History     History of Kensington Market Kensington Market began early in the 20th century when Jewish immigrants created an almost self-sufficient village by adding stores to the residential area. Kensington Market remains one of the few open-air markets in North America. It is a major tourist attraction and many school groups and artists visit the Market on a daily basis. Mel Lastman, the first mayor of the amalgamated City of Toronto was born and raised in Kensington Market. The Market was also the setting for the television series “King of Kensington” starring Al Waxman. << previous How it Started >>