The Downtown Critters project is a street art initiative happening in Southern Ontario.
By posting large printed drawings of some local animals, birds, insects, amphibians – in a word, “critters” – of Southern Ontario, we hope to create little moments of surprise and joy for pedestrians and motorists around some of the most bleak stretches of Toronto (and occasional other locations!).
They are animals that live here, and animals that once did.
Underneath the Gardiner in Toronto, at various intersections along Lakeshore has become our most go-to spot –
Currently, you can see faint remnants of the critters at Lakeshore & Jarvis, Lakeshore & Yonge, Lakeshore & Sherbourne, or Lakeshore & Parliament.
Both weather and busy city cleaners have washed away a fair number of critters, so spring 2026 will be an exciting period of refreshing their presence.
Underneath the Gardiner is a space that is extremely hostile to pedestrians and is one of the worst traffic areas in the city.
Creating a little playful visual interest for those making their way underneath the Gardiner, betwixt and between the vehicles on Lakeshore has been enthusiastically welcomed in all our interactions with passersby.
In summer of 2024, we traveled to Ottawa to bring a little love to the pedestrian walkway underneath the Queensway –
Stay posted for more locations to come, and if you like,
Downtown Critters 