toronto sign

Toronto sign gets a major addition for 2017

The colourful and wildly popular Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square has just received a major addition for 2017. In honour of Canada's 150th birthday, a shiny red maple leaf has been tacked on to the iconic marker giving it a dose of patriotism for the various "TO Canada with Love" celebrations that are scheduled to take place throughout the year.

toronto sign maple leafThe new addition is actually a bit fancier than the existing letters, with a layering of coloured LED lights that allow it to take different forms. It actually went up just in time for the New Year's party at City Hall, but not everyone got to see it because the square was so packed.

The plan is to keep it up for the duration of 2017, but one wonders if it will prove so popular that it remains a permanent fixture. You'll remember that the Toronto sign itself was supposed to be a temporary installation for the Pan Am Games, but was retained due to how quickly it became a fixture in the public consciousness.

toronto sign maple leafIt's hard to imagine a more Canadian scene than skaters twirling around the rink at Nathan Phillips Square as falling snow is illuminated red by a giant maple leaf. This one should be a keeper.

Let's please not vandalize this new addition.

Lead photo by

John Tory's Twitter


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Lineups for the ferry from the Toronto Islands are already packed and chaotic

Someone tried to help at scene of Ontario crash and had their car stolen immediately

This race proves whether it's faster to 'ride the loop' on TTC subway or walk

Ontario is home to a second venomous snake species you may not know about

There's a new worst road in Ontario but Toronto's nightmare street is still up there

People are complaining about another feature of Toronto's declining waterfront attraction

Canada Child Benefit increasing soon and you could get nearly $7,800 per kid

A Toronto park is about to be totally transformed and here's what it will look like