Sand Sculpture - Maasai Hunt

Location: Heritage Court, Direct Energy Centre, Canadian National Exhibition
Date photo taken: 24 August 2013

One of the many attractions at the Canadian National Exhibition is the International Sand Sculpture Competition. This year six competitors were invited from around the world to compete. Each was given 10 tons of sand and 6 days to create a masterpiece. This sculpture by Ilya Filimonstev of Russia took first prize in the judged competition. While you've missed the chance to see the sculptors at work this year, you can still visit the sculptures at Heritage Court until the close of the CNE and cast a vote for the Fan Favourite. One lucky voter will win a trip to Riviera Maya courtesy of Transat Vacations.

Garage Raccoons

Location: Laneway between Markham and Bathurst streets
Date photo taken: 19 August 2013
Image 5 in the Mural Series

Detail of a mural painted on a garage door in one of Toronto's many laneways. It was painted by Annex Creative Services in the summer of 2011. The full mural features other examples of urban wildlife.

Ghost Bike

Location: University Avenue at Richmond
Date photo taken: 3 July 2013

This white bicycle is a memorial to Mike Rankin, a veteran courier in his fifties who was killed in a collision with a taxi at this intersection in 2012. The front handlebar bears a small sign with Rankin's name and details.

The ghost bike memorial phenomenon is thought to have started in St. Louis, Missouri in 2003 when someone observing a bike-car collision placed a white bike on the spot with a sign reading "Cyclist struck here". Noticing that the bike had an effect on drivers, other bikes were installed throughout the city and the idea spread. While normally installed as tributes to cyclists killed by cars, a ghost bike in honour of Jack Layton can also be seen outside his former office on Broadview.

Ceramic Barnacle

Location: Corner of building, Parliament and Mill Streets
Date photo taken: 26 October 2012

This is one of many little ceramic markers affixed to hydro poles, buildings and curbs in an area roughly bounded by Berkeley on the east, Front to the north, the Distillery site to the east and Lakeshore to the south. They come in various colours, although all tend toward natural hues (greens, blues, yellows and browns) and they're usually placed well below eye level. In some cases, they're on the ground - affixed to the back corners of the concrete pads that benches sit on in parks. I have no idea who made them, when they were placed around and what, if anything, they're intended to signify. If anyone knows, please leave a comment!