Published on March 18, 2026
$15.6M revitalization to strengthen climate resilience and accessibility of historic site
Toronto, ON (March 18, 2026) — Fifteen years after opening its doors as an award-winning environmental community centre, Evergreen Brick Works is embarking on a bold new chapter. A nearly $16-million capital revitalization project is renewing five key areas across the site to demonstrate how inclusive, accessible and climate-resilient public spaces can help cities thrive in a changing world.
Evergreen Brick Works has long been a place of innovation and change. Originally a brick factory that supplied materials for some of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks, including Casa Loma and Toronto City Hall, the site was transformed in 2012 into a vibrant community hub through an adaptive reuse project. Today, as climate impacts such as flooding and extreme heat intensify, Evergreen is investing in the future—strengthening infrastructure, enhancing accessibility, and deepening connections to nature and community.
Set for completion by Summer 2026, the revitalization is rooted in extensive community engagement and reflects Evergreen’s commitment to “multi-solving”—designing solutions that address climate resilience, health and wellbeing, and local economy all at once.
Together, these projects demonstrate what’s possible when governments, philanthropy and community partners invest in solutions that address multiple challenges at once. We thank the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the City of Toronto, the Ontario Trillium Foundation and Tim and Frances Price for making this revitalization possible.
These improvements are not simply a renovation—they represent a renewed commitment to nature, to people, and to the future of our cities.
“The federal investment in Evergreen Brick Works demonstrates our commitment to building sustainable, accessible spaces where Canadians can learn, gather and connect, and where nature, community and local economy can thrive,” said Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, Julie Dabrusin. “This project is an example of public and private investment working together to support sustainable operations, improvements to stormwater management, and expanded, accessible community programming space, so Toronto’s ravine system remains welcoming and resilient for generations to come.”
“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, Ontario Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Not only will the province’s investment help 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.”
“What was once thought impossible is now an integral part of our city,” said Councillor Dianne Saxe, Ward 11, University-Rosedale, a long-standing Evergreen board member and major champion of the Evergreen Brick Works project. “Evergreen Brick Works has transformed industrial wasteland into a treasured Toronto landmark where people of all ages can gather, learn, play and experience nature. It exemplifies why great public spaces are so essential and how they make Toronto a more livable city.”
“This investment will help ensure Evergreen Brick Works remains a resilient, welcoming place where communities can gather, explore, learn and celebrate—no matter what climate challenges lie ahead,” said Jen Angel, CEO of Evergreen. “By enhancing nature-based solutions alongside climate technology for cooling, biodiversity, stormwater management and net-zero operations, we are safeguarding vital programming for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year—while supporting Ontario small businesses, farmers, artists and community organizations.”
Tim and Frances Price shared why they decided to support this project: “Evergreen Brick Works is a vital place for nature and an oasis in the city. It’s a public space to gather with family and community or enjoy some solitude; a place where everyone belongs. We believe places like this matter and we are proud to support their possibility so more people can explore, make memories, and be inspired as they adventure through this unique and beautiful environment.”
A new vestibule and Welcome Tower will feature The Promise, a commissioned installation by Ojibwa artist Bonnie Devine – recently announced as a participating artist in the main exhibition of the 2026 Venice Biennale. Made of Corten steel and cast and stained glass, the piece invites reflection on land, time and responsibility, and offers unique opportunities for visitors to engage deeply with Indigenous knowledge systems and the layered histories of the site.
Interior upgrades include an accessible reception area, a flexible program space, redesigned lighting enhanced by a new skylight, and seven individual, self-contained washrooms—including a fully accessible unit. Critical electrical and data infrastructure has also been elevated to improve flood resilience.
The TD Future Cities Centre is where people come together for conversations, events, and celebrations that shape the future of our communities. Its revitalization focuses on strengthening the building’s foundation—literally and figuratively.
Structural reinforcements to columns and trusses, accessibility and safety upgrades, and partial soundproofing of the City Builders Gallery improve the Centre’s functionality. Roof-mounted photovoltaic panels reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while upgraded building automation systems enhance the efficiency of its geothermal exchange system, lighting, and maintenance operations.
These behind-the-scenes improvements ensure the Centre can continue to host large-scale, multi-faceted events and support the ambition for the site to achieve net-zero operations. This work is funded by the Province of Ontario, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and Employment and Social Development Canada.
The Children’s Garden has long been a place of wonder—and Phase 1 of its revitalization, completed in September 2025, ensures it can be enjoyed by more children, more safely, more often. The improvements to this space were funded by the Province of Ontario and a group of local philanthropists.
At the heart of the garden is the new Geoff Cape Amphitheatre, named after Evergreen’s founder and former CEO. It features expanded and accessible amphitheater seating made from reclaimed wood and a large, feather-shaped wooden canopy, providing cooling and shade during hotter months.
The Gathering Circle and fire pit was designed by artist Ferruccio Sardella with Andrew Welch, Brendan Playfair, and the Johnson Fairplay Masonry Team. Built with reclaimed bricks made on site more than a century ago, Lake Ontario stones, and a mosaic hearth created with young participants, the space is a living story of land, craft, and community. The Hatching Turtle sculpture—carved from a single limestone block by stone carver Andrew Welch —honours the turtles that continue to nest here, reminding us that this place is home to many.
Masonry repair to the iconic Children’s Garden chimney was supported by WoodGreen Community Housing. The partnership with WoodGreen is enabling habitat for a threatened bird species, the Chimney Swift, and unlocking an affordable housing project for seniors in Toronto’s Danforth neighbourhood.
Upgraded lighting, improved circulation paths and stormwater management all contribute to a garden that meets playground standards for unsupervised use, and supports activity in the garden after dark. That means extended public hours year-round, opening the space to families well beyond program times.
Phase 2 will build on this foundation with additional accessibility features, tactile domes, and painted pathways to further support inclusive play.
As a key gateway to the ravines and a hub along the proposed Loop Trail, the Ravine Centre and Indigenous Cultural Hub (working name) is being transformed into a welcoming space for learning, gathering and connection thanks to generous funding from the Province of Ontario, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, and the City of Toronto. The renewed building will feature Indigenous-led ravine interpretation and program space on the ground floor, with dedicated program space for Indigenous groups on the second floor.
The work blends heritage preservation with climate-forward upgrades: restored brick masonry, a fully replaced high-efficiency HVAC system, a complete lighting upgrade, and new east-facing openings that flood the space with light. Flood resilience has been significantly enhanced, with raised electrical and data infrastructure and durable materials used at lower wall levels. Permeable surfaces and regrading help guide stormwater safely into Mud Creek, strengthening the site’s ecological function while protecting the building.
Improved access points, new finishes, and enhanced accessibility features ensure the Ravine Centre is ready to welcome more people—comfortably and safely—year-round.
Funded by the Province of Ontario, improvements to Tiffany Commons include new seating, shade sails, upgraded lighting and wayfinding, and enhanced stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens and bioswales. These “working landscapes” reduce flood risk, enhance biodiversity, and create welcoming gathering spaces that demonstrate climate solutions in action.
289-904-2636
tdavine@evergreen.ca
