King's Buried Treasure

Mural Routes Member(s): Karen Roberts

During the formative days of Toronto, multiple creeks traversed the land along King St from Bathurst to Jarvis. Cathedral Creek flowed through St. James Park beneath the site of The Cathedral Church of St. James, from Jarvis and King to Church and Adelaide. At least 8 more creeks crossed King Street. They are now buried or dried up. King’s Buried Treasure road mural depicts a stream, edged with rocks, pebbles, mud and brush; resurrecting the lost creeks of King St. Fallen logs are placed along the mural giving the public a place to sit and rest while reflecting on the evolution/disappearance of the creek. The mural meanders along the public space, adding colour, beautifying the street and providing an infusion of nature in the heart of downtown. Animal footprints will appear on the sidewalk when it rains, but will be invisible in dry weather. Horse, deer, moose, rabbit, fox, beaver, raccoon, squirrel and bird tracks will surround the stream when wet. As the sun shines and dries the sidewalk, their existence will fade from sight, just as the creatures did. These ghostly images encourage passersby to return during wet weather.
2018

Artist: Karen Roberts

For More Information: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/planning-studies-initiatives/king-street-pilot/everyone-is-king-design-build-competition/