Getting to Evergreen Brick Works the green way

Did you know that the transportation sector is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada? According to Environment Canada, transportation accounts for almost 25% of total emissions.

And research shows that when compared to the rest of the world, Canada has one of the largest per-capita carbon footprints. In 2019, the average person in Canada produced an equivalent of 14.2 tonnes of CO2 and by comparison, the average per-capita footprint in United Kingdom it’s 8.5 tonnes. Therefore, we need to find ways that we as individuals can reduce our carbon emissions.

Leaving your car at home and using more sustainable and active forms of transportation is one of the most effective ways to do this. It’s beneficial to not only the health of the planet but also your health.

Benefits of active and sustainable forms of transportation:

1. Improved air quality: Traffic-related air pollution in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area is responsible for about 1000 early deaths and 3000 – 4000 hospital admissions each year due to strokes, heart attacks and asthma. Reducing the number of cars on the road has a direct correlation with improved air quality.
2. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Every vehicle on the road releases an average of one pound of CO2 per mile driven. Taking public transportation reduces emissions by 45%, which is more than 48,000 pounds in a year. Alternatively, biking or walking emits even fewer emissions!
3. Increased physical activity: Getting outside and using your own power to get from one place to another increases your daily physical activity, which reduces risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression. Walking for 30 minutes or cycling for 20 minutes on most days reduces mortality risk by at least 10%.
4. Reduced traffic congestion: Using sustainable forms of transportation like public transit, gets cars off the road and reduces congestion. Think about all the time that you’d save not sitting in traffic jams!
5. Increased social interaction: Sustainable and active transportation encourages social interaction, creates vibrant neighbourhoods and increases community cohesion. It brings people together to share experiences, connect with their surroundings and discover local attractions.

There are several different types of sustainable and active transportation that you can take to get to Evergreen Brick Works:

Shuttle Bus

The FREE Shuttle Bus is one of our favourite ways to get to the Brick Works. If you’re taking the subway, it makes it so easy to get to the site! It runs seven days a week, all year round and departs from Broadview Subway Station every 30 – 45 mins. It is also wheelchair accessible. You can view the Shuttle schedule here. Our Shuttle Bus is kindly operated by our Placemaking Partner, Mulmer Services Ltd.

“I love using the shuttle because it’s such a scenic drive down Pottery Road. It’s also the most convenient method since I usually take the subway from the west side of the city to Broadview Station. The drivers are helpful and friendly too.” – Garth Lawrence, Evergreen volunteer

 

“I couldn’t believe there was a dedicated shuttle just outside Broadview Station that takes you right to the Brick Works—and it’s free!” – Jonam Campbell , Evergreen Brick Works visitor

 

“The Shuttle Bus is a free and fast transit option, but, in my opinion, the best part is getting to ride with my colleagues and other members of the Brick Works community. Those conversations are something nice to look forward to every day.” – Nomi Walsh, Evergreen employee

Biking

Cycling is not only a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation option, but it is also a great form of exercise. Regular cycling can increase fitness, improve muscle strength and flexibility, boost mental wellbeing and reduce stress. It’s also a low-cost transportation option, as bikes require minimal resources to operate and maintain.

There are several ways to get to Evergreen Brick Works by bike. You can check out the City of Toronto’s Cycling Network Map, the Downtown Core Trail Map, the North and East Trail Map or our suggested routes.

“Mountain biking is a great option to cycle if you don’t want to deal with traffic, experience some nature, and live a healthy lifestyle. There are ways to get to Brick Works completely on singletrack, and my favourite route travels from Crothers Woods alongside the railroad tracks all the way to the lookout at the top of the quarry.  Check out https://www.trailforks.com/ to see all the secret singletrack trails that are in the Don Valley.” – Ed Mark, Evergreen employee

Walking

Not only is walking an easy way to get around, but it comes with numerous benefits! Walking helps you take in your surroundings and connect with nature. Research suggests that a two-hour “dose” of nature a week significantly boosts health and wellbeing.

You can take Milkman’s Run from the Bloor-Danforth Subway Station and South Rosedale or Chorley Park from the Young Subways Line and North Rosedale. Learn more about those routes here, or check out the trail maps linked above.

“The Evergreen Brick Works trails are an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of city life.” – Geoffrey deCaires, Evergreen Brick Works visitor

Public transit

Greater utilization of public transit is one of the best ways to reduce your emissions. TTC service is available via the 28 Bayview South Bus from Davisville Subway Station. It runs from 6am – 1am Monday to Saturday and 8am – 6pm on Sundays. For more information, please see the TCC website.

“This is a great method of getting to Evergreen Brick Works if I happen to be using Subway Line 1 before or after a trip. It’s only a 10-minute ride to and from Davisville Station. It’s also wonderful how the city slips away as you descend from Moore Avenue into the valley.” – Garth Lawrence, Evergreen volunteer