
The absolute gem that is Evergreen Brickworks has continued to thrive offering meaningful and innovative programs as well as quiet contemplation amid challenging times.
I had the privilege recently of volunteering in the outdoor garden market selling Christmas trees, and no, it is not possible to get enough of that divine coniferous aroma!
Climate champs
With an ever-important focus on sustainable cities, Evergreen Brickworks continues to embrace innovative solutions to the ongoing climate crisis. As a self-confessed green nerd myself, I was excited to learn about Evergreen’s Community Solutions Network, which works to prepare communities with climate friendly technology tools through in-person and virtual innovation workshops.
Canada’s first Climate Ready school, Irma Coulson Public School, opened in 2022 in Milton, utilizing Evergreen’s Climate Ready Schools program in partnership with the Halton District School Board. Modeled on a Berlin Sponge School Project, this pilot school was transformed into a vibrant and diverse green space for outdoor learning with student ideas incorporated into the design, fostering a sense of inclusion.
This summer I was able to catch The Goats in the City initiative to combat invasive plant species at Evergreen Brickworks. In collaboration with the City of Toronto, this pilot project involved releasing a large herd of goats to a portion of the green space for ‘prescribed grazing’ over a three-day period. It was quite a sight watching these animals busily munching away, oblivious to the virtuous aspect of their visit.

Reuse advocates
I found out firsthand about Evergreen’s Reuse program while attending the farmers’ market last summer. Ordering a coffee, I had the option to purchase a reusable stainless-steel cup and return the cup immediately for a refund, thereby costing nothing and producing no waste! I was so taken with the simple design I ended up keeping the cup. Plates and cutlery are also part of the reuse program, with containers for discarding used items. This important initiative saved 147,794 disposable items or 3,883.3 lbs. of single-use trash. The idea began with the notion of treating the farmers’ market like a restaurant, offering reusable plates, cups, and cutlery instead of disposables, and has led to supporting sustainable practices across everything from markets to festivals at Evergreen Brick Works.
Community outreach
As a community outreach measure, Space for Grief, an internationally recognized public art installation that explores community bonding and healing through grief, was featured for a second year at Evergreen Brickworks in November. With multiple interactive areas, this carefully designed exhibit led visitors on a personal and contemplative journey to a deeper exploration of their grief. Full disclosure, as an addiction counsellor, I was able to refer my clients to this unique therapeutic experience.
Green maintenance
With its large expanse of green space, the former brick quarry now equipped with trails, Evergreen Brickworks is doggie heaven, but off leash pooches have proven destructive, I’ve heard. Staff person Chantal told me that she has seen dogs in the ponds close to nesting turtles. “These are rare turtles that are completely vulnerable to this type of needless destruction.”
The trails and green space at Evergreen are owned and managed by the City of Toronto, which does have a bylaw mandating that dogs must be leashed, but it is often ignored.
Outdoor farmers’ market
The glorious outdoor farmers’ market at Evergreen Brickworks is truly a feast for the senses. Years ago, on an accompanied Evergreen Brickworks fall market tour with local chef Bonnie Stern, I learned of the notable not-to-be-missed stalls including St John’s Bakery and Cookstown Greens. Yes, this market can seem pricy but there are clear benefits to frequenting farmers’ markets including reducing food kilometres, producing less waste, and employing vendors with sustainable farming practices. I was happy to see in the indoor farmers’ market (November to March), busy and vibrant as ever!
Winter also brings the outdoor skating rink with pay what you can rentals and Saturday night DJ Skates through January and February.
Unfortunately, Evergreen continues to feel the effects of last July’s devastating and destructive floods. Before and after photo collages are exhibited around Evergreen asking for donations to assist with the recovery efforts. In one photo, City workers are pictured paddling a dinghy in the flooded waters, assessing the damage. I was also astonished to see a waist high water marker outside the café post-storm.
With its enterprising and energizing plans, Evergreen Brickworks provides a much-needed injection of hope for a more sustainable world for all. A full list of events and info can be found at www.evergreen.ca.
This article was guest contributed by Susan Poaps.