Deer

 

Location: Corner of Sherbourne and Linden

Date photo taken: 28 November 2017

This oddly oriented deer sculpture is part of the multi-piece installation by Toronto-based artist Eldon Garnet featured last May. According to the artist's statement, this work "is a commentary and a reflection on our urban interaction with nature. Not long ago, the wilderness was considered somewhat threatening and something we should fortify ourselves against. Today, our relationship with nature has turned into a nostalgic yearning to embrace something that no longer exists. " If you want to get up close and personal, this deer's mate is more accessibly placed adjacent to the property's fence. 

For the greener good

 

Location: Bruce Mackey Park

Date photo taken: 21 March 2021

If you've spent any time in Riverside lately, you've probably seen a tree or two wrapped in a green plastic ribbon. I don't know when they first started appearing, but I first encountered them shortly after St. Patrick's Day. I have to admit I was a bit irked. I assumed someone had decided to green up their neighbourhood for the day and was in no hurry to reverse the process. I am therefore thankful to whoever it was who had the foresight to attach plastic-covered information sheets to a smattering of the trees. The green ribbons are part of a campaign by local residents to raise awareness about the new Ontario Line and the effects that it will have on their neighbourhood. While much of the line will be underground, the portion running through this area will be built at level, adjacent to the existing rail corridor. This happens to be where most of the green space and recreational facilities are located, putting them at risk. Save Jimmie Simpson! is working to engage residents in the fight to have this portion of the line buried. Visit their site to learn more. They've also got some cute buttons for sale.

CNR Caboose

Location: Roundhouse Park

Date photo taken: 11 November 2020

This is Canadian National Caboose #79144 and it is one of many outdoor exhibits accessible to the public at the Toronto Railway Museum despite COVID closures. While the museum itself is closed, the adjoining Roundhouse Park is dotted with outdoor exhibits which include structures, such as the 1896 Don Station, as well as train cars like this one. 

This caboose actually started out life as a boxcar. Built in 1920, it hauled goods for years until wooden boxcars became obsolete. CN, rather than off -loading them, converted many, including this one, into cabooses. In the early days, the caboose provided a home away from home for those who worked on the train, but over time, the need for such accommodation lessened. Eventually it became more of an office on wheels. The cute little raised portion was where the conductor or brakeman could sit to keep an eye on the train.

If you want to support the Toronto Railway Museum, or just love trains, you might want to get yourself a ticket for "Royal Train Tours of Canada", the first in the museum's 2021 series of virtual lectures.

Spring Flowers

 

Location: Lawrence Ave. E. at Curlew

Date photo taken: 23 January 2021

Image #16 in the Traffic Signal Box Series

The official start of spring may still be a few weeks away but spring temperatures were definitely in evidence in the city today. Pretty soon real live tulips will be everywhere, but until then, this gorgeous sunny mini mural will stand in nicely. I assume it was done as part of StART's Outside the Box program but I can't find any info on the artist. If you know, please comment!

Water Dragon

Location: Construction hoarding at Lakeshore east of Coxwell
Date photo taken: 26 February 2021

The City is undertaking its largest ever storm water management program to help improve water quality in the Don River and the along the waterfront. The first phase involves the creation of a huge tunnel system for capturing and storing excess water during storms. The hoarding which was erected around the construction site on the western edge of the park known as Main Sewage Treatment Playground has provided a huge canvas and last October more than 90 artists were invited to create their vision of a water-themed work of art. This one is by Cesar AR, or Cesar Alonso, a Colombian born artist based in Toronto.