In addition to restoring 15 derelict buildings at the brickyards, Evergreen plans to create a viable community facility that appreciates the heritage and natural assets of the 116-year-old site, Cape said in an earlier interview.
EVERGREEN AT THE BRICK WORKS
Source:
www.evergreen.ca
What will you find at The Brickworks?
THE DISCOVERY CENTRE As the largest new structure on site, the family-friendly Discovery Centre will be an elegant and exciting space that will act as a point of arrival and orientation. Colourful tactile displays will describe the history of the site and its importance to Toronto. Starting with the local past and moving towards the global future, visitors will learn through interpretive displays about geology, industrial heritage, ecology, urbanization and how all of these subjects come together as we rethink the future of our cities. The Discovery Centre will be a unique destination for asking challenging questions and working together to find solutions.
DEMONSTRATION GARDENS Allowing Evergreen to reach a wider audience than ever before, the demonstration gardens will showcase the latest innovations in school ground greening, restoration projects on public lands and the pesticide-free landscaping of residential properties. Children and youth groups will participate in planting native species and growing organic food, helping them to better understand where food comes from, healthy eating and the impact we can have on our local ecosystems. Engaging visitors in Evergreen’s urban greening programs will create a culture of environmental stewardship that can be replicated in cities around the world.
NATIVE PLANT NURSERY Inspired by the demonstration gardens, visitors will find a selection of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, heritage vegetables and berry bushes for sale at the Native Plant Nursery. Tips for getting started on your own naturalized or organic food garden will be readily available. In collaboration with the YMCA, the nursery will offer youth-at-risk jobs and skills training. Revenue from the nursery will contribute to the ongoing maintenance of the site.
GATEWAY TO THE RAVINE SYSTEM Every city has its treasures, the cultural and natural landmarks that define a place and give it meaning. The Brick Works will be the jewel in the necklace of restored parks along the Don River, connecting the headwaters to the waterfront. The Brick Works Trail Centre will demystify Toronto’s ravine systems and open them to one and all.
FOUR SEASONS OF OUTDOOR FUN The breath-taking parklands contain 4 kilometres of walking trails, natural wetlands and wildflower meadows. In the winter, the Brick Works will have three outdoor skating rinks, and all the exhilaration and authenticity that skating in the great Canadian outdoors can bring.
A NEW APPROACH TO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The Brick Works is an innovative project is that will deliver on three bottom lines: economic, environmental and social. The business model for the Brick Works has been developed to achieve a goal of cost recovery by year two. The revenue streams will be diverse (ranging from rent to the sale of native plants) and expenses will be tightly controlled. As a provisional measure, an endowment will be put in place to ensure financial sustainability.
THE LATEST IN GREEN DESIGN From the gardens to the parking lots, green design will be incorporated into all aspects of the site. Through interactive displays that show real examples of green roofs, photovoltaic panels, biomass heating, living walls, naturalized landscapes and more, visitors will take away the knowledge and inspiration to incorporate green design into their own homes and workplaces.
PROGRAMMING SPACE FOR SUSTAINABLE ORGANIZATIONS Evergreen’s national headquarters will be the anchor tenant in a space that is dedicated to social, environmental and economic sustainability. Evergreen will be joined by other socially-responsible organizations, whose coming together will create new opportunities for collaboration and efficiency. All tenants will sign a values charter that defines a shared vision of inspiring social change by demonstrating leadership and innovation. Rental income from programming space will contribute to the on-going maintenance of the site.
A REFRESHING FOOD EXPERIENCE The Brick Works will offer food and beverage services that integrate with the values and ethics of the site. The organic restaurant will incorporate herbs and produce from the adjacent gardens into their menu. The family-friendly cafe will emphasize fresh, healthy alternatives to fast food at affordable prices. The Organic Farmer’s Market will be a shopping destination for locally-grown produce, environmentally-friendly products and fair-trade goods such as coffee and chocolate.
SOPHISTICATED AND CULTURAL SPACES For events, theatre, art exhibitions, film, conferences, music and weddings