Remnants of 1800s market found under St. Lawrence development

A portion of a stone-capped sewer is shown at the site of the St. Lawrence Market north building. (Golder Associates via City of Toronto)

The remnants of a centuries-old Toronto market were unearthed as during a pre-construction archaeological dig.

Brick walls, sewer pipes and part of a pier were found during the precautionary dig near the site of the current St. Lawrence Market. The remnants are believed to date back to the 1830s, 1850s and 1900s, when Front Street marked the city's waterfront.

The area is being examined by archaeologists, as is customary in Toronto when there's a chance that historical items may be unearthed during the construction process.

During the dig, crews found evidence from the 1831, 1851 and 1904 markets that stood on the same site. The property has been home to markets since at least 1803, the City of Toronto said in a statement on Tuesday, but the first permanent structure was built in 1831.

The brick building was used as both a town hall and marketplace at the time. It was destroyed in a fire in 1849, and rebuilt in 1851.

"The finds include foundation piers from the 1831 building, a large arched flagstone sewer relating to either the 1831 or 1851 development, and the original, pre-development ground surface preserved within the interior courtyard of the 1831 building," the statement said.

The site of the St. Lawrence Market north building is currently being redeveloped to replace the aging structure with a four-storey multi-purpose facility. The new building will be home to a farmers' and antique market, but will also include Toronto court rooms, an administrative building and a 250-space parking garage.

In light of the findings, the construction project will be delayed as crews ensure any historical items can be preserved.