BALA UNDERPASS

 

Hand-painted underpass near the Don Valley trail, close to Bayview Ave & Mill St.
Bala Underpass, Corktown Common, Toronto, ON

CLIENT NEEDS & PROJECT SCOPE

The Bala Underpass Mural is a striking public art installation located near the Don Valley Trail, close to Bayview Ave & Mill St. in Toronto. This project was commissioned by StreetARToronto (stART) as part of its initiative to revitalize public spaces with impactful street art. The winning design was created by Toronto-born artist Rolande Souliere, whose bold, geometric patterns transformed the once dull underpass into a vibrant, visually arresting landmark.

The mural spans the entire tunnel, wrapping around the walls and ceiling in an intricate pattern of red, black, white, and yellow chevrons. The inspiration behind this design comes from First Nations movements across the Don Valley, referencing both historical travel routes and the Aboriginal Medicine Wheel, which uses the same four sacred colors.

EXECUTION & TECHNIQUES

This project posed unique technical challenges due to the scale of the underpass, the textured surfaces, and the need for razor-sharp geometric patterns. Here’s how we tackled it:

  • Design Layout & Planning:

    • Multiple approaches were considered, including stenciling, projection, and templating.
    • Given the complexity and repetition of the chevrons, we opted for hand-cut templates made from corrugated plastic to ensure precision.

  • Base Coating & Color Strategy:

    • The entire underpass was first painted with alternating vertical stripes of yellow and white to establish the base pattern.
    • Chevrons were then measured, drawn, and carefully outlined onto the surface.

  • Layered Painting Process:

    • Red was applied over white, and black over yellow, as these combinations ensured the boldest contrast and required fewer coats.
    • Each stripe had to be taped off and carefully painted, sometimes requiring three coats for full opacity.
    • Sharp linework was critical, so all edges were meticulously taped to maintain clean divisions between colors.

  • Safety & Public Access Considerations:

    • Since the underpass remained open to pedestrians and cyclists, caution tape and barricades were used to protect both the public and the crew.
    • However, some determined cyclists still attempted to pass through, prompting us to create an intricate zig-zag entrance path that slowed traffic while allowing people to appreciate the artwork.

FINAL IMPACT & LONGEVITY

Once completed, the Bala Underpass Mural became an instant landmark, injecting energy and cultural significance into what was previously an unremarkable passageway.

To ensure durability, a protective anti-graffiti coating was applied. This allows any future vandalism to be easily removed, ensuring the mural remains pristine for years to come.

This mural not only serves as a visual enhancement to the Don Valley Trail but also as an educational piece, inviting passersby to reflect on the First Nations history of the area.