Hiking along city streets this past week took me along parts of the Gardiner Expressway’s underbelly. Most Torontonians are familiar with this eyesore and most have taken part in the To Be or Not to Be debate in regards to this expressway’s continued use or demise. One really can’t argue the convenience it provides in cutting across the south end of the city. Likewise, most will agree its an eyesore and cuts off easy pedestrian access to the harbourfront.

Looking for beauty in this part of the city is a challenge...but it’s there! Thanks to a few creative souls who have left their artistic marks on the pillars at the corner of Lakeshore and Cherry Streets. These artists beautified this languid corridor and helped to brighten up my day. After some research, I found that the art on these pillars is connected to Art Spin (public art in unexpected places) and STEPS Initiative (promoting public art in the city). The names of the artists I came across (if I left any names off it’s unintentional) are Daniela Rocha (musica), Fathima Mohiuddin (fatspatrol), Stephanie Bellefleur (bellefleurhaus), and Meera Sethi.

Further east on the Lakeshore along my route are the remnants of the Gardener Expressway East. Torn down in 2000, a few creative souls chose to incorporate some of the remaining pillars into public art along the walk and bike paths between Leslie and Carlaw. A series of 114 bronze mosaic tile images tell a bit of the story of the surrounding area. This public art display helps to break up these straight pathways in a pleasing manner. The artist involved, John McKinnon, was hired as part of the design team.

As I neared Ashbridges Bay and the end of my walk along Lakeshore, I came across the last construction site on my route. When it comes to construction sites, one would think it can’t get much nastier than the new sewage purification plant site. But thanks to a group of about 100 artists in a project called Wallnoize in partnership with StreetARToronto, this bleak site is a beauty to behold.

This urban walk was interesting, thought-provoking and inspiring. Wonderful art can beautify any space.

Lakeshore and Cherry St. - below the Gardiner Expressway

Public art made of pillar remnants of the old Gardiner Expressway East

Public art made of pillar remnants of the old Gardiner Expressway East - one of the bronze tile images

Wallnoize art mural - Lakeshore near Ashbridges Bay