Toronto is a rapidly changing city, and among all the construction and improvements, our green initiatives can get lost. One of the most significant efforts comes from Evergreen Brickworks. Though you probably know it as an event space, their team has been consistently hustling to solve the problem of urban sustainability for all of us.
We believe we can solve even the most pressing urban environmental issues by bringing diverse people together, inspiring them with possibilities and engaging them in identifying solutions and taking action. The need has never been more urgent. – Evergreen Brickworks
Though all of Evergreen’s initiatives strive for the greater good, they focus their efforts in four key areas.
CityWorks
This arm of Evergreen focuses on creating sustainable, liveable cities. It’s estimated that in ten years, the population of the GTA and Hamilton will be over 9 million. In the intervening years, we’ll have to build new housing and infrastructure capable of supporting our booming population. CityWorks is a think tank and lobby group that creates alternatives to traditional city planning and brings awareness to them. If urban planning solutions and transportation interests you, check out We Are Cities, their nationwide idea-generating campaign writing the next chapter of Canadian cities.
With aging infrastructure and a booming population, transportation has quickly become an issue every Torontonian has an opinion on – and for good reason! Harnessing the power of conversation has made public transit and gridlock front-burner issues in City Hall – but Evergreen believes conversation can help create a solution, not just highlight a problem. Enter Move The GTHA, a conversation hub for public and private organizations interested in solving this problem together. Check out their work or pledge your support!
Children
Evergreen’s childrens programs aim to bring the great outdoors to urban kids. With the belief that understanding nature will create more confident and empathetic people, Evergreen encourages the greenification of playgrounds, creating new projects like the Watershed Champions for kids to participate in, and holding affordable day camps so every kid can get a taste of the outdoors. Urban greenspace is definitely in short supply, so if you believe Toronto’s kids should get outside a bit more often, see how you can help.
Greenspace
The great outdoors doesn’t just benefit kids – everyone in a city benefits when there’s more fresh air and open space. Part of the magic of Evergreen Brickworks is experiencing the almost undisturbed nature in the middle of a city – and we agree that recreating this experience all over Toronto can only mean good things for all of us. Evergreen uses a variety of programs to encourage this, including urban gardening, farmer’s markets, and larger initiatives like the Lower Don Project.
More than 250,000 people live in the Don Watershed, and it’s growing more quickly than ever. They’ve added new and enhanced trails, revitalized neglected green spaces, added public art, gateways and access routes, as well as creating an educational program to reintroduce people to Toronto’s expansive ravine system.
Food
Ontarians are lucky to live in a naturally fertile region – local produce and meat abounds most of the year. However, with faster and cheaper foreign options flooding our market, it’s more important than ever to support local farmers and keep our food production right here at home. Evergreen Brickworks’ Toronto farmer’s market is year round, and has added more than $3.5 million to our economy, all of which goes back into supporting Ontario’s farmers. They also offer classes on growing your own food and how to cook with local groceries, which makes fresh and affordable eating accessible to even more people. If you have a passion for local and sustainable eating, check out their food programs for meaningful ways to get involved.
Evergreen Brickworks may serve the GTA exclusively, but Evergreen’s initiatives have outposts all across Canada. This network has the ability to affect change in many areas of our lives and wellbeing, which makes Evergreen a crown jewel in Toronto’s plan for a greener tomorrow.
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