Mural Wings its Way to New Record
A 32-story-tall phoenix is set to soar to a new world record this weekend in Ontario, Canada, in the form of the world's tallest mural.
![]() |
Emerging ARTivist Program participant Samantha Goh, 17, works on a lower section. |
Locals proudly say the work has given the community a "brand-new look."
Community Effort
The mural was overseen by STEPS' Emerging ARTivist Program. The project caps a yearlong effort that brought together more than 50 young people from the St. James Town community and hundreds of other community volunteers.
Local officials have supported the project, and multiple organizations and companies have donated to the effort. Funding came primarily from StreetARToronto (StART), a city public art program, with additional help from the Ontario Arts Council, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, ING DIRECT, and Toronto Community Housing.
Local businesses pitching in included Dulux Paints, Skyway Canada, Modu-Loc, Joe Huffers Paint Shop and Hello Foto.
Jason Rouleau and Ryan Dineen of the Toronto Muralists painted the mural’s upper sections.
![]() |
![]() |
Sean Lilani (left); Hello Foto (right) | |
Jason Rouleau (pictured) and Ryan Dineen of the Toronto Muralists painted the upper sections of the 32-story-tall mural. |
'Shining Example'
Mayor Rob Ford said the project would "add vibrancy to the Wellesley community."
Local Councillor Pam McConnell said, "Beautification of our public spaces is an essential component of building and maintaining healthy communities.
"This spectacular mural is a shining example of the resiliency and creativity of the young people of St. James Town, and stands as a beacon of pride in their community on display for all of Toronto to enjoy."
More project details and photos are available on the STEPS Initiative's Facebook page.