World Food Market Loses Its Signs—For Now
TMU's beloved outdoor food hub went minimalist after city found signage didn't comply with bylaws. New permits are in the works.
Walk past World Food Market at Toronto Metropolitan University's Yonge and Dundas campus these days and you'll notice something's missing: the punchy, colorful signs that used to announce what each vendor was slinging.
Earlier this spring, the huts' vibrant signage disappeared and most of the vendor stalls were painted white. The market itself didn't shut down — poutine, pitas, and pancakes are still being sold — but now you have to know exactly where you're going to order.
The sudden minimalist makeover wasn't a design choice. The City of Toronto investigated complaints about the signage and determined that the existing signs weren't compliant with Toronto's Sign By-law. According to city regulations, any sign displayed in Toronto requires a permit from the Chief Building Official.
World Food Market missed that requirement. The good news: sign applications have been submitted seeking approval for new signage, and permits are undergoing review. There's no timeline yet for when the applications will be approved, but the market's regular rainbow colors should return eventually.
Until then, the vendors are quietly staking their claim as Toronto's most literal hidden gem.