ONTARIO-The Ontario government says it is investing $7 million in the Evergreen Brick Works Recovery and Climate Resilience project to protect one of Canada’s first large-scale community environmental hubs and top destination for residents and tourists in the heart of Toronto.
“Evergreen Brick Works is a shining example of how we can protect Ontario’s natural spaces, infrastructure and economic opportunities, all in one place,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Not only will this investment preserve this beautiful space for future generations, it will also serve as a model for truly sustainable urban design – supporting the development of stronger, more resilient infrastructure to protect our communities for years to come.”
The funds are being used to upgrade the Children’s Garden—an outdoor learning space that hosts more than 10,000 youth annually—along with three restored heritage buildings offering welcome space, Indigenous and ravine programming space, plus improved outdoor commons for safety and public use.
Improvements to these spaces include:
- Innovative stormwater systems including rain gardens and permeable pavement to safely redirect water during heavy rainfall
- Elevated electrical and data infrastructure to prevent flood damages
- Installing solar panels to generate power on-site for community events and reduce pollution
- Accessible seating, new lighting and improved safety features for the garden and amphitheatre
Leveraging its national and provincial networks of innovators, Evergreen will provide best practices and practical lessons to municipalities, city planners, property managers and similar not-for-profit organizations, helping advance innovative, climate-resilient solutions across Ontario according to the province.
