(Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives, 2024) Stevens, Rhys M. G.
Archar Inc. of Toronto, Ontario was one of the most prolific publishers of pictorial poster-maps of
North American cities during the 1970s and 1980s. Their “City Character Prints” were three-dimensional
perspective maps created by artists to evoke the unique spirit of a place by including
illustrations representative of city symbols, historical facts and cartoon-like caricatures of
prominent citizens. Costs of poster production were subsidized by collecting advertising fees from
local businesses and attractions in return for promotion on the finished map.