Public art can be a divisive topic.

But on July 27, 1984, CBC's The Journal reported there was only one person objecting to a piece commissioned by the Toronto Transit Commission for its College station. That person was Toronto Maple Leafs owner Harold Ballard.

As the station closest to Maple Leaf Gardens, it only made sense for the murals lining the platforms inside to have a hockey theme. But Ballard saw red when he got a glimpse of what artist Charles Pachter had designed: a piece he called Hockey Knights in Canada, Les Rois de l'Arène.

Artist Charles Pachter approached the TTC with the idea for the mural in College station. (The Journal/CBC Archives)

Opposing teams, opposite platforms

It depicted hockey players in the blue-and-white uniforms of the Leafs along one platform. On the opposing side: the bleu, blanc et rouge of the Montreal Canadiens.

If the TTC insisted on including the Habs in the artwork, Ballard threatened not to allow the Leafs' distinctive logo to be used. But the TTC's position was that it was not in violation of copyright laws.

Artist Charles Pachter, known for his Canadian-themed paintings such as Queen on Moose, designed the 35-by-seven-foot murals after approaching the TTC with the idea.

"The ballad of Harold Ballard continues," said artist Charles Pachter. "It's in keeping with the kind of thing you'd expect from him." (The Journal/CBC Archives)

"[Ballard] is being a bully," Pachter said. "The Leafs being in the condition they're in, it's good press for him." (The Leafs had suffered another dismal season, failing to make the 1984 playoffs.)

Regardless of Ballard's motives, Pachter took the matter seriously. "The issue is an important one, and that is artistic freedom," he said.

Ultimately, the $66,000 murals were unveiled to the public in College station in April 1985 — exactly the way Pachter created them. Former Habs goalie Ken Dryden, on hand for the event, said they were "a reminder of an historical rivalry."