Jarvis Street Gargoyle

 

Location: Jarvis Street facade, Jarvis Street Baptist

Date photo taken: 17 March 2017

This is one of several dragon-like gargoyles stationed on the exterior of Jarvis Street Baptist, the large, brown-stone church at the corner of Jarvis and Gerrard. Built by the firm of Langley, Langley and Burke, it was originally constructed in 1875 and then rebuilt in 1938 following a devastating fire.

Volunteer fireman memorial

 

Location: 308 Prince Edward Drive South

Date photo taken: 11 November 2021

This memorial stone, which stands in front of Fire Station 431 in Etobicoke, is a reminder of the devastation and loss of life caused by Hurricane Hazel. While hurricane season usually doesn't trouble Toronto much, Hurricane Hazel was different. It hit Toronto on October 15,1954 and stalled over the city, bringing high winds and dropping copious amounts of rain. The region had been receiving above-average rainfall before the storm hit, so the ground was already saturated and much of the water ran off, flooding the city's waterways, washing out bridges and carrying houses and people away. This stone pays tribute to five of those people, volunteer fire fighters who lost their lives in the Humber River.

The full plaque text:

In proud memory of these men of the Kingsway-Lambton Volunteer Fire Department

Clarence (Tiny) Collins

Frank Mercer

Roy Oliver

David Palmateer

Angus Small

They lost their lives in the swollen Humber River while on rescue work during Hurricane Hazel, 16th October 1954.

Erected by members of the Kingsway-Lambton Volunteer Fire Dept. and Lakeshore District Firemen. 16th October 1955

Faithful unto death.

Bat Box

 

Location: Corktown Common

Date photo taken: 19 June 2023

Walking around the eastern side of the hill at Corktown Common this summer, I noticed several of these installations. They're called rocket boxes and they provide roosting habitat for bats. Did you know that eight species of bat call Ontario home? Or that four of those eight are considered endangered? Habitat loss is one aspect contributing to their demise and these boxes help to provide a solution. That said, not a lot is known about the roosting habits of particular bat species, but several organizations are working to change that. The Toronto Zoo and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority are two of them, working together to record and monitor bat populations and habits. The square box mounted lower on the pole contains a mesh screen which captures falling guano from the box, which can be analyzed to determine what types of bats are roosting inside. I'm not sure who is responsible for installing these particular boxes but I hope that they are well received by the locals, both bat and human alike.

To learn more about bats, check out this publication by the Toronto Zoo. In addition to general  information, plans for bat boxes, and some myth-busting, it includes some unexpectedly adorable bat portraits.

Pigeon tracks

 

Location: Front Street East

Date photo taken: 28 November 2013

This week, a bit of unpremeditated street art. It may be hard to make out in this photo, but this section of freshly poured sidewalk features the meandering tracks of one or more pigeons. Curious as to how quickly a pigeon would have to arrive on scene to leave its mark like this, I was surprised to be told it would have to be within a few hours at most. Depending on conditions, a full-grown person can walk on concrete poured as little as 24 hours ago and not leave a mark. 

Irene

 

Location: Duplex Avenue

Date photo taken: 3 July 2019

This just makes me wonder what's really in the garage. I'm going with a vintage push mower and several bags of bird seed. 

Wilson tiles

 

Location: Wilson subway

Date photo taken: 19 August 2023

When the Spadina line was built in the 1970s, the TTC engaged three different architectural firms to design the various stations. Due to the challenges inherent in the site however, the TTC kept Wilson station for itself. Which means that the tile patterns on the platform walls are likely the work of someone in the TTC design department. Kudos to them. They are strongly reminiscent of their time and still striking. 

Water Refill Station

 

Location: PATH, under Bay Adelaide Centre

Date photo taken: 7 September 2023

Noticed this in PATH today and it gave me hope. It's a small thing perhaps, installing a water station, but it's enabling every person who chooses to opt for a refillable water bottle and encouraging those who are still just thinking about making the switch. Plus I love how they're trumpeting its presence with this lovely water scene. This installation is part of Breaking the Plastic Habit, a program by Brookfield Properties, which aims to influence positive change across their Canadian properties.