Who is this utility-box-turned-character waiting for their next transit ride? This playful and imaginative 3D mural was created by renowned Toronto street artist Elicser Elliott.

Elicser describes his work as highly improvised collages of soft characters and organic shapes, layered and blended through transparencies. Often drawing inspiration from people he encounters on the street, his work brings a distinctive sense of personality and human connection to public space.

Toronto might just be the raccoon capital of the world. Love them or loathe them, these mischievous “trash pandas” have become an unmistakable symbol of the city—and for local artist Emily May Rose, a signature character.

Her iconic raccoons can be spotted throughout Toronto, including on this Yonge Street utility box.

Look closely, and you might even recognize a familiar Downtown Yonge landmark hidden within the mural.

“Always in Motion” celebrates the energy, nature, and constant evolution of Yonge Street. Bold lettering and a map of the surrounding area weave through vibrant botanicals inspired by the neighbourhood, including lilacs and hydrangeas. Bees and butterflies celebrate pollinators and nod to the rooftop gardens and beehives found nearby. Together, these elements create a colourful celebration of place, connecting the natural and urban landscape while reflecting a street that is always growing, changing, and in motion.

“Morning at the Square” celebrates the energy, diversity, and multicultural spirit of Downtown Yonge. A woman with flowing hair embraces the neighbourhood around her, surrounded by recognizable landmarks and architecture near Yonge and Dundas, the CN Tower, shops, and the movement of a cyclist. Bright colours, expressive forms, and layered urban details reflect the lively character of one of Toronto’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. The artwork invites viewers to see Downtown Yonge as a place where people, cultures, and city life come together.

Downtown Toronto is more than its streets and landmarks. It is the people, little interactions and everyday stories that make it come alive. The work captures the city’s energy through moments that might otherwise go unnoticed, bringing together the movement, spontaneity and connections that shape everyday life. It celebrates Toronto’s diversity and the colourful mix of experiences that unfold across the city, reflecting the many ways people come together to create a sense of community and belonging.

The raccoon has long been embraced as an unofficial mascot of Toronto due to its close-knit relationship with the city’s urban wildlife. Perhaps we Torontonians are also just raccoons trying to navigate our lives in this busy city. We all have our own backgrounds, jobs, hobbies, and responsibilities, and when our lives cross paths, we weave together a beautiful picture of urban life.

This mural celebrates the energy, diversity, and history of Downtown Yonge through a vibrant, dynamic lens. Inspired by the neighbourhood’s iconic neon signs, music culture, food scene, and constant movement, the artwork brings together recognizable elements of Yonge in one lively composition. A fisheye perspective adds a sense of motion and draws the viewer into the scene, while vibrant colours reflect the bright, energetic character of Yonge Street. The piece celebrates the people, places, and everyday moments that make Downtown Yonge a constantly evolving destination.

This Traffic Box mural reimagines Downtown Yonge Street into a dreamy skyline floating through the clouds, with iconic landmarks to show that past and present coexist in our community. Bold colours and comic-style linework capture the street’s everyday energy that happens day and night.

Inspired by the iconic TTC subway map, this design pays homage to the stations, landmarks, and everyday energy of Yonge Street, from Queen Street to College Street.

Set against a black background, the artwork brings together subway station names with familiar local landmarks, including the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres. Words and phrases such as “music,” “shopping,” and “food and drink” capture some of the experiences that make this stretch of Yonge Street so lively and inviting. The colour palette draws from the classic TTC subway map, featuring vibrant blues, yellows, reds, purples, and greens. The text is rendered in the artist’s signature “legible graffiti” style—a playful, highly readable lettering style developed over years of experimentation. Together, the map-inspired composition and hand-crafted lettering transform the familiar language of transit into a colourful celebration of Yonge Street.

The design is rooted in a simple desire: to have fun sharing culture. Rather than taking a serious or traditional approach, the artist explores what Anishinaabe and Woodlands art can look and feel like in the present day—playful, vibrant, and full of life.

At the heart of the design is the idea of duality, represented by two bear cubs and two blue herons. Nanaboozhoo makes an appearance, adding a touch of story and spirit, while a pair of butterflies brings another playful element to the composition. Together, these characters create a joyful celebration of culture, nature, and the many ways traditional stories and imagery can continue to evolve.