The Evergreen Brickworks – Toronto

“I particularly remember visiting…

The Evergreen Brickworks is an excellent example of a post-industrial site that has been adapted for a contemporary use. The tagline on the centre’s website is ‘ A place where the world can experience sustainable practices that enable flourishing cities of the future’ and on the occasions that I have visited I have found that it offers experiences that are representative of that aspiration.

As the name suggests, the site formerly housed the facilities to produce the bricks that were used to construct many of the buildings, including much of the housing stock, constructed throughout the 20^th Century. The site is also located within the Don Valley, a natural arterial route through the city and therefore benefits from remarkable views that reflect the changes of the seasons and an important destination for understanding the biodiversity that exists within proximity to dense urban areas.

The sensitive redevelopment of the site has been an ongoing process for over 30 years, and it has allowed for the character of the industrial facility to be maintained and to allow for the re-naturalization of the former quarry that provided materials for the site’s former operation.

Alongside the weathered industrial remnant structures, the site also integrates new built elements, and their programming emphasises both formal education opportunities with the addition of office and conference spaces and informal opportunities with play areas and viewing areas.

The naturalized landscape that surrounds the site offers habitats for a variety of native species and trails that enable public access of different physical abilities, including challenging cycle routes that connects to one of the adjacent neighbourhoods. Although walking to the site from the closest transit station can be challenging due the steep descent to the base of the Don Valley, there is a dedicated shuttle system that provides continuous public access. Artwork throughout the site refers to the natural landscape and highlights the educational aspect of the facility. Similarly, the heritage interpretation strategy highlights the legacy of the brickworks as an industrial site and the value that it has provided as a resource in the development of the city.” (Booklet Positive Lived Experiences of Quality in the Built Environment 2023, p.197).

Evergreen Brickworks on a summer’s day with a family observing the diversity of life within one of the ponds from a viewing platform.

Google map link: Evergreen Brick Works – Google Maps