By Stephen Weir

“How much is this bottle of made-on-the-farm cider?” asked a shopper at the newly opened downtown Toronto five-storey market at Front and Jarvis Streets.

“Five dollars,” answered an excited vendor sporting a funny hat, standing behind a food booth in the brand-new North Market building.

Well, he wasn’t exactly right—at least not when you factor in what it cost the city to build the long-overdue St. Lawrence Market North building (right across the street from the iconic St. Lawrence Market). That bottle of Toronto-made juice actually cost taxpayers about $128 million and five bucks.

A low keyed opening happened last Saturday morning. A big crowd of shoppers turned out to snap up a variety of local goods—fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods (yes, baked goods twice), and much more.

This already-busy Saturday morning tradition was even bigger and louder than usual, thanks to Mayor Olivia Chow, who was there to welcome everyone into the long-awaited five-storey building. By noon, many vendors had completely sold out.

Just after midday, Martin Trainor stood behind the counter of a popular sausage booth. Pointing at a plastic bag containing six Macedonian pork sausages, he said: “That’s all that’s left. We’ve been cleaned out for half an hour. And I gotta say, the shoppers this morning are happy.”

They were also excited to see the mayor as she cut the metaphorical ribbon on what is sure to become a go-to destination for downtown Torontonians and browsing tourists alike.

The combined market experience now features over 120 vendors, and the new North building adds the much-needed bonus of 250 indoor parking spots.

The new St. Lawrence Market North buildingis a striking five-storey structure with extensive glass walls and dual vaulted ceilings that allow natural light to flood the space, giving it the feel of an outdoor market, the way in used to in the old days.

The architecture brings serious wow factor, but it’s been a long time coming. Construction began in 2016, and the final price tag landed $50 million over budget.

The new building brings the 200-year-old North Market tradition back indoors for the first time in nearly a decade. According to the City, the old building was “underutilized and did not maximize the full potential of the St. Lawrence Market.”

From now on, Saturdays are market day in the North building, but it will remain open 365 days a year, hosting everything from antique fairs to trade shows when farmers aren’t in residence. The top floor is already active with provincial courtrooms.

And what about the beloved St. Lawrence Market building across the street? It’s staying open six days a week, with the same beloved vendors serving Torontonians as they have for years.