I express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent developments surrounding the 2023-2027 St. Lawrence Market.

Complex Strategic Plan and the St. Lawrence Market Precinct Advisory Committee (SLMPAC). Managed by the City of Toronto under the jurisdiction of the Corporate Real Estate Management Division, this strategic plan has been meet with skepticism by those who hold the St. Lawrence Market dear to their hearts, including myself.
The implementation of this plan appears rushed and characterized by a narrow perspective that fails to consider the multifaceted issues that make the St. Lawrence Market a unique gem in the tapestry of North American markets among Torontonians, Chefs and international visitors. Not everything needs to be changed; some aspects must be preserved to safeguard the identity and uniqueness of our beloved Toronto.
One of the glaring shortcomings of the strategic plan is the inadequate consultation process. The voices of key stakeholders, including produce and fruit, fishmongers, international dairy stores, diverse meat butchers, international grain, pods, legume, nuts and shelf stable product stores, coffee and roasting bean operators, and many other dedicated operators, were conspicuously absent from the discussion table in regards to hours of operations.
These reliable and knowledgeable operators have spent years honing their craft, imparting their expertise to employees, and contributing to the market's rich history.
From Tuesday to Saturday, open five days a week, starting at 4 am with minimal traffic and allowing vendors to have some family time off.
And the new proposed operating times are from 9 am. During peak hours, to 7 pm, seven days a week.
On Saturdays, the farmers market opens at 5 am and the market at 7 am, so customers can only shop in one place at a time.
All these changes do not make any sense.
The dedicated vendors must work diligently with no time off when driving in congested Toronto traffic is significant. In these challenging times, they cannot afford to hire additional help.
All these changes do not make sense, but they negatively impact the market and turn it into just another food court that sells junk food.
The changes in operating hours have introduced numerous challenges for shoppers and operators, affecting their ability to rest, manage administrative tasks, take personal days off, and train and hire employees. Specialty store operators thrive when they are deeply connected to the source of where the product came from, like terminals, and engaged in farming, international food importance shows and events – this sets them apart. Only a select few can match their scale and investment, making it crucial to preserve their presence.
Operating these stores requires years of hands-on experience, unwavering dedication, and a genuine love for what they do. We must offer them our full support so they can pass the torch to the next generation, ensuring the continuity of these irreplaceable businesses while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
While we acknowledge the changes Toronto is experiencing, including an influx of new immigrants, financial challenges, and the need for public servants dedicated to the city's welfare, we must tread carefully when contemplating changes to the St. Lawrence Market. Indeed, some parts of the market can be adapted to accommodate new venues and cater to a growing cosmopolitan city.
However, such changes should be at most 25% of the market's composition, as anything beyond this threshold risks erasing its history and workability, ultimately undermining its status as North America's oldest and most esteemed market. We must refrain from transforming it into another generic industrial food court, catering solely to the mediocre palate.
In conclusion, the consultation and engagement process surrounding the St. Lawrence Market Strategic Plan were marred by omissions and oversights. We must protect and preserve our St. Lawrence Market, an iconic institution at the heart of our community for generations. Recent decisions have raised valid concerns about the market's future. We must ensure that its rich history, unique character, and dedicated operators remain integral to our city's heritage.
New Suggestions (needs consulting with vendors for their approval)
Six days a week, Monday to Saturday, from 7 am to 4 pm, stores that sell products( Buchers, fish mongers, Producs, Grocery, etc. :) and that would be much better for shoppers and vendors with no traffic on the road and inside the market itself and vendors selling food can be open from 9 am to 7 pm 6 or 7 days a week with their approval.
This way, the market can cater to two types of customers: loyal long-time shoppers and tourists/ ready-to-eat food shoppers.
Sincerely,
Shasha Navazesh
Ps. true Torontanoin. Please raise your voice to protect our great city, Toronto, and all that is important to city heritage and our way of life.