Today in Toronto, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced a joint investment of $2.8 million to retrofit Evergreen Brick Works and ensure it continues being an important community recreation hub for generations of Torontonians to come.
This joint investment in Evergreen Brick Works includes nearly $2 million from the federal government and about $800,000 from Evergreen-a national non-profit incorporated in 1991 dedicated to creating healthy environments-which will help improve the 8,000-square-foot heritage building's energy efficiency, enhance ravine access, and create new dedicated spaces for Indigenous and youth programming.
Located in the heart of Toronto's ravine system, the Brick Works is a former industrial brick factory that Evergreen transformed in 2010 into Canada's first large scale community environmental centre, which has since become an internationally renowned showcase of green design. Once improvements are completed in 2025, Evergreen Brick Works will be able to offer even more open and accessible programming and amenities to its more than 500,000 annual visitors.
Renovations will improve energy efficiency by upgrading the facility's HVAC system, building controls, windows, doors, roof, and floors, generating significant energy savings. These improvements are expected to reduce the facility's energy consumption by an estimated 58.1 per cent and decrease its greenhouse gas emissions by 14.2 tonnes annually. Annual energy cost reductions will allow Evergreen to direct more funding towards enhanced programming for Torontonians.
These investments will ensure Evergreen Brick Works continues to be an important community recreation centre in the heart of Toronto's ravine system, while protecting the environment and reducing emissions to the benefit of all Canadians.
