Mimico Creek, 1920

Location: Dundas St. W. at Cabot Court
Date photo taken: 30 October 2013
Image 18 in the Mural Series

This large mural is one of many in Toronto's "Village of Murals", located along Dundas St. W. between Kipling and Islington. It was painted by John Kuna in 2006 and it depicts typical fall activities along Mimico Creek in 1920. Mimico Creek is truly an urban waterway,originating in Brampton, then traveling through Mississauga and Toronto before emptying into Lake Ontario at beautiful Humber Bay Park. As might be expected, water quality is generally poor but the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is working to change that. They provide programs such as workshops and guided walks within the watershed to help community members see how small changes can make big differences within the local environment.

South African War Memorial

Location: University Avenue, just north of Queen St.
Date photo taken: 23 October 2015

This large monument in the centre of University Boulevard is a memorial to the Canadian soldiers that fought in the South African or Boer War, from 1899 - 1902. This conflict marked the first time that Canada officially sent troops to take part in a war overseas. More than 7000 volunteers heeded the call and of those, 267 died. Their names can be found in the Books of Remembrance.

The memorial itself was built by renowned Canadian sculptor Walter Allward. Born and raised in Toronto, Allward's greatest achievement was the creation of the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge, which took him 14 years to complete.

Echoes - What I Love About the City

Location: Lawrence Ave., on a bridge spanning the Highland Creek Ravine
Date photo taken: 13 October 2015

It takes quite awhile to walk the length of the bridge that spans the Highland Creek Ravine at Lawrence Ave. E. On this particular day the trees in the ravine were a spectacular sight, but even in the depths of winter the mural painted along the length of the south side of the bridge ensures you always have plenty to look at. For the most part, it's quite subtle. Much of the imagery is done in a dark grey, almost blending in with the concrete, but the bright orange accents bring it all to life. A Mural Routes project which involved many neighbourhood partners, the subject matter reflects the voices, ideas and dreams of those in the community.

Floating Pumpkins

Location: Sunken fountains, High Park
Date photo taken: 25 October 2015

This year marked the 20th anniversary of the High Park Pumpkin Float. It was the first time I've attended but seeing the crowds and the absolute joy of the kids as they watched their carved pumpkins being set afloat, I can see why it's lasted so long. It seems that not all the jack-o-lanterns enjoy the experience though.

Happy Halloween!

Red Squirrel

Location: near Scarborough Heights Park
Date photo taken: 9 September 2013

Meet the American red squirrel or Tamiasciurus hudsonicus. While more commonly referred to as simply a red squirrel, the American part is used to distinguish them from their Eurasian cousins, which look quite similar but are actually a different genus. They are part of a group of squirrels known as pine squirrels, and this particular fellow is eating away at a pine cone. They can be harder to spot than Toronto's ubiquitous grey squirrels, but if you want to see one, find yourself a stand of pine trees and wait. You'll often hear them before you see them - they are quite vocal and make a series of buzzing and popping sounds which are amazingly loud given their size.

Election 2015

Location: Caledonia Road

Date photo taken: 10 September 2015

The federal election is almost here. We've had a pretty long run up to it this year and I was hoping that during the campaign, my wanderings around the city would present me with an opportunity to capture all party signs in one tight neighbourhood cluster. Alas, no luck. Catching three party signs was the best I could do. This cluster is in Davenport where Andrew Cash for the NDP is the incumbent. Also pictured here are Julie Dzerowicz for the Liberals and Dan Stein for the Green Party. Not pictured is Conservative Carlos Oliveira. The election is next Monday - get out and vote!

Snagglepuss

Location: On the side of the building at 74 Denison Avenue

Date photo taken: 16 August 2013

A bit of fun this week with Snagglepuss. It's part of a longer mural featuring some other cartoon characters, done by artist Uber5000. While it's on the side of a house, which may seem surprising, the house sits next to a school and park.