KJ Mullins-Toronto: As the day nears to an end Toronto on Monday night the crowds thin. Still it’s at night when many of the richest characters of the city begin to appear. Piles of trash line Queen Street West waiting to be removed in the early morning.

Tonight was one young laborer’s birthday. He is new to the city and hasn’t found a home yet but he’s made friends. He and his friends didn’t go to a fancy restaurant to celebrate, instead letting the street light their party on the street. Music, youth and a sense of freedom was all that was needed to ring in his day.

For some the day is ending and the long walk home from work on a cool night is perfect.

For others the night means survival. There’s no mattress to lounge upon, just the hard concrete once a safe place is found. Some struggle with the voices in their head while others walk by shaking their head.

Others long for food.

For one man helping a stranger was his mission tonight. He saw a bike on a rack that had fallen dangerously close to the street and worked to protect the vehicle. The owner of the bike may never know that a stranger was looking out for him.

For Mike Monday night means looking for a fight. His nose already showed an early tiff on the streets but he was ready for more with a smile.

Others were enjoying a smoke happily posing for the camera while their friends enjoyed a pub.

And as the new day begins sleep takes over.