Public art takes over the eastern beaches in Toronto

Temperatures dipping down to minus 20 Celsius don't tend to conjure visions of public art exhibits, but that's exactly what was installed this weekend at the eastern Beaches. Winter Stations is the result of a design competition to adapt Toronto's empty lifeguard towers to a more-winter friendly aesthetic and use.

The five winners and their teams bundled up and got down to work making their designs come to life on what was the coldest weekend of the year, a few of which were put to use right away. Passers by huddled around a fire, popped inside another installation as a reprieve from the cold, and generally looked bemused at the prospect of winter-themed art on the beaches.

Check out all the stunning designs in this photo gallery.