Fashion District in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
St. Andrew’s Market and Playground
Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 28, 2025
1. St. Andrew’s Market and Playground Marker
This city block was set aside in 1837 for a public market, the third of its kind after the St. Lawrence (1803) and St. Patrick's (1836) Markets. Built in 1850 and eventually named "St. Andrew's" for its city ward, the market was an important commercial centre for what was then Toronto's west end.
The first market buildings were destroyed by fire in 1860, and were replaced in 1873 by a grander St. Andrew's Hall and Market designed in Renaissance Revival style. The buildings housed everyone from sellers of fresh produce to butchers, as well as a police station, a community hall, and a public library branch.
St. Andrew's Market began a gradual decline in the 1870s. Despite an impressive 1889 addition, the market stalls were largely empty by 1900. The buildings were demolished in 1932 and replaced by the present Water Works building. Used as a public park since the 1880s, this southern section became St. Andrew's Playground in 1909. It was the first City of Toronto property dedicated to, and equipped for, supervised children's play.
Erected by Heritage Toronto.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas
this page online
Location. 43° 38.8′ N, 79° 23.906′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in the Fashion District. It is on Brant Street 0.1 kilometers north of Adelaide Street West, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Toronto ON M5V 1V2, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto and on the Golden Horseshoe. 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 Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Waterworks Building (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Phillips Garment Co. Fire (about 180 meters away); Balfour Building (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); David (Bookie) Bookman (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); John Mulvey House (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Canada’s First Victoria Cross (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Copp Clark Co. Complex (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Macdonell Square (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.
Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 28, 2025
2. St. Andrew’s Market and Playground Marker
City of Toronto Archives
3. St. Andrew’s Market and Playground marker photo and caption detail (top left)
Toronto Public Library
4. St. Andrew’s Market and Playground marker photo and detail (bottom left)
Photographed by City of Toronto
5. St. Andrew’s Market and Playground marker photo and caption detail (right)
Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 28, 2025
6. St. Andrew’s Market Playground in 2025
Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 218 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 2, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
