Downtown Yonge Utility Box Refresh

PB2024 - Downtown Yonge Utility Box Refresh

This idea proposes to vinyl wrap 17 utility boxes in the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood with archived photos from old Toronto.

STEPS Public Art estimates that the project will cost $60,200 with materials and labour. Complications may apply.

Internal ID: PB2024-EDC-524

*Note: Ideas that proceed to the voting stage are edited by my office to ensure they are clear, concise, and is complete with images. For accountability and transparency purposes, the original description, as input by the resident, can be found below.

Original Description:

There are 17 utility boxes in the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood. The DYBIA have previously painted each one, but being almost 10 years ago, they are in great need of a refresh (by refreshing the boxes, we'll also aid in deterring graffiti tags as the busier the surface, the less tags are encouraged).  We have partnered with famed Toronto photographer/artist Harry Enchin, who has agreed to install his Toronto street photographs as vinyl wraps around each utility box. Each box will have a photo that corresponds to the street location. Downtown Yonge BIA will monitor and maintain the boxes and replace the wraps when needed.

Downtown Yonge has a rich history and deserves to be preserved and showcased. Even though we have lost some iconic landmark businesses/buildings over the years, it doesn’t mean we can’t put efforts forth to remembering the neighbourhood in its heyday. Mr. Enchin’s photos mesh the old with the new; archive photos from the past with present day photos superimposed on top. They show a unique perspective of the neighbourhood we don’t usually get to see.

See Harry’s work here - https://www.torontomomentsintime.com/gallery/Portfolio/G0000QwbQ3XoIvWg

Each utility box will have a text portion that explains a unique part of Yonge Street's history; corresponding with the box location.

Location is 17 spots spanning the Downtown Yonge Street neighbourhood. The exact locations are as follows:

Yonge and Grosvenor, Yonge and College/Carlton, Carlton and Church, Carlton West of Church Street, Church and Wood, Yonge and Gerrard, Yonge and Gould, Yonge and Dundas, Dundas and Victoria, Yonge and Shuter, Yonge and Shuter N, Queen St. W and Yonge at Eaton Centre, Yonge and Queen Street, Yonge and Richmond, Shuter and Victoria, Queen and Victoria, Bay and Albert.

Thank you for the consideration.