Toronto’s walls, alleyways and underpasses are being transformed into murals and other paintings by local visual artists as part of StreetARToronto. 

In addition to beautifying public spaces, StreetARToronto (Start) is helping combat the negative images of vandalism and graffiti. The Start partnership program provides funding up to $40,000 for community-based projects. Dozens of Start projects can be seen throughout Toronto covering downtown, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Rexdale and North York.

The Bell Box Mural Projects are among the most visible examples. Over 100 Bell Canada OPI street boxes have been painted with original art reflecting the diverse local culture. Wilmington Avenue, Faywood Boulevard, Finch Avenue West and Bryant Street in North York all have murals.

The van Gogh–esque Starry Night Toronto skyline Bell mural box on Faywood is an area favourite. Benefits of Start extend beyond covering barren brick walls and electrical boxes. Individual projects are helping with neighbourhood revitalization and recognition.

In September, Oakwood-Eglinton residents celebrated the viewing of the Reggae Lane mural at 1529 Eglinton Ave W. The previously unnamed laneway was an important part of the ’70s and ’80s reggae scene until it fell into disrepair. Councillor Josh Colle, who grew up there, came up with the name “Reggae Lane.” Colle confirmed he pushed for the mural and contacted Start as his Ward 15 already had several street painting projects.

Reggae music promoter JuLion King said, “Reggae Lane is seen by thousands in Toronto, Jamaica, Africa … the globe. It captures the imagination. It’s the first one of its kind in the world.”

Local youths were brought together to create the 1,200-square-foot Reggae Lane mural. They used stories as inspiration and worked under artist Adrian Hayles. The finished mural depicts many local figures from Leroy Sibbles to Jay Douglas to Carol Brown. Reggae Lane’s cleanup did not come without worry. Coun. Colle confirmed, yes, some residents have fears (such as how condos and the crosstown transit line would affect their family-owned stores). Colle (also TTC chair) has been working to maintain a new and old balance. 

He said, “We don’t want to lose the history of the laneway regardless of the changes coming.” His website is starting to catalogue the street art, which he feels injects colour into the city: “We see so much grey.”