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| Kiln Brick |
The forecast had called for rain all weekend. After postponing plans on Saturday for the impending downpour, which never arrived Sunday was not to be neglected. A brunch, 20-minute stroll and a free bus ride later brought us to the grand opening of Evergreen Brick Works. Over 30 years in the making this heritage site has officially opened it’s doors. Showcasing a variety of venues, outdoor activities and community events, this off the trail city destination is giving life to the lower Don Lands.
For almost a century the original infrastructure fired out over 43 million bricks in its lifetime – Casa Loma, old City hall and thousands of homes. Retired in 1989, the city and the province both agreed that this historic location needed to be revitalized and enjoyed by the public. The quarry in particular was recognized by as an Area of Natural and Scientific interest. The 90’s raised $6 million to regenerate this acreage to a more natural state, opening to the public in 1996. Hiking trails snake throughout the site offering lots of picturesque views of the Don Lands ablaze in Fall’s colourage.
Strolling the grounds, the collective of friends, families and community ooze from each corner you turn. Drums beats echoed through the open-air pavilion shared by the Evergreen Gardens. Corn roasts away as volunteers tantalize visitor’s taste buds. This tree-hugging mecca offers bike rentals, workshops, a Saturday morning farmer’s market and Sunday morning yoga classes. Outward Bound Canada has created a climbing tower and active challenge space, art exhibits are showcased in the Kilns and historic brick-works artefacts are preserved throughout the venues.
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| Diamond + Schmitt - Centre for Green Cities |
With all this being said, the big reason I wanted to check out this green gem was the rumour of a LEED Platinum building. Currently only 14 projects have achieve this level in Canada, scoring points in all 5 categories of sustainable performance:
§ Sustainable site development
§ Water efficiency
§ Energy efficiency
§ Material selection
§ Indoor environmental quality
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| D+S Ariel view of the Site |
While still unofficial, this forecasted achievement will be shared in Toronto by only one other building, the Knoll Showroom. However in Canada, this project named the Centre for Green Cities will be the only Platinum LEED heritage site. In researching this building’s development, I was and was not surprised to learn that is was designed by Diamond + Schmitt. You may recognize their work with such buildings as the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Corus Quay Building, Toronto Central YMCA and the up and coming One Cole – Regent Park Revitalization (which is another blog in it’s self, promise).
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| The Kilns |
Centre for Green Cities highlights include a 65% reduction in overall fossil-fuel energy. Operable windows, solar chimneys, energy harvesting, solar thermal hot water heating and solar photovoltaic electricity generation to help subsidize. Water conservation will include collecting water, reducing stormwater runoff and improving the quality of stormwater effluent. A minimum of 20% materials will be sourced locally including manufacturing; a 100% of the wood used is sustainably harvested. A zero-waste to landfill plan entails on-site composting, diversion of recyclables from dumps and closed-loop supply chains. Plus a soon to be green roof is in the (brick)works, can a get a woo-hoo here?? WOO-HOO!
I had attempted to summarize what this place was all about in an effort to entice a less than convinced boyfriend to join my excursion. At a slight loss of words I opted for “It’ll be a surprise” and “one you’ll like, I promise”. A little uncertain as we both worked on navigating our route of travel to the area, it turned out to be a perfect Sunday afternoon in the city…or should I say nature?! Still feels a bit odd when you can see the beads of cars roaring along the DVP from the parking lot. However we both walked away content…luckily grand opening came accompanied by yummy oatmeal pumpkin cookies, a platter of charcuterie, wine and spirits au gratis. Evergreen Brick Works is a fresh addition to Toronto’s repertoire of cool places to check-out. I can’t pinpoint one category of activity as it literally has encompassed a handful, park, museum, café, art gallery. The Centre for Green Cities was not quite completed on our visit but I look forward to heading back for it’s own grand opening. Whether you’re looking to kill an afternoon or find a place for the kids to run around for a while, this is a top notch destination. I’m super excited for the ice-rink instore come winter time….althought not so much for winter.
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| Arts Pavillion |
Hopefully, I’ll see you there next Saturday for some local grub and a stroll through the panorama quarry.
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| Lobby of the Centre for Green Cities |
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| Outdoor Garden Space, Ice rink planned for the winter |
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