Barrie in Simcoe County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
1870's Market Building Arch
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 5, 2024
1. 1870's Market Building Arch Marker
This arch represents the southern exposure of the 1870s form of the market building, which stood at the midpoint of Mulcaster Street. The area was reserved as Market Square when Barrie was first surveyed in 1833. The original cornerstone was laid in 1856.
In the 1870s, the structure was remodeled with a center tower and mansard roof as outlined by this arch. The building became Barrie City Hall in 1959 and was demolished when the new City Hall was built in 1985. This monument stands as a continuing reminder of our heritage.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.
Location. 44° 23.439′ N, 79° 41.136′ W. Marker is in Barrie, Ontario, in Simcoe County. It is at the intersection of Collier Street and Mulcaster Street, on the left when traveling east on Collier Street. The marker is mounted at eye-level on the west side of the market building arch, facing the Barrie Farmers Market. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 90 Collier Street, Barrie ON L4M 1H3, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Ontario Cottage Country and specifically in Georgian Bay Country. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Andrew Frederick Hunter (within shouting distance of this marker); Lakeview Dairy (about 210 meters away, measured in a direct line); The East End 1800s (about 210 meters away);
this page online
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. 1877 Market Hall, Barrie, Ontario.
Excerpt: Says an account of the day: The cornerstone was laid and after some long speeches. The Royal Anthem was played. Then all went for refreshments at the Queens Hotel.(Submitted on May 23, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Market Square suffered damage by fire in 1875, was rebuilt in 1877 and enlarged with a new wing. The Market Square building served a double purpose. The second floor was the seat of municipal government. The first floor was for the Farmers Market. Later refaced in a stripped down classical style. Demolished in 1985.
2. Market Building Arch (YouTube). (Submitted on May 23, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 5, 2024
2. 1870's Market Building Arch Marker
Looking northeast across Mulcaster Street. The marker is mounted on the west side of the arch.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 5, 2024
3. 1870's Market Building Arch
Looking northwest along Mulcaster Street from Collier Street. The marker is mounted on the left side of the arch - out of sight from this angle. This green metal arch in the shape of the 1877 mansard roof and tower was erected over Mulcaster and the footprint of the building is traced in paving stones.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 90 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 23, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
