125 The Esplanade, allowing business to continue during the redevelopment of the building which began in 2016.
By blending historical significance with modern amenities, the redeveloped St. Lawrence Market North building will help strengthen the tradition of the Saturday Farmers’ Market and its role in supporting the local economy, promoting small businesses and increasing tourism. With improved accessibility, the building has become a more inviting space for both locals and tourists.
In its new and permanent home, the Saturday Farmers’ Market will continue to foster active participation in the Love Local movement, a citywide call to action that encourages Torontonians to support locally-owned businesses, ensuring that economic benefits remain within the community. When residents shop locally, their dollars contribute to job creation, local tax revenue and infrastructure investments that help maintain the city’s vibrancy and sustainability.