Mayor Tory shares details for new, iconic Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square
Posted September 10, 2020 2:02 pm.
Last Updated September 10, 2020 2:04 pm.
One of the city’s staples is getting a makeover.
The original Toronto sign, which Mayor John Tory referred to as one of the most “Instagrammable” and popular attractions for tourists, has been taken down to make way for a new, improved and permanent version.
Tory says the full installation is expected to take about a week to complete and will be unveiled when it’s done.
“As we embark upon the work to rebuild our city from the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is fitting that installation of the new, more durable Toronto Sign is underway,” Tory said.
“I know when we get through this, Toronto will shine brighter, just like the sign itself. Like our iconic ‘Toronto Sign’, together, I am confident that we will rebuild a Toronto that is inclusive, dynamic and resilient.”
The final T from the original #TORONTOsign gets taken away during Mayor John Tory’s news conference about the new, permanent sign. It’ll look just like the original; should be fully installed in about a week; and the all-in cost is about $750,000. @680NEWS pic.twitter.com/oofLT3RZLL
— Mark Douglas (@DouglasCityNews) September 10, 2020
The original sign was expected to be temporary, installed in July 2015 for the Toronto Pan American and Parapan American Games.
Tory says because of the overwhelmingly positive response to the sign’s popularity, “the city extended its presence on the square indefinitely and it has become a Toronto landmark.”
The city says the new and improved ‘Toronto Sign’ will be easier to clean, waterproof, and will have augmented lighting capacity and other creative features to support public engagement and interaction.
The letters for the new sign will be installed on Monday.
