Help us build happier, healthier, stronger communities:

Close your eyes and think about a public space that you love visiting.

What makes it great? Why do you keep going back to it?

For myself and my colleagues, we’re lucky enough to call our workplace – Evergreen Brick Works – one of our favourite places in Toronto.

The Brick Works inspires us to get active in nature for the chance of spotting a great blue heron or unlocking the panoramic view at the lookout trail. It’s a place where we bump into familiar faces at markets and festivals, and a place where artists and small business owners can make a living.

It’s a place that makes us feel like we’re connected to our community, in touch with nature, and a part of something bigger.

People ride their bike during an Earth Month celebration at Evergreen Brick Works

The World Health Organization reports that social connection is linked to improved health and reduced risk of early death. During what’s being called a loneliness epidemic, the need for public spaces that bring us together has never been more urgent.

At the 2026 Evergreen Conference, we’ll explore how we can create public spaces that create happier, healthier and better-connected communities.

Here are five sessions you’ll want to check out:

1. For the nature-lover: Meeting in the commons: A guided forest bathing experience

Experience firsthand how intentional time in nature can restore calm, improve focus, and deepen our connection to place.

2. For those who can’t sit still: Jump around, a disco game show

Dance, play, and move toward a vital question: who do we want to be as a community?

3. For the playful: Found objects workshop: Stories & parks

Use your personal stories and lived experiences to co-design a park model using everyday objects.

4. For the artistic: Creating place together: Collective mural making in nature

Paint, draw, stamp or write your contribution to a nature-inspired community mural and experience how art can bring people together and spark conversation.

5. For the high-rise dweller: TowerPOPS: Reclaiming public space through renewal and place-keeping

With more people living in dense urban centres, we’ll explore how we can transform underutilized areas into vibrant public places that encourage city residents to get active, spend time outdoors and connect with neighbours.

Join us at the Evergreen Conference on May 6-7

We need your help to create public spaces that support the health and wellness of people and our planet. If you’re excited to share your ideas, learn new things and network with others who are passionate about improving cities across Canada, we hope you’ll join us at the Evergreen Conference.