New Toronto Toad

 

Location: Laneway between Fifth and Sixth streets in New Toronto

Date photo taken: 24 April 2022

Walking in New Toronto recently I was drawn down an alley by a riot of colour. Among the murals was this handsome fellow. The work of cruz1 and Zegar, it was part of a Wallnoize project in 2021. 

Pokemon Go

Location: West Humber Trail, between Kipling and Islington
Date photo taken: 11 August 2016

This is proof, if any more was needed, that Toronto loves Pokemon Go. It's a great place to play after all. There are Pokemon and PokeStops everywhere! Including the Royal Ontario Museum. Rather than trying to discourage people from playing inside the museum, the ROM has embraced Pokemon. Their Head of Security has created a video to help players play responsibly, and there's a page on the website dedicated to the gym and various PokeStops in and around the museum. Beyond the museum, if you actually take the time to read about the PokeStops you come across you can learn quite a bit about the places around you. You might even discover a hidden gem you never noticed before!

Share the Love

Location: Eastern Avenue east of Lewis St.
Date photo taken: 7 December 2014

The Love Invasion is definitely spreading in Toronto. In 2013, NeaTO presented Lovebot, an art project by Matthew del Degan that sought to bring love and smiles to Toronto through the placement of small concrete figures. Now the invasion continues.

Various sized poster and sticker versions of Lovebot have appeared all over the city. This one cheers you as go under the rail overpass on Eastern Avenue, east of the Don River. Del Degan has said that he hopes that people see his creation as a hero of sorts, one whose mission "is to lovingly disrupt the robotic routines of humans and remind them that there is love in their cities and kindness around every corner". It seems that this hero has been successful in attracting others to his cause. The current set of stickers is sold out, but have no fear, a new set are in development.

Link

Location: Harbord Street near Clinton
Date photo taken: 26 December 2014

Not much to say here except I love it. It was like meeting an old friend on the street.

String Doll

Location: Off Cameron St. just north of Queen
Date photo taken: 15 September 2014

I spotted this fellow while hustling along in the rain one day and instantly my day was brightened. Not much to say about it except that a nearby marker indicates it was done by the team Tensoe2 and Birdo in 2011. That and it makes me smile.