The already disastrous TTC Spadina streetcar outage that began in June isn't the only new change to the thoroughfare's transportation infrastructure, and the latest transformation for the transit corridor is one that might actually make you smile, for once.

Local artist Lewis Mallard — known for strolling about the city in a bizarre full-body duck outfit — transformed streetcar platforms along Spadina Avenue into giant shoes over the Canada Day long weekend, and they're already turning heads despite the ongoing streetcar closure.

Art Attack! Colourful sneakers collection by street artist great Lewis Mallard spotted on Spadina. @westendphoenix @cbctoronto @blogTO pic.twitter.com/dSSHIZe7Bg

— Martin Reis (@BikeLaneDiary) July 3, 2024

Mallard took to social media to explain this latest art project, writing, "I had a very productive Canada Day yesterday, and I lost a shoe in the process."

The new guerrilla installation at Spadina and Harbord was capturing attention even before Mallard completed the work.

The artist thanked people who shared kind words while he was painting the concrete streetcar islands, and specifically gave "an extra special thanks to the dude who slipped me a 20 dollar bill for my services to the city."

"I pass through this intersection regularly and thought it could use a little love," wrote Mallard, who also recently transformed a streetcar island along Queen Street West with his signature duck aesthetic.

Toronto legend who dresses in giant duck costume now has his own streetcar stop https://t.co/EYqTTWP5lF

— blogTO (@blogTO) May 22, 2024

TTC spokesperson Stuart Green tells blogTO, "These sneaky and colourful installations are kicking public art on TTC property up a notch."

"While not commissioned by us, we certainly don't object to the heart and sole that went into creating them," joked Green.

Toronto's famous duck person originally hails from Hamilton and relocated to the big city a few years back. Most recently, Mallard has announced that his time in the 416 will soon be coming to an end.

"I felt the need to leave a little more of a mark on the city before we move to Montreal," he writes. "I hope to do a little more public art before I go. Toronto you've been very kind to me."