Simcoe Transit Terminal Public Art

The City of Peterborough is excited to share the three shortlisted artist and their concepts for the upcoming public art project at the Simcoe Street Transit Terminal.

This project will bring new artwork to the exterior of the terminal as part of ongoing improvements to the site. The selected artwork will help create a more welcoming, vibrant, and memorable public space for transit riders, visitors, and the broader community.

Following an open Expression of Interest process, three artist teams were shortlisted and invited to develop concept proposals.

About the Project

The Simcoe Street Transit Terminal Public Art Project is part of the broader rehabilitation of the terminal, supported through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) .

The project focuses on a site-specific, integrated artwork applied to the terminal’s exterior columns and façade. Rather than being a standalone piece, the artwork is designed to function as part of the architecture of the building.

The selected artwork will:

Complete and enhance the architectural finish of the terminal
Support wayfinding and navigation for transit users
Improve visibility and safety through thoughtful design
Increase accessibility through strong contrast and legibility
Reflect the identity, diversity, and values of Peterborough
Create a more welcoming and inclusive public space

As a busy transportation hub, the terminal is experienced by thousands of people daily. The artwork is intended to respond to movement, sightlines, and the rhythm of the space—creating a cohesive visual identity across the site.

Project Funding

The total budget for this project is $100,000 CAD (inclusive of HST), funded as part of the Transit Terminal capital improvements.

This budget includes all aspects of the project, including artist fees, design, fabrication, materials, and installation.

To support the long-term care of the artwork, the City has also included a 2-year maintenance and conservation provision, ensuring the artwork remains in excellent condition over time.

Shortlisted Artists

Artists: Andres Ulises Bautista and Novka Ćosović

BAU AND ĆOS STUDIO – a Greater Toronto Area based art and architecture firm founded by Andres Ulises Bautista and Novka Ćosović. As a team of two with different backgrounds that are from distant parts of the world, we lean on our extensive travels and diverse cultural experience to create contextual public art works. Our work is very versatile. We have been commissioned to design projects for City of Mississauga, City of Burlington, Nuit Blanche, and Pride Week. As artists, our goal is to engage the public in a manner that is meaningful and respectful while constructing a sense of wonder.

Artist: Jerry Rugg/birdO

Jerry Rugg aka birdO is a multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto. While his surreal geometric animals can be found on canvas, in digital print, and installation, birdO is primarily known for his large-scale mural work on walls and buildings around the world. Jerry’s long passion for the arts, his storied experience working in film, and the skills acquired as an award-winning graphic designer, have all contributed to his approach, which focuses on an acute awareness of the surface and studious preparation with regard to local culture and surroundings.

Artists: Joshua Morley, Sahira Said Jiddawy and Casandra Lee

Joshua Morley, Sahira Said Jiddawy and Casandra Lee bring complementary strengths in public art, design, and community engagement. Joshua has led large-scale murals such as The Hug, a 600 ft² mural in downtown Peterborough, and Maamawi, a vinyl installation for a community centre in Sault Ste. Marie. Sahira creates cohesive visual systems across digital and print, with work for organizations such as Community Fridge Canada and Absynthe Magazine. Casandra creates both digital and traditional public artworks, including installations for Renaissance on Hunter and Erring at King George. Together, they create site-responsive work rooted in accessibility, storytelling, and community connection.

Community Vote

We're asking residents to review the three shortlisted concepts and share feedback through a community vote.

The community vote opens on May 8, 2026 and will be hosted on the City’s Connect Peterborough engagement page. Each concept includes a short video presentation from the artist or artist team.

View the concepts and vote on our Connect Peterborough project page

Community feedback will be considered as part of the final selection process along side the vote of the Public Art Jury. The public vote closes on May 25, 2026.

Why Public Art Matters

Public art plays an important role in shaping how we experience our city. It builds identity, supports local artists, and transforms everyday spaces, like a transit terminal, into places of connection, creativity, and pride.

View the concepts and vote!

Next steps

Following the endorsement of the Public Art Jury and the endorsement of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, the selected artwork will then move into final design, fabrication, and installation planning.

The project is anticipated to be installed in early fall 2026.

Land Acknowledgment

We respectfully acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional and treaty territories of the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include the Anishinaabeg peoples of Hiawatha, Curve Lake, Alderville, Beausoleil, Georgina Island, Rama, and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island.

For thousands of years, the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg have lived in reciprocity with these lands, guided by traditional knowledge, ceremony, and responsibility. These Nations continue to uphold their responsibilities as stewards of the lands, waters, and caretakers of knowledge.

We also acknowledge the lasting impact of those treaties, including the injustices they entailed and the continued strength, resilience, and resurgence of Indigenous communities today. As we live, work, and gather here, we are called to reflect and act on our responsibilities in the spirit of reconciliation, respect, and partnership.