Commercial facility.

Details of Site Location: The east side of Yonge Street at the top of the hill south of Hogg’s Hollow.

Boundary History: Large lot of undefined dimension during its market years.

Current Use of Property: A large supermarket.

Historical Description: Officially opened on 19 June 1926, this large outdoor market was intended to help local farmers sell their produce and encourage direct buying. Only those growing their own produce were allowed to rent one of the 30 stalls. Well into the 1940s, North York Township enjoyed a reputation as a fine fruit and vegetable growing area. At that time, eggs sold for 40 cents a dozen, butter was 43 cents a pound, and asparagus was 25 cents a pound. A purebred kitten could be purchased for $2. In 1930, the Township of North York purchased the old Glen Echo freight shed of the Metropolitan Toronto Radial Railway for $62,000 and renovated the building, nicknamed “the tin market” for its tin roof. Farmers from North York, Richmond Hill, and the Holland Marsh areas set up their stands in the large warehouse-like building. Over eighty farm men and women sold produce, home-baked goods, maple syrup, sausages, bacon, and other meats. A former Reeve of the Township, William G. Scrace, was the super-intendent of the market. By 1952, there were over 100 vendors, but that year the building was sold to Lawrence Motors for $250,000 and the money used to build new municipal offices at 5000 Yonge Street. The farmers moved to the York Farmers’ Market on Yonge just south of Thornhill. Ironically, a large food store stands on the site today.

Relative Importance: The market was important to the growth of the local area as well as providing a local market for fresh produce.

Planning Implications: It is recommended that a plaque be placed at Yonge Street near this site.

Reference Sources: North York Heights Association, York Mills Looking Back (1998); North York Central Library; North York Historical Society records.

Acknowledgements: Maps Project.