Elevated Wetlands

Location: Between Don Mills Rd. and the Don Valley Pkwy
Date photo taken: 20 September 2015

This picture captures two of a total of six large plastic planters situated in the Don Valley. While many people seem to think they look like teeth, I've always thought of them more as elephants, perhaps due to their size and they way they cluster together. They're actually called Elevated Wetlands and that's basically what they are. Part public art project, part PR experiment, these planters were commissioned by the Canadian Plastics Industry to engage the public and show off the uses of recycled plastic. Made from, you guessed it, plastic, these large planters contain a mix of different recycled plastic products instead of soil. Plants found within the Don Valley wetlands were then planted in them and are fed water from the Don River by way of solar-powered pumps. By the time the water filters through the chain of planters it is much cleaner than when it went in. For more details on the concept, creation and science of this work, check out the slideshow on artist Noel Harding's own site.

All Hail the Giant Acorn

Location: Joel Weeks Park, near Queen & Broadview
Date photo taken: 9 August 2015

This whimsical statue is one of three commissioned by the City for the relatively new Joel Weeks Park. The park itself has an urban river theme and the three sculptures in the park, collectively known as Echo, are meant to reflect the flora and fauna of the nearby Don Valley. The squirrels are meant to represent the forest element of valley, while the other characters, a beaver and a fox, represent the water and the shoreline. The concept was the winner of a national competition. The artist is Canadian Mary Anne Barkhouse.

Traffic Signal Box - Rachel Wilmshurst

Location: Bloor St. W. and Durie St.

Date photo taken: 12 September 2015
Image #5 in the Traffic Signal Box Series

This is another one of Toronto's traffic signal boxes which received a make-over in 2015. It sits on Bloor West in what was once the heart of Toronto's Ukrainian community. Artist Rachel Wilmshurst chose to pay tribute to that heritage with her design, which draws inspiration from traditional Ukrainian embroidery patterns. If you're around this weekend, why not experience Ukrainian arts, culture and spirit for yourself, by visiting the Toronto Ukrainian Festival. It runs from Friday evening to Sunday evening, on Bloor St. W. between Jane and Runnymede.

Central Tech Gnome

Location: Above the western entrance to Central Technical School, Bathurst & Harbord
Date photo taken: 11 July 2013
Image 3 in the Figures Series

This is one of a pair of figures that sit above the doors of TDSB's Central Technical School. This figure, working with a hammer and chisel, represents the technical education available at the school which today includes access to Ontario Youth Access Programs. These allow secondary school students to begin their apprenticeships in trades related to automotive, carpentry, cooking, electrical, plumbing and HVAC while completing their diplomas. The other figure, holding a book and representing the academic side of the school's programming, was featured on NeaTO in September 2013.

The Midway - Zipper

Location: The CNE Midway

Date photo taken: 24 August 2015

This week, another of my favourite Midway rides at the CNE. The Zipper is a classic that's been around since the late 1960s. It features three different movements: the central boom rotates and the cars, which are free spinning, move along and around the boom on a cable. Check out this YouTube video to see one of these rides in action. The passenger capsules have been remodeled and the overall ride toned down since it was first introduced due to a number of fatalities occurring when the doors of the cages released during operation. That's scary stuff!