Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market began operating in 1803.
The market developed around the early settlement’s public-market system and was named for the nearby St. Lawrence neighbourhood. It became an important place where farmers, food merchants, and city residents exchanged goods as Toronto grew.
The present market complex includes buildings from different periods, which causes some confusion about the founding date. The South Market building dates from the nineteenth century, while the market’s operating history reaches back to 1803.
St. Lawrence Market remains associated with fresh food, specialty vendors, and public events. It is not the same institution as the nearby former St. Lawrence Hall, although both belong to the historic civic and commercial district.