Touring Toronto’s Evergreen Brick Works LATE LAST YEAR, TCA INVITED STAFF, ASSOCIATION MEMBERS, and partners for a tour of Toronto’s Ever- green Brick Works. The November 14 event was organized by TCA’s Environ- ment Committee to provide an up-close look at a heritage site that has become a showcase for sustainable urban design. “The committee had held a seminar in October on the topic of ‘Brownfield and Excess Soils in Ontario’ and wanted to visit a site as a follow-up to gather more information and learn about some of the challenges and benefits of redeveloping such sites,” says Vishawn Thompson, communications coordinator with TCA. “The tour was geared towards sustain- ability with the aim to learn more about the brownfield mitigation efforts at Ever- green as well as their sustainable cities.” The Evergreen non-profit organiza- tion has spent over the last two decades revitalizing the former quarry and TCA TOUR industrial site, located in the city’s Don River Valley. In 2010, it first opened its doors to the Brick Works, which it describes as a “demonstration hub where the world can experience sustainable practices that enable flourishing cities of the future.” Today, the heritage site is home to educa- tion programs, children’s camps, art exhibits, a farmers’ market, skating rink, abundant outdoor spaces, and active living activities. Twenty-five participants joined TCA for the hour-long tour. It included a closer look at the site’s buildings as well as a discussion on its history and trans- formation into one of the city’s most iconic public spaces. “We believe that the members who attended walked away more inspired to lead change in developing sustainable cities,” says Thompson. BY MATTHEW BRADFORD 26 | Builders' Digest Quarter 4 2018