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. 

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.