New Street Art in Riverside!

Here in Riverside, you know we champion all things local.  It’s what we do! This not only means promoting local businesses but also working with local artists and providing opportunities to share their art and stories.

If you’ve been to this part of the East End before, you’ve probably noticed a mural or two (or 30+!) around the neighbourhood done by brilliant Toronto artists we’ve worked with over the years. Over the past few months, we’ve gotten some new additions to this open air gallery. 

In case you missed it, check out the newest street art in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood:

Planter Art

Location: Queen St E and McGee St (outside Nell & Natasha Real Estate Homeward Brokerage)

We tapped local artist, designer and illustrator Mateusz (@gust_of_wind_studio) to work his magic on two planter designs. Planter 1 incorporates a motif inspired by the iconic clock and artwork from the Time and a Clock Bridge, while Planter 2 includes a graphic nod to the historic Broadview Hotel, adding another layer of local reference and character. Both have the word “RIVERSIDE” facing in opposite directions — one towards the street and the other towards the sidewalk.

Waters That Wander by birdO

Location: 4 Boulton Ave

This mural by Jerry Rugg (@jennyrugg) a.k.a. birdO celebrates the Don River’s winding past through the lens of one of its quiet architects: the muskrat. A symbol of adaptability and balance, it is shown amid local plants and food sources that sustain river life. The imagery is bold and imaginative, inviting children and families to pause, wonder, and reconnect with the stories of nature woven into Toronto’s landscape. We thank the City of Toronto Outside Mural and Street Art Program for supporting this mural in 2025.

The Laneway Project

Location: Laneway on Thompson St between Carroll St and Munro St, south of Joel Weeks Park – photo shows local property owner Shirley in front of her fence which hosts the mural

The Laneway Project (@lanewayproject) worked with the Riverside community to  co-design murals in the laneway in collaboration with Toronto mural artist Julia Prazja (@juliaprajza). Prazja was on site to facilitate the whole process, providing support and guidance to community members who joined in on Riverside Community Paint Days.

Riverside Common Mural

Location: 657 Queen St E

For this mural, the BIA worked with local Indigenous artist Que Rock (@que_rock_ | @miangunclan) to complete the mural art, as well as Pop Marquee (@pop_marquee) for the wayfinding word art with their sign letters. 

SPECIAL MENTION…

Riverside Wayfinding Map

Location: Queen St E and Strange St (across Bonjour Brioche)

While not exactly street art per se, this visual serves an important purpose for Riverside visitors. This wayfinding map on the Metrolinx hoarding was developed by Geocdesign and put up as a collaboration with Metrolinx to provide wayfinding art on construction hoarding for the future Ontario Line station in Riverside. It serves as a great wayfinding piece, while highlighting local businesses and landmarks!

Head over to Riverside and check out our new neighbourhood art! If you post on social, don’t forget to tag us @riverside_bia — we love seeing your photos! In the meantime, follow us on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog as we publish new stories every week on what’s hip and happening in Riverside!

The post New Street Art in Riverside! appeared first on Riverside Toronto.