Blog

Mural by Phillip Saunders 2026 in Riverside, Toronto at 33 Davies Ave (Photo Credit: Cass Rudolph and East End Arts)

About the Art

Seen are two large-scale soccer players battling for the upper hand in an intense moment of competition. An exaggerated low-angle perspective creates a powerful sense of scale, movement, and energy, placing the viewer directly in the action. Within the globe-like frame is a soccer stadium set beneath a beautiful blue sky filled with clouds, with the sun positioned just behind one of the players’ heads. Together, these elements create a dynamic backdrop that reinforces the excitement of the game. This mural is designed to inspire joy, excitement, and community pride while celebrating the passion, teamwork, and spirit that soccer brings to people of all ages.

View a short Reel with the artist speaking about the mural.

About the Artist

Phillip Saunders is a Jamaican-born multidisciplinary artist and arts educator based in Toronto, Ontario. His practice spans oil painting, charcoal drawing, mural-making, and digital illustration, and is rooted in an exploration of cultural identity, visual storytelling, and the relationship between tradition and contemporary expression. As an arts educator and community-oriented muralist, he is deeply committed to making art accessible and reflective of the communities it inhabits. His public works prioritize connection, representation, and shared cultural experience.  phillipasaunders.com/murals | @ps.loveishere

Kudos to our partners in art!

Thank you to: City of Toronto’s Community Celebration Support Fund and World in a City Small Business Grant for financial support; to East End Arts (IG @eastendartsto) and the Riverside BIA for project coordination and funding support to make this public art project possible; and to building owners for providing the wall space for public art. On behalf of all the project parnters, thank you to the nearly 60 children, youth and family members from the neighbourhood and beyond who helped to paint many sections of this mural!

About the Rivertowne and Riverside neighbourhood

This mural is located in the Rivertowne community within the Riverside neighbourhood of Toronto. Just steps from the Don Valley, this neighbourhood is known for its small-town-in the big city community vibe, passionate local leaders, sports history, vibrant public art, local parks and greenspaces (e.g. Joel Weeks Park), award-winning eateries and shops, historic venues like The Broadview Hotel and The Opera House, and the street that inspired the cult classic Degrassi TV series. Come explore:  @riverside_bia

Whether you’re already a matcha lover looking for your next cup or just someone wanting to switch up their coffee order, you can’t go wrong with a perfectly done matcha. Here’s where you can get your matcha fix in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood:

Photo credit: Lamoon Thai Kitchen & Coffee

Lamoon Thai Kitchen & Coffee (@lamoon.to)

Address: 730 Queen St E

You’ve had matcha. You’ve probably had Thai tea at some point. But have you tried Lamoon’s Matcha Thai Tea? Why choose when you can have both! It’s a great drink to cool the palate while you’re enjoying Lamoon’s deliciously spicy Thai dishes.

Photo credit: Isle of Coffee

Isle of Coffee (@isleofcoffee_to)

Address: 745 Queen St E

If you’re a purist, Isle of Coffee does a classic Matcha Latte and does it well. Whether you like it hot or iced, whole milk or oat, Isle of Coffee’s approach to matcha is all about consistency and quality. They also do a Strawberry Matcha if you prefer a sweeter take!

Photo credit: Aura

Aura (@auratoronto)

Address: 686 Queen St E

Did you know that Aura recently started operating as a cafe from 7am-3pm? And yes, matcha is on the menu! Don’t worry, it’s still a cocktail bar in the evening, but the vibes at Aura are just as great during the day as they are at night!

Photo credit: Amber Kitchen and Coffee

Amber Kitchen and Coffee (@amberkitchento)

Address: 4 Boulton Ave

A cup of matcha over brunch at Amber, perhaps? Pair your favourite matcha with one of the freshly baked goods like the Chocolate Babka or sample a dish or two from the brunch menu — the Amber Eggs come highly recommended!

Photo credit: Jimmy’s Coffee

Jimmy’s Coffee (@jimmys_coffee)

Address: 806 Queen St E

There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than an Iced Strawberry Matcha. Jimmy’s has a nice dog-friendly patio tucked away in the back, making it the perfect respite from the bustle of Queen East.

Photo credit: Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Dark Horse Espresso Bar (@darkhorsecafe)

Address: 630 Queen St E

You can always count on Dark Horse to have the most fun and creative seasonal drinks. One of their summer specials is the Iced Peach Pie Matcha. Yes, you read that right. If you like your matcha broaching dessert territory, you’re going to love this one.

For more lifestyle content like this from Toronto’s Riverside, make sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly!

Riverside is home to a growing number of businesses that happily welcome dogs. Check out these businesses in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood where you can take your precious pups: (Read ‘til the end for an exciting announcement!)

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Oma Chiropractic and Wellness (@omachiropractic)

Address: 1 Munro St

Our four-legged companions can benefit from chiropractic care too! This can help address issues such as arthritis, stiffness, and post-surgery soreness. Learn more about Oma’s pet chiropractic service or book an appointment HERE.

Photo credit: Knick Knack Paddywhack

Knick Knack Paddywhack (@knickknackpaddywhackdogs)

Address: 768 Queen St E

One of the latest additions in Riverside, Knick Knack Paddywhack is a one-stop shop for all your pet needs. From natural food options to cute accessories, this store has it. You can also shop online and have your supplies delivered straight to your doorstep!

Photo credit: Dirty Pawz Dog Wash

Dirty Pawz Dog Wash (@dirtypawzto)

Address: 804 Queen St E

Does your dog need a little freshening up? Pop by Dirty Pawz for a self-serve wash. They’ve also got a cool vending machine fully stocked with delicious dog treats — a post-bath reward, perhaps? Once you’re done, walk around Riverside and check out some local businesses.

Photo credit: Kiss The Paws

Kiss The Paws (@kiss.the.paws)

Address: 717 Queen St E (Unit 100A)

Treat your dog to fresh summer cut at Kiss The Paws, Riverside’s newest pet grooming studio. Owner and groomer Yasemin handles every client with love, care, and serious style. Head over to her Instagram page to see her grooming work and/or book an appointment!

Photo credit: Glass House Garden Centre and Cafe

Glass House Garden Centre and Cafe (@glasshousecafe.to)

Address: 771 Queen St E

Whether you’re shopping for plants or just looking for a place to chill with your dog on a hot summer day, Glass House Garden Centre and Cafe has you covered. Grab a refreshment and pastry from the cafe and enjoy it on their dog-friendly patio.

Photo credit: The Broadview Hotel

The Broadview Hotel (@broadviewhotel)

Address: 106 Broadview Ave

Go on a staycation with your dog at this chic boutique hotel in Riverside. While you’re there, drop by the recently opened Archie’s and try one of their famous burgers. Check out special offers on rooms on the official website.

Now, for that special announcement we mentioned earlier…

The 2026 Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market is happening on Sunday, September 20th! This year, it’s all happening outdoors from 12pm-5pm in Riverside Common Park (657 Queen St E) and Joel Weeks Park (10 Thompson St).

Enjoy live music, treat your furry friends to pupachinos, enjoy freebies, explore local pet vendors and services, meet incredible rescue organizations, pre-register for a free micro-chipping service, and much more!

More details will be shared in the weeks to come. In the meantime, follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and visit the Riverside Blog for regular updates on our upcoming events!

Riverside is on a roll with new public art in the neighbourhood! Aside from the temporary sidewalk murals for Queen East Eats, we’ve got a couple of permanent additions too — starting off with Cesar Alonso’s “Where the Sunlight Meets the River”!

Rooted in Riverside’s rich history, this mural by Cesar Alonso in the parking lot at 643/5 Queen St E weaves together memory, landscape, and community. 

The blue jay serves as a witness across generations, watching over the forests, waterways, and evolving streets that have shaped this place. Sunlight carries echoes of memory through the mural, while baseball symbolizes connection and shared experience, honoring the people who have gathered, played, and built community here over time. 

Flowing between natural and urban landscapes, the composition reflects Riverside’s ongoing story, where ecology, recreation, and everyday life intersect. This mural invites viewers to pause and look closely, recognizing how traces of the past remain present in the places we inhabit, and how the character of a neighborhood continues to be shaped by both memory and change.

Cesar Alonso is a Colombian-born, Canadian-based public artist known for his dynamic murals, illustrations, and public art installations. His work has helped transform Toronto’s streetscape through vibrant, community-inspired artworks. Cesar combines elements of his Latin American heritage with his experiences in Canada to create visually compelling and thought-provoking works.

Check out @cesar_alonso_art on Instagram and his official website to see more of his work!

Special thanks to the City of Toronto Outside Mural & Street Art Program for the financial support to make this public art project possible; the Riverside BIA for project coordination, financial support and community liaison support; Downtown Automotive Group for helping facilitate mural production; and Dream for providing the wall space for public art.

Head over to Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood and check out Cesar Alonso’s new piece! In the meantime, follow us on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog for regular updates on public art in Riverside!

BLOG: Queen East Eats Sidewalk Mural Project – Nick Sweetman & Catherine Cachia

From the Youth Soccer Clinic to Outdoor Movie Night, it’s been an incredible past month in Toronto’s East End as we celebrated Game On East End while we cheered on our favourite teams at the World Cup.

As we officially wrap up Game On East End, we’d like to acknowledge and thank our partners who made this whole campaign possible:

The City of Toronto’s Community Celebration Support Fund and World In a City Small Business Support Fund, Riverside BIA, Leslieville BIA, Fontbonne Ministries, Ralph Thornton Community Centre, Toronto Public Library -Queen/Saulter Branch, East End Arts, SH Armstrong Youth Council, and BlessedLove Caribbean Grocery & Takeout.

In case you missed it, here are some highlights from our free public programming for Game On East End this summer:

Check out the official Game On East End poster at one of the TTC stops in the neighbourhood

Game On East End kicked off with the Picnic in the Park & Youth Soccer Clinic at Jimmie Simpson Park

Riverside’s iconic Love Local sign got a little World Cup-themed makeover

BlessedLove hosted Caribbean Game Nights while doing live screenings of the games

Bellies and brains ready for Community BBQ & Sports Trivia at Fontbonne Ministries’ Mustard Seed location 

Now showing “Space Jam: A New Legacy” for Outdoor Movie Night at Riverside Common Park

Visitors at East End Spirit Fest were treated to a breathtaking performance by Artists’ Play Sky Dancers Entertainment

The community lent a hand with East End Arts in painting this sports-themed mural by Phillip Saunders

Congratulations again to the winners of the Game On East End Raffle!

Refreshments ready at Ralph Thornton Community Centre’s Pop-Up Cool Zone during those extra hot summer days

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always updated on free community programming in the neighbourhood!

Photo credits: Riverside BIA