Call for Expressions of Interest: Simcoe Street Transit Terminal Public Art, City of Peterborough

Peterborough Simcoe Street Transit Terminal

Call to Artists – Expression of Interest (EOI)
Simcoe Street Transit Terminal

Submission Deadline: February 23, 2026, 4:00pm EST

The City of Peterborough invites professional artists and artist collectives to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for vinyl murals public art project at the Peterborough Transit Terminal, as part of a major infrastructure upgrade funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

The vinyl murals will be applied directly to the terminal’s exterior concrete columns and façade surfaces, serving as the final finished surface for these areas. The artwork will improve wayfinding by helping users identify entrances, pathways, and key areas; enhance safety through increased visibility and vandalism deterrence; and support accessibility through clear contrast and legible design. The murals will also reflect the diversity, identity, and values of the Peterborough community, creating a welcoming and inclusive transit environment.

Project Requirements

The vinyl murals installation directly supports the following project objectives approved through the ICIP grant:

1. Completion of Exterior Finishes
The base-build construction does not include final protective or visual treatment of exposed vertical surfaces. The vinyl murals will serve as the final finish material, improving durability, reducing long-term wear, and completing the architectural intent of the terminal.

2. Public Safety and Accessibility
High-contrast, anti-graffiti vinyl materials will support Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles by improving visibility, reducing vandalism, and enhancing perceptions of safety. Visual clarity and contrast will also support users with visual, cognitive, or sensory disabilities.

3. Wayfinding and User Experience
Bold, legible visual elements applied to structural components will support intuitive wayfinding, helping transit users identify entrances, waiting areas, and circulation routes. This improves navigation, reduces confusion, and supports accessibility for all users.

4. Community Integration and Equity
Developed through an open artist call, the project seeks concepts that reflect Peterborough’s diverse communities and transit users. The murals should foster a welcoming, inclusive environment aligned with the City’s equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility commitments.
Without the application of these integrated mural finishes, the terminal exterior would remain incomplete, less accessible, and inconsistent with the community-supported design outcomes of the project.

Artwork Parameters

• Artwork Type: Integrated, site-specific vinyl murals
• Location: Exterior concrete columns and façade surfaces of the Transit Terminal located on 190 Simcoe St, Peterborough, ON
• Material: High-performance vinyl with protective laminate (UV- and weather-resistant, anti-graffiti coating)
• Permanence: Fixed installation
• Maintenance: Low-maintenance

Fabrication & Installation

The total project budget of $100,000 CAD (inclusive of all fees, expenses, and HST) must cover all aspects of the project, including artist fees, design development, fabrication, and installation of the vinyl murals.

The City will work with the selected artist to ensure alignment with architectural, engineering, and operational requirements.

Peterborough Simcoe Transit Terminal

Eligibility

Open to professional artists and artist collectives. Preference will be given to local and regional artists, consistent with the Public Art Policy.

• Artists must demonstrate experience with large-scale, durable, site-responsive work
• Collectives must designate a lead artist
• Artists must be eligible to work in Canada

Compensation

• Total project budget: $100,000 CAD (inclusive of artist fees, design, materials, fabrication, installation, insurance, travel, contingencies, and HST)
• Stage 2 honoraria: $1,500 CAD + HST per shortlisted artist/collective

Selection Process

This Call follows the City’s approved Expression of Interest (EOI) – Two-Stage Open Call process.

Stage 1 – Expression of Interest (This Call)
Artists submit qualifications and examples of past work. No detailed design proposal is required at this stage.

A shortlist of up to three (3) artists/collectives will be selected.

Stage 2 – Request for Proposals (Shortlisted Artists Only)
Shortlisted artists will be invited to develop detailed design proposals and will receive a paid design development fee of $1,500 CAD + HST. Proposals may include community engagement activities.

Community presentations will be incorporated as part of the final evaluation.

Peterborough Simcoe Transit Terminal

Submission Requirements (Stage 1)

Applicants must submit their application by completing the online form. The form will request the following information as a single PDF file (maximum 10 MB):

• Letter of Interest (max 1 page), outlining: o interest in the project
  ◦ relevant experience
  ◦ preliminary approach to integrated, durable, transit-related work
• Professional CV (max 3 pages)
• Portfolio of Previous Work
  ◦ Up to 10 images of relevant past projects
  ◦ Include project descriptions, location, cost, materials, scale, year, and role
• References: A list of at least two professional references familiar with your work and working methods. The list must include name, title, complete e-mail addresses and telephone numbers.

No concept drawings or budgets are required at Stage 1.

All submitted and final artwork must be accessible to and appropriate for a broad, all-ages public audience. Artwork must not contain or depict derogatory, discriminatory, or offensive imagery, symbols, or language, nor include profanity, hate-based content, or material that could reasonably be considered harmful, exclusionary, or disrespectful to individuals or communities. Submissions that do not comply with these standards will be deemed ineligible and may result in disqualification from the selection process.

How to Submit

Applicants must submit their application by completing the online form.

To access the full opportunity visit: www.peterborough.ca/CalltoArtists

Submission Deadline: February 23, 2026 at 4:00pm EST

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Stoyan Barakov
Manager, Cultural Services, City of Peterborough
Email: sbarakov@peterborough.ca
Phone: 705-742-7777 ext. 1481

City of Peterborough
Peterborough, Ontario
www.peterborough.ca
cityptbo@peterborough.ca
705-742-7777

Facebook @thecityofpeterborough
Instagram @cityPTBO

Accessibility:
The City of Peterborough strives to embrace inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility and is committed to an accessible and inclusive process. If you require accommodation to participate fully in this application or selection process, please contact Stoyan Barakov, Manager, Cultural Services at sbarakov@peterborough.ca or at 705-742-7777 ext. 1481. Accommodation will be provided upon request.