Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport unveils large-scale exterior mural on Toronto’s waterfront

TORONTO, ON — Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, in collaboration with the City of Toronto’s StreetARToronto program, has unveiled a new, large-scale mural on the exterior of the airport’s passenger terminal. Led by terminal partner Nieuport Aviation and created by Jakarundi Graphics, the mural, titled “The Stories We Carry,” celebrates the Indigenous lands and waters surrounding the airport, exploring themes of migration and the natural ecology of Toronto’s waterfront.

The mural’s concept was informed by community feedback provided through two community workshops held earlier this year. The project is the latest step in Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s ongoing journey to reflect Toronto’s vibrancy and diversity while honouring the history, voices and experiences that shape us all.

Positioned prominently on the exterior of the terminal’s public side, the large-scale mural is open to the public, and visible from the waterfront and select vantage points across the city. Visitors and residents are invited to experience it in person, whether travelling through the airport or looking for a fun family activity.

“We are humbled to play a role in bringing this meaningful piece of public art to life alongside our partners and community,” said Jennifer Quinn, CEO, Nieuport Aviation. “This mural is more than a beautiful addition to the passenger terminal; it’s a celebration of the Indigenous lands and waters that surround us, and a tribute to the stories, ecology and diversity that make Toronto so unique. We’re honoured to support projects that deepen our connection to place and people, and we invite all Torontonians and visitors to experience it for themselves.”

“PortsToronto celebrates this striking new mural as a powerful example of what’s possible through partnership and a shared commitment to centering Indigenous voices,” said RJ Steenstra, CEO, PortsToronto. “It invites reflection on the site’s cultural and historical significance, complementing the Maanjidowin sculpture by the water and other representations of First Nations art and culture throughout the airport.”

"StreetARToronto (StART), an initiative of the City of Toronto, Transportation Services Division, is pleased to partner with and support the artists in the Jakurundi Graphics Collective. The mural, created in partnership with Nieuport Aviation, transforms the space into a colourful canvas that reflects the community’s stories, cultures and resilience.  In consultation with Chief Claire Sault and Darin Wybenga of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, this mural will be a meaningful part of the Toronto waterfront migration path for years to come. StART programs and projects are rooted in a set of values that demonstrate the positive and powerful impacts of reconciliation, diversity and inclusion.”  -StreetARToronto

“The design of the mural was inspired by the interconnectedness between people, the land and water, past and present,” said Xuan-Yen Cao, one of the principal artists at Jakarundi Graphics Collective, alongside fellow artists Caitlin Taguibao and Lara Mrosovsky. “We are inspired by the beauty of the natural world, the relationships and the stories of the waterfront—those that are known and just as importantly the untold stories of arrival and departure. Those that have made this location their home, those that have been displaced and those that visit or are located temporarily, like migratory birds. We each have our own personal stories and histories related to Toronto and Lake Ontario. We are grateful for the community participants who attended our workshops and the people who also shared with us their thoughts and reflections regarding the waterfront and what it meant to them during the whole process of the project.”

“This mural stands as a vibrant tribute to Toronto’s diversity, creativity, and waterfront heritage, prominently placed at one of the city's key gateways,” says Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North), Mayor’s Economic Development & Culture Champion. “It honours the deep roots and ongoing presence of Indigenous communities along these waters, and brings their stories and cultures to the forefront. By supporting projects like this, we’re investing in Toronto’s cultural vibrancy and economic vitality, while creating public spaces for both residents and visitors to gather and enjoy."

The mural includes imagery of water, birds, and canoes, with symbolic references to migration, community, and the Anishinaabe's connection to the land and water. While the artwork holds deep meaning, its presence at the airport is intended to serve as a welcoming and reflective space for all who pass through.

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Media contacts

Ryan White

Senior Manager, Communications and Community Programs

Nieuport Aviation

ryan.white@nieuport.com

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Claire Pfieffer

Senior Manager, Communications

PortsToronto

cpfeiffer@portstoronto.com

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About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an award-winning gateway to Canada’s largest city, offering unmatched convenience just minutes from downtown Toronto. Serving passengers since 1939, the airport provides service to more than 20 cities across Canada and the U.S., with connections to more than 100 global destinations through its airline partners, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility opening soon. Renowned for its accessibility, stunning skyline views and 98% passenger satisfaction rating, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport supports critical regional services, including medical travel and medevac operations through Ornge. It is also a key economic driver, supporting more than 4,000 jobs (2,000 directly associated with its operations) and generating approximately $2 billion annually for the regional economy. Committed to sustainability, the airport is a three-time recipient of the Airports Council International–North America’s Environmental Achievement Award and is certified under Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto. Nieuport Aviation is the terminal partner and operates the airport’s complimentary shuttle service to and from downtown Toronto. Learn more at www.billybishopairport.com.