The South St. Lawrence Market: 1899-Present

The Front Street City Hall was soon altered almost beyond recognition in order to provide the City of Toronto with a much larger market. Following recommendations of a Market Commission, a major renovation was undertaken from 1899-1901. The cupola, pediment and side wings were removed and a huge roof was placed over the entire structure. This "new" building was nicknamed "Siddall's Shed" after the architect responsible for the design, John William Siddall. The Council Chamber was altered when the floor was raised to allow for more height in the main entranceway below and the ceiling was lowered due to the intrusion of the new beams needed to support the roof. A canopy connecting the south and north markets extending over Front Street was also built. (It would be removed in 1954.)

It wasn't until the 1970's that another renovation was undertaken. In 1971, efforts were first made to save the building from demolition as had been proposed by the planning board and a consultant's report. Fortunately, a public meeting held in the fall of 1971 revealed tremendous public support. In 1972, Time and Place , a group of Torontonians interested in the continuity of the City's life, submitted a proposal to the City of Toronto's Property Department which stated that this historic building should be renovated rather than replaced. As for the Council Chamber, which had been unused for most of the 70 years, they suggested that an appropriate use be found for it, such as, a "City display space."

By 1974, with the initial financial aid coming from a Federal-Provincial Winter Capital Projects Fund, the first step in the renovations was begun. The facade was cleaned, half of the almost one acre roof area was replaced and the brick piers supporting the roof trusses were reinforced. The City Property Department continued the renovations with funds included in the 1975 Capital Budget.

In 1977 however, the City Property Department requested and obtained approval for a capital expenditure to restore the original City Hall in the South St. Lawrence Market for a proposed "Civic Art Gallery and Depository." Proposals had actually been made as early as May 1975 by the City Archivist and his staff to use the renovated space as a display centre for the City's fine art and archival collections.

Renovations at the market were virtually completed at the end of 1978. The entire basement which had been used for wholesale storage was gutted and made available for retail use. On the main level, the floor was completely rebuilt, a freight elevator installed and new doors put in to accommodate the increase in pedestrian traffic. Merchants were responsible for the design and installation of freezers and counters.

In July 1978, City Council gave approval for the renovated Council Chamber and accompanying areas to be used as an exhibition and storage area for the City's fine art collection. On March 7, 1979, The Market Gallery was officially opened by Mayor John Sewell.

The Market Story in Depth

Introduction to History of the Market Complex
Toronto's Original City Hall: 1845-1899
The South St. Lawrence Market: 1899-Present
The North St. Lawrence Markets: 1803-Present
The Market Gallery
Selected Photographs
Printable History (Plain Text)