TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $7 million to help protect Evergreen Brick Works from extreme weather and strengthen the site’s role as a major Toronto tourism and community destination, as the province highlights climate-resilient infrastructure as a growing economic and public safety priority.
The funding will support the Evergreen Brick Works Recovery and Climate Resilience project, aimed at upgrading key public spaces and critical infrastructure at the Don Valley site, which has become one of Canada’s first large-scale community environmental hubs. The province says the project is intended not only to repair damage and reduce future risk, but also to provide lessons that can be replicated across Ontario.
“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.”
Evergreen Brick Works, located in Toronto’s ravine system, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and supports more than 100 small businesses and farmers through markets and programming. The site has also become a key venue for public events and environmental education, drawing residents and tourists year-round.
The new provincial investment comes after a record-breaking storm in summer 2024 that dropped 100 millimetres of rain in two hours, flooding the Brick Works under five feet of water and causing extensive damage to the facility and surrounding parkland. The province’s announcement frames the upgrades as a response to increasingly frequent and severe weather events, with flooding presenting a major risk to public infrastructure in urban areas.
The funding will be 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. Those buildings include a welcome space, Indigenous and ravine programming space, and improved outdoor commons designed to enhance safety and public use.
Planned improvements include a mix of nature-based and technology-driven infrastructure designed to reduce flood impacts and improve energy resilience. That includes innovative stormwater systems such as rain gardens and permeable pavement to redirect water during heavy rainfall, as well as elevated electrical and data infrastructure intended to prevent damage during flood conditions.
The project also includes installing solar panels to generate power on-site for community events and reduce pollution, along with accessible seating, new lighting and safety features for the garden and amphitheatre.
Ontario’s tourism minister positioned the Brick Works as both a historic landmark and an economic asset, noting its evolution from industrial use to a modern environmental and cultural hub.
“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,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said the project aligns with broader goals around affordability, public safety and maintaining community spaces that serve a wide range of users.
“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,” Chow said.
Evergreen’s leadership said the project will focus on strengthening critical systems while maintaining the site’s role as a major destination for visitors and a platform for Ontario-based entrepreneurs and community organizations.
“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,” said Jen Angel, Chief Executive Officer, Evergreen.
Beyond the site-specific upgrades, the province said Evergreen will leverage its national and provincial networks to share best practices with municipalities, city planners, property managers and not-for-profit organizations. The goal is to help accelerate adoption of climate-resilient approaches across Ontario, particularly in areas facing heightened flood risk.
The government framed the investment as part of its broader 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.
