king street murals

Someone just painted murals next to Toronto streetcar stops

King Street just got a little prettier, thanks to the artists behind a new series of murals

While Toronto has plenty of wall art beautifying the backs of stores and alleyways, these murals are actually painted on the street. 

This is because they are made for streetcar safety—that is, painted in the boxes where the streetcar stops, helping to prevent cars and pedestrians from entering the dangerous zone at the wrong time.

streetcar safety murals

The murals, which are a brainchild of Andrew Patterson and Lucas DeClavasio, won the NXT City Prize in 2016, and were supported by then-chief city planner, now-mayoral candidate Jennifer Keesmaat.

The idea was meant to be a part of the King Street Pilot project, and has now been completed at the corner of King and Church streets. 

streetcar safety murals

One of the murals seems to have faded a bit after a few days of heavy rain, but the artists did plan to test different types of paint to see which would be the most durable. Another coat should spruce it right up. 

streetcar safety murals

According to the artists, it took six people approximately 16 hours to finish the work, which is visually stunning due to its bright colours and geometric patterns. 

streetcar safety murals

The City threw a ton of support behind the project during the planning and implementation of the King Street closure, so if these prove successful, we may see colourful creations popping up along other streetcar routes as well. 

Lead photo by

Hector Vasquez


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Fatal Gardiner Expressway crash leaves Toronto cars stuck for hours amid traffic chaos

Here's why everyone is slamming a new pitch to 'improve' Toronto's waterfront

European newcomer gives Toronto glowing review and here was their favourite spot

Toronto soy sauce factory that's been a neighbourhood fixture is being demolished

Canadians getting GST credit payment soon and you could cash in hundreds

Ontario engineer says he can't find a job even after 400 applications

University of Toronto was just crowned one of the most beautiful in the world

Ontario bracing for sweltering heat wave that could see temps hit mid-30s for days