Toronto, ON — October 28, 2026 — Visiting Evergreen Brick Works is about to get even better. Designed to make one of Toronto’s most beloved public spaces more inviting, informative and dynamic for visitors, Evergreen unveiled its renovated Welcome Centre on Oct. 1.
The renovation of this space marks an important milestone in a nearly $16-million site-wide renewal focused on climate resilience, accessibility and stronger connections to nature and community. Supported by the Province of Ontario and philanthropic champions Tim and Frances Price, the Welcome Centre project reflects Evergreen’s commitment to creating public spaces where everyone feels welcome and able to participate.
“The Welcome Centre is an important place to arrive at Evergreen Brick Works, and this renewal helps ensure that every visitor’s experience begins with comfort, dignity and a stronger sense of belonging,” said Jen Angel, CEO of Evergreen. “With the support of our public and philanthropic partners, we are strengthening the infrastructure that allows people of all ages and abilities to gather, learn, explore and connect with nature in the heart of Toronto.”
The upgraded Welcome Centre, designed by DTAH, includes a new vestibule, an accessible reception area, a flexible program space, redesigned lighting enhanced by a new skylight, and reclaimed wood cladding and millwork by BeReclaimed, including Spruce from an old pier deconstructed as part of Biidaasige Park. It also includes seven individual washrooms, including a fully accessible unit.
The space was made even more flood-resilient and sustainable by elevating critical electrical and data infrastructure, installing removable and waterproof Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete panels, and insulating the skylight, which controls heat gain in summer, reduces heat loss in winter, and provides extensive and even natural light throughout the Welcome Centre.
It is also home to the renovated Picnic Restaurant & Café, now operated by Food Dudes Hospitality, which officially opened in its new space today. While Food Dudes operates multiple restaurants across Toronto and has established itself as one of the leading caterers in the city, the company got its start here at Evergreen Brick Works.
“Picnic is the kitchen table of Evergreen. A place for lunch with family, catching up with an old friend, or taking a meeting with a little more breathing room. Something new that already feels familiar. Enjoy lunch. Enjoy each other. Enjoy nature,” said Lindsay Klein, CEO of Food Dudes Hospitality.
Evergreen Brick Works has long demonstrated the power of adaptive reuse and public space. Once home to a brick factory that helped build many of Toronto’s landmark buildings, the site was transformed into an award-winning environmental community centre in 2010 and continues to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year through markets, children’s programming, public events, nature-based learning and community gatherings.
Tim and Frances Price shared why they decided to support this project: “Evergreen Brick Works is a vital place for nature 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 them so more people can explore, make memories, and be inspired as they adventure through this unique and beautiful environment.”
The new Welcome Centre is the first of five key areas to be renewed across Brick Works. Together, these investments are designed to strengthen infrastructure, improve accessibility, support climate adaptation and demonstrate how public spaces can help cities respond to changing environmental and community needs.
