Table of Contents

1. Content
2. Quick Facts
3. Quotes
4. Additional Resources
5. Media Contacts

TORONTO -The Ontario government is investing $7 million in the Evergreen Brick Works Recovery and Climate Resilience project to protect one of Canada's first large-scale community environmental hubs and top destination for residents and tourists in the heart of Toronto. The project showcases how climate-resilient infrastructure can help protect communities and keep residents safe from floods and other weather events.

"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, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. "Not only will this investment 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."

The funds are being used to upgrade the Children's Garden-an outdoor learning space that hosts more than 10,000 youth annually-along with three restored heritage buildings offering welcome space, Indigenous and ravine programming space, plus improved outdoor commons for safety and public use.

Improvements to these spaces include:

• Innovative stormwater systems including rain gardens and permeable pavement to safely redirect water during heavy rainfall
• Elevated electrical and data infrastructure to prevent flood damages
• Installing solar panels to generate power on-site for community events and reduce pollution
• Accessible seating, new lighting and improved safety features for the garden and amphitheatre

Leveraging its national and provincial networks of innovators, Evergreen will provide best practices and practical lessons to municipalities, city planners, property managers and similar not-for-profit organizations, helping advance innovative, climate-resilient solutions across Ontario.

This project supports the government's plan to protect Ontario by working with municipal and other partners to build resilient, sustainable housing and infrastructure while strengthening local economies through homegrown tourism.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"From supplying the bricks that built Queen's Park to becoming one of Canada's leading urban-environmental hubs, the Brick Works have reflected Ontario's needs across generations. Our investment in the Evergreen Brick Works protects an important site in Ontario's history while securing its future as a place where community, culture and sustainability intersect as a space where new generations of families can enjoy."

- Stan Cho
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming

"Evergreen Brick Works shows us what's possible when we invest in public spaces, places where people can gather, connect, and belong. I applaud the Ontario government for this important investment to repair flood damage, strengthen climate resilience, and protect a space where families, artists, small businesses, and neighbours come together year-round. Together, we are building a more affordable, caring, and safer city for Torontonians."

- Olivia Chow
Mayor of Toronto

"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. We will strengthen critical infrastructure, enhancing nature-based solutions alongside climate technology for cooling, biodiversity, stormwater management and net-zero operations. By doing so, we're not only safeguarding vital community programming for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, but we're also supporting hundreds of Ontario small businesses, artists, and community organizations. We're grateful for the Province of Ontario's partnership in making Evergreen Brick Works a living blueprint for sustainable, climate-ready infrastructure for resilient communities."

- Jen Angel
Chief Executive Officer, Evergreen

Additional Resources