Border Index — Xinyue Mia W.

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory & Space

Border Index in the City of Toronto

In this exploration and documentation of border conditions at various scales in Toronto, the common thread within our project is the claiming of territory within public spaces. By examining and documenting the appropriation of space at St. Lawrence Market, and the Ontario Food Terminal, we peel back the veneer of everyday spaces, revealing nuanced relationships between people, structures, and the evolving dynamics of urban life. Our group focused on the history and factors influencing the formation of Ontario’s local food distribution and how different borders are established to ensure the benefits of local farmers against the monopolies of large commercial wholesale supermarkets.

Instructor: Anne-Marie Armstrong

Time: September - December, 2023

# of people in the group: 4

*In this project, elements related to borders are highlighted in blue

St. Lawrence Market

Border index at the large scale:

St. Lawrence Market: Traditional Market's Metamorphosis in Urban Evolution

This section of the project focuses on St. Lawrence Market South to explore the border index at the medium scale. As one of the oldest buildings in downtown Toronto, St. Lawrence Market has a rich history and its context, form and operation evolves over time as the city continues to expand and develop. This study will delve into the changes in the context, regulation, supply chain, and functionality of St. Lawrence Market and unfold the tangible and intangible border conditions embedded in its history.

In over 200 years of evolution, St. Lawrence Market is now the most popular and vibrant retail market and tourist attraction in the city. The south market has shifted to a boutique-style merchant with a variety of commodities combining local products and international goods, offering significantly different experiences than shopping at a supermarket. While some of the oldest stores still exist there, the supply chain and regulation system has drastically changed as the market moved away from the major food terminal of the city.

This exploration of St. Lawrence Market's multifaceted evolution not only seeks to illuminate its historical trajectory but also endeavors to unfold the intrinsic relationship between spatial boundaries and the evolving dynamics of urban commerce and cultural heritage.

Historical Timeline

Evolving Context & Urban Development

1803 - 1845

The land north of Front, west of Jarvis, south of King and east of Church Street was officially designated as the "Market Block" by Lieutenant Governor Peter Hunter. Toronto’s shoreline at that time was just at Front Street and the Market Block serves as a food hub benefited from its short distance to the port.

1845 - 1899

Following the incorporation of the City in 1834, the local civic government occupied temporary office in the earlier market building which also housed the farmers' market and Police Station. The Great Fire of 1849 destroyed the original wooden building and a brick building was designed and built later.

1899 - Present

The City of Toronto and its population continue to expand and grow. In order to provide the city with a much larger market, the first official City Hall on Front Street was altered and the government gave the space back to serve as the largest market in Toronto. The building went through a major renovation from 1899 to 1901 and became the St. Lawrence Market South now. The Toronto Harbour Commission also decided to fill in a portion of the harbour which resulted in the setback of the shoreline but also gave rise to the Gardiner Express Way and Lake Shore Boulevard.

Present

Today the St. Lawrence market area is a lively and vibrant neighbourhood rich in history and tradition and includes the south St. Lawrence Market, the north St. Lawrence Market, the Market Gallery and the St. Lawrence Hall on King Street. The development of the market now focuses on its heritage as a traditional farmers’ market and as a popular tourist attraction. It no longer serves as a major food terminal in the city but still takes advantages in the convenience of transportation to major highways.

Historical vs. Present Plan and Sections

The juxtaposition of the historical and present plan and section drawings traces the changing border in the architectural embodiment of St. Lawrence Market. Only a partial section of the building is preserved in today's market space, which used to serve as the temporary city hall of the market. Nowadays, the city hall on the upper floor has been transformed into exhibition areas, preserving the old portal gate in the building as a heritage site.

Historical Plan

Present Plan

Historical Section

Present Section

The Combination of Retail and Wholesale Market

St. Lawrence Market encompasses a wide array of store types, including bakery shops, special item retailers, meat and seafood shops, restaurants, and shops for fruits and vegetables. These distinct shops not only exhibit varying layouts that establish their unique 'boundaries' but also operate under special modes that contribute to the market's diversity, making it a complex and multifaceted place. However, despite each store functioning as an individual entity, they are all required to adhere to the same food safety regulations mandated by the Province of Ontario, and they import their raw materials from the food hub, respectively.

The shared adherence to safety standards and reliance on a central supplier showcase the unifying aspects of the market's operation. The variety of stores preserves the traditional essence of the market, while the shared regulations and sourcing processes underscore its transformation into a hub for tourism. The goal is to observe special features that one can only find in a traditional market, setting it apart from a regular supermarket. For example, many meat and seafood stores have glass counters where the shop owner stands inside and talks to the customers. In fruit shops and souvenir stores, one might see shelves placed outside the store on the alley, sometimes crossing between two shops. This can be a bit confusing for customers who wonder which shop the shelf belongs to. Additionally, there are only one or two dine-in restaurants, while most places will ask you to order your food to-go and find a seat in the alley to enjoy your meal. These unique features create a special and vibrant atmosphere that makes you feel like you are in a traditional market.

Case Study: Meat and Dairy Food Supply Chain

Residents in the Marketplace

Secured Borders, Nurturing Diversity: The Paradox of Ontario Food Terminal

With rapid urban sprawl, escalating food demand and the evolution of transportation infrastructure, Toronto’s food hub has shifted to Ontario Food Terminal (OFT) in 1954 to replace the wholesale market section of the St. Lawrence Market. Encompassing 40 acres, Ontario Food Terminal is 30 times larger that the area of St. Lawrence Market, establishing itself as Canada's largest wholesale fruit and produce distribution center.

In this exploration of border conditions at the large scale, we examined the tangible and intangible borders within the OFT itself and its distribution process forming part of the food chain in Ontario. Functioning as a highly regulated private property aimed at ensuring food security, OFT's gates are rigorously secured. Employees, registered buyers, farmers, and trucks each have designated gates for entry, and a permit is required for access. Paradoxically, the OFT's location integrates with adjacent residential neighborhoods and commercial areas, with trees and fences delineating the highly secured interior from the tranquil surroundings. Similarly to what Hart has pointed out as the threshold of an airport, OFT also forms an extraterritorial space where only a tiny geographical distance could transform into different worlds.

We also explored the role that OFT plays in Ontario’s food distribution to support local food and small retail stores. The OFT’s creation was generated by many factors including poor existing produce distribution facilities and limited access by farmers to those facilities. As stated by Kevin Lynch, “many edges are uniting seams, rather than isolation barriers”. Closely collaborated with the greenbelt and farms in southern Ontario, OFT has endeavored to bridge the gaps in Ontario’s food chain by forming a network of registered dealer and distributor devoted to small-scale local economy.

From St. Lawrence Market to Ontario Food Terminal

The Ontario Food Terminal’s creation was generated by many factors including poor existing produce distribution facilities in the downtown core of the City of Toronto, limited access by farmers to those existing facilities, and the plight of the Ontario Farmer in the post war period. The Ontario Food Terminal was completed in June 1954 and replaced the Wholesale Fruit Market located west of St. Lawrence Market at The Esplanade. Meanwhile, the Ontario Government passed the Ontario Food Terminal Act, in which it created the Ontario Food Terminal Board to construct, equip and operate a wholesale fruit and produce market as a public utility. The Terminal was envisioned as an institution that would address the excess supply problem. It was felt the Terminal would provide space for Ontario farmers so that they could sell directly to the wholesale market, as well as to centralize all wholesalers and farmers in one location, in a modern and well-designed distribution facility thus improving the efficiency of the urban distribution network and it was hoped that these gains in efficiency would be ultimately passed onto the farmers in the form of higher prices. The Terminal was also to be a facility where Buyers can obtain all their fruit and produce requirements in one location.

The Site and Its Mixed-used Neighborhood

The Ontario Food Terminal (OFT) is situated within a vibrant and dynamic mixed-use neighborhood, where its location intertwines with both residential and commercial areas. The juxtaposition of the terminal against adjacent residential neighborhoods creates a vivid tapestry of urban life, with homes and businesses coexisting in close proximity. Trees and fences serve as subtle delineators, marking the transition from the highly secured interior of the OFT to the tranquil surroundings of the residential quarters. This unique blend of spaces reflects a harmonious coexistence between the industrial functions of the terminal and the everyday lives of residents. The greenery and physical barriers not only contribute to the visual appeal of the neighborhood but also act as symbolic markers, underlining the distinction between the bustling activity within the OFT and the serenity of the residential spaces. This integration of functions and landscapes fosters a symbiotic relationship between urban infrastructure and residential tranquility.

Circulation at the Site

The efficiency of the site relies on the seamless movement of goods and vehicles. At the Ontario Food Terminal, designated circulation paths guide wholesalers, buyers, and farmers through the site. These pathways are strategically separated based on distinct entrances and exits, contributing to an enhanced overall efficiency of the site.

The typology analysis of the architectural circulation in the Ontario Food Terminal elucidates the operational methodologies of various transportation modes and the movement of goods within the space, focusing on two distinct spaces: the Farmer's Market and the single-tenant unit. Given the complexity of the site, catering to diverse stakeholders such as buyers, sellers, farmers, and tenants, the analysis delves into how the circulation patterns facilitate seamless interactions among these entities.

Furthermore, the site intricately integrates different transportation methods to streamline the efficient delivery of goods. This comprehensive examination sheds light on the intricate network of movements and interactions that define the dynamic functioning of the Ontario Food Terminal.

Hard Borders at the Site

Nestled closely to neighboring residents, the Ontario Food Terminal is observed by those living nearby. However, when seen from a bird's-eye view in an isometric drawing, the stark difference between the secure border of the Ontario Food Terminal and the neighboring homes becomes clear. The drawing shows the various tangible border conditions at the Terminal. Strong gates and attentive security personnel secure the pedestrian entrances, while road barriers and controlled vehicular access points provide an extra layer of protection. Solid fences, acting as a strong boundary, encircle the entire facility, reinforcing its security measures. Additionally, the careful inclusion of soft boundaries, like strategically placed trees, not only blocks unwanted views but also acts as a barrier for pedestrians at street level. This detailed depiction emphasizes the Ontario Food Terminal's dedication to maintaining a controlled, secure, and protected environment, ensuring careful prevention of unauthorized access for pedestrians, vehicles, and trucks.

Ontario's Highway Network & OFT's Registered Dealers

The Ontario Food Terminal intricately relies on the extensive Ontario highway network for the seamless transportation of food products, ensuring the efficient distribution of fresh produce across the province. The well-connected highways play a pivotal role in facilitating the smooth flow of goods to and from the terminal, contributing to the overall success of Ontario's food supply chain.

Additionally, the OFT's registered buyer and distributor network plays a crucial role in promoting local food production and bolstering the regional economy. By fostering collaborations with local farmers and suppliers in southern Ontario, the OFT actively supports small-scale agriculture. This network not only ensures a diverse and sustainable food supply for the local community but also contributes to local economy by fostering partnerships that prioritize local growers and producers. Through this interconnected system, the Ontario Food Terminal stands as a key player in strengthening the ties between urban consumption and rural production while fostering a resilient and sustainable local food economy.

A Day at the Ontario Food Terminal

For many of us, the day starts in the morning hours-somewhere between seven and nine.

But for the farmers at the Ontario Food Terminal, the day started yesterday:

A Day at the Local Grocery Store

The Ontario Food Terminal plays a key role in supplying fresh produce to a variety of grocery stores in the city, offering alternatives distinct from those found in large, big-box supermarkets. This includes the greengrocers that are a familiar sight on main streets like Bloor, Danforth, and Yonge. These small shops are characterized by their displays of fresh produce, often extending onto the sidewalk, and typically offer fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices, ready for consumption that same day. Store owners often source their produce directly from the Terminal, making early morning trips to the Queensway. Additionally, they can be supplied by small businesses that purchase from the Terminal and then distribute to these grocers.

These small grocery stores play a vital role in supporting community access to food. They provide a wide array of produce and related products, expanding the choices available to consumers beyond the offerings of big-box supply chains. It's interesting to note that both higher-priced stores and those where produce is more affordable source their goods from the Terminal. This creates a unique market dynamic where a diverse range of retailers converge. An example of such a local store is Fresh Buy Market, located on Yonge Street near Eglinton station. Stores like Fresh Buy Market not only enhance the accessibility and variety of fresh produce for urban consumers but also contribute to the unique character and appeal of their neighborhoods. Their presence highlights the importance of diverse food sources in maintaining vibrant and healthy urban communities.