If you have travelled along Bathurst Street in the last few months, you may have noticed an explosion of colour and images on the west wall north of Davenport and at the underpass just north of Dupont.

Both of the murals were made possible thanks to the city’s StreetARToronto program, a partnership designed to develop, support and promote street art in our city. The program allows local and international artists to showcase their talent and add beauty and character to our streetscape while helping prevent graffiti vandalism.

The mural at Bathurst and Davenport was designed by internationally acclaimed artistic collaboration Faile. It is their first large-scale mural in Canada. This whimsical installation is an interpretation of our community’s rich and diverse history and heritage. The mural at the underpass was painted by local Toronto artist Elicser, and is entitled We Built This City. With its powerful images, it pays homage to the network of support found within the immediate neighbourhood between the residents and the store owners. It also salutes the many residents who are employed in the health care and social assistance arenas.

And at the Bathurst and Vaughan intersection, the city is in the process of commissioning a contemporary work of art that will enhance the traffic triangle’s function as an important gateway to the ward. The selected artistic piece will be installed 2014–2015.

All of these works of art create a plethora of images, ideas and emotions and certainly enrich and enhance our much-loved community.