What to know<\/p>\n
Oakwood Station will receive a new art installation by Adrian Hayes celebrating the cultural vibrancy of Little Jamaica.<\/p>\n
The move follows community feedback that existing Eglinton Crosstown LRT artwork did not reflect the neighbourhood\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n
Councillor Josh Matlow pushed for the change through a city motion calling on Metrolinx to better represent local communities.<\/p>\n
Officials are also exploring station-level advertising to support Little Jamaica businesses impacted by years of LRT construction.<\/p>\n
Months after the Eglinton LRT was unveiled, one of the line\u2019s stations is about to get a brand new art installation to reflect Little Jamaica\u2019s vibrancy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The long-awaited Eglinton LRT launched last year, with stations featuring art installations by contemporary artist Douglas Coupland titled Super Signals, which Metrolinx said was inspired by graphics frequently used in transit systems. But not everyone was completely convinced by the artwork.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, commuters in Little Jamaica told Now Toronto that although they appreciated the art, they would have liked to see their neighbourhood be reflected on the stations\u2019 artwork.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Locals\u2019 wishes have now come to reality, as Coun. Josh Matlow announced on Thursday that Oakwood Station will get a new art installation. According to him, the artwork will be created by local artist Adrian Hayes, and will reflect the \u201ccultural vibrancy of Little Jamaica.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The decision comes after Matlow moved a motion<\/a> last month for City Council to request Metrolinx to reflect the cultural heritage of Little Jamaica and other neighbourhoods across the Eglinton West corridor in the LRT\u2019s station. This included a reproduction of Hayes\u2019 Reggae Lane Mural<\/a>, a project in collaboration with Hayes that transformed a parking lot at 1529 Eglinton Ave. W.\u00a0<\/p>\n In addition, as part of the motion, Matlow also proposed that Metrolinx consider including free digital ads for businesses in the Eglinton West stretch impacted by the LRT\u2019s construction, which he says the transit agency is exploring.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m happy to announce that Metrolinx will finally deliver on the promised new art installation at Oakwood Station by artist Adrian Hayes, which will honour the cultural vibrancy of Little Jamaica. They are also committing to exploring opportunities to promote local Little Jamaica businesses through station level advertising. This wouldn\u2019t have happened without community advocacy and support,\u201d he Matlow said on X.\u00a0<\/p>\n In response to our motion, I\u2019m happy to announce that Metrolinx will finally deliver on the promised new art installation at Oakwood Station by artist Adrian Hayes, which will honour the cultural vibrancy of Little Jamaica. They are also committing to exploring opportunities to\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/qSJ0NKgsrc<\/a><\/p>\n