The Centre for Better Public Spaces

Building Better Public Spaces, Together

Join Evergreen’s Centre for Better Public Spaces – Where Innovation Meets Community.

Our Story

From its beginnings as the Don Valley Pressed Brick Works Company to its transformation into a hub of green design, Evergreen has been at the forefront of public space innovation. The Centre for Better Public Spaces continues this legacy, providing a national network of resources, connections, and impact to help communities across Canada create vibrant, sustainable public spaces.

Why Public Spaces Matter

Public spaces are the heart of our communities, where people gather, interact, and connect. They are vital to the social and environmental health of our cities. At the Centre for Better Public Spaces, we believe that better public spaces lead to stronger, more resilient communities.

Our Impact

With over three decades of experience in urban innovation, Evergreen has transformed public spaces across Canada. The Centre continues this legacy by serving as a catalyst for new ideas, partnerships, and projects that reimagine public spaces as inclusive, vibrant places where communities can thrive.

Tap into our resources

Access to a wealth of resources including best practices, case studies, and toolkits for public space innovation, participate in speaker series, meet other community builders during our networking socials.

Collaborative Workspace

Located at Evergreen Brick Works, we are inviting city-makers and community builders to work along-side us in dynamic office and campus. The Centre offers workspace, meeting rooms, and event spaces, designed to foster creativity and collaboration in an inspiring environment. Whether you’re here to work, gather, or reflect, you’ll find everything you need to drive innovation and connection.

Contribute to observable change

Join our Project Cohorts, such as Mabelle Arts, to directly contribute to the transformation of public spaces in communities across Canada. These projects offer a hands-on opportunity to make a tangible impact while learning from experts in the field.

Membership Tiers

Whether you want to support our projects and access our networks and programs or physical space to work surrounded by 40 acres of trails in the Don Valley Brick Works Park, we have memberships for all needs.
Our membership packages are designed to fit the needs of different organizations and individuals dedicated to transforming public spaces.

Founding Partners

For those looking for access to our network and resources but don’t need workspace.
From $68 per month.

Community Partners

Access to all our network and resources and occasional workspace and meeting rooms.
Single day per week access for one person from $180/month.

Essential

Ideal for individuals looking for more time with us and our partners on site.
2 days per week in our vibrant workspace from $225 per month.

Accelerator

Perfect for those that need regular access to workspace and resources.
Our most popular plan: power up your productivity with a spot in our dynamic workspace 3 days every week from $325 per month.

Group Rate/Team Builder

Tailored for larger teams or organizations that require extensive use of our facilities and services.
Unlimited access for 2. Perfect for small teams and partnerships that need a full-time home base from $585 per month.

Benefits of Partnership

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Office Services

As a workspace member, you’ll have access to:

 

  • 24/7 access to our innovative coworking spaces.
  • Fully equipped meeting rooms and event spaces.
  • Exclusive discounts on Evergreen events, programs, and services.
  • Coffee, tea and kitchen space
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Network Services

We want to create communities by creating a community through regular:

 

  • Socials & networking events
  • Workshops
  • Lunch & Learns
  • Collision Days
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Advisory Services

Bringing together partners to ensure communities have access to the tools, resources, and funding required to co-create public spaces through matchmaking services and consultations.

Reach out

Join our network at the Centre for Better Public Spaces and be a part of the movement transforming communities. Reach out to Chelsea or Julia to learn more or to book a tour.

Chelsea Carss
Senior Manager, Outreach & Partnerships

289-815-4722

Julia Dewolde
Manager, Business Development & Tenants

289-904-1758

View all offerings and pricing

Evergreen’s Centre for Better Public Spaces brings together experts from the public, private, and community sectors to collaborate with local city builders and placemakers, creating more inclusive and green public spaces across Canada.
Download our membership package to see all offerings at a glance to help find what’s best for you!

Evergreen's co-working space

Open office space sectioned with high bar area, lounge centre and work stations
Lounge area set up with computer bar working stations in background
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architectural-photos-of-the-evergreen-brickworks-site-by-tom-arban
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Table and chairs set up as a lounge or work area in window lit office.
Wood harvest table and chairs in window lit office with plants
Rows of open concept desks with chairs and monitors overlooking the Don Valley.
Open concept desk set up with cubbies and lockers in the background
Long, natural wood boardroom table wtih windows
Natural, daylit room with 2 rows of workspaces
Large board room set up with chairs and screen for video conferencing
Bench seating and table seating for kitchen with fridge, microwaves, stove, oven, dishwasher and coffee station
Kitchen with tables, chairs and benches with window curtain closed for privacy
Glass cube set up as a private meeting space for 2 people
Stand alone private meeting space with general office items such as printer, supply cabinet and seating area in background
Boardroom set up with desk, chairs, virtual meeting screen and filing cabinets
Windo curtain and glass sliding doors closed for privacy in a quiet working space

A big thanks to Evergreen Brick Works for hosting our Davis Pier team over the past year – we’ve appreciated the bright space, office logistics support, easy communication, collaboration on volunteer activities, and overall welcoming and friendly atmosphere. (And the surrounding nature in this unique space can’t be beat!)

Davis Pier

Our Partners

Thank you to our investors, members and supporters.

Connect with us

Would you rather have someone reach out? Fill out the form and Chelsea or Julia will connect with you within 48 hours.

    Are you interested in a tour?

    FAQ

    Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Centre for Better Public Spaces

    I have other questions. Who do I talk to?

    We all, at Evergreen, would be happy to answer your questions but we suggest you start with:
    Our Senior Manager, Outreach & Partnerships, Chelsea Carss: ccarss@evergreen.ca
    Manager, Business Development & Tenancy, Julia Dewolde: jdewolde@evergreen.ca

    Where can I learn more about Evergreen and your mission?

    You can learn all about our programs and projects here or sign up to our newsletter here.

    I‘m curious about what working at Evergreen looks like. Can I have a tour?

    Absolutely! Tours are by appointment. Please submit an inquiry here or reach out to Chelsea Carss, Sr Manager, Outreach & Partnerships ccarss@evergreen.ca or Julia Dewolde, Manager, Business Development & Tenancy jdewolde@evergreen.ca.

    Is there a minimum commitment?

    We ask for a 2-month commitment to settle in, participate in our network services and find your place in our space. Twelve-month commitments offer a discount to your monthly membership fees.

    Agreements do not terminate automatically. You must provide 30-days notice.

    How do I become a member?

    We aim to build a community of innovators and changemakers and would love to speak to you about your goals and needs. APPLY HERE

    What if I want to improve public spaces but don’t need workspace?

    We have the perfect solution for you. Our Founding Partner membership gives access to all resources, network and advisory services which can be delivered online without the workspace.

    Do you have more than one location?

    Currently our coworking space is at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto, but our resources, network services and advisory services are available internationally.

    Where is the Centre for Better Public Spaces located?

    The Centre is a national initiative that is headquartered on the 3rd floor of Evergreen Brick Works. A shared workspace with Evergreen staff.

    See the impact of great Public Space