A public art installation featuring 51 four-foot-tall decorated beaver sculptures has launched in downtown Toronto to welcome visitors and celebrate the 48 countries participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Organized by the Old Town Toronto Business Improvement Area (BIA) and a local arts organization, the Great Beaver Quest places the locally manufactured fiberglass rodents across sidewalks, building lobbies, and restaurants in the historic neighbourhood.
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The interactive scavenger hunt includes 48 beavers representing competing tournament nations and three extra sculptures dedicated to welcoming the global community before they are eventually auctioned off for charity.
Artists Share Their Inspirations
Former Prince Albert resident Jack Jensen created a Swedish Viking soccer fan beaver painted in blue and yellow, complete with tin pie plates for a helmet and shield, and a curtain rod flail.
"It's an honour, certainly, to be part of all of this," said Jensen, an artist. "Art is kind of like a learning process all the time.
So, it was really interesting to me to work on this, and really, a privilege."
Jensen spent nearly 30 years in Saskatchewan working for the City of Prince Albert's engineering department and co-founded the Kyla Artist Group before moving to Toronto four years ago.
"I recall living in Prince Albert fondly," said Jensen, who volunteered at Creative Works Studio to finish his sculpture.
"Just put yourself out there," he added for young artists hoping to secure similar opportunities.
