Years ago my weekends were peppered with city-dweller activities: markets, neighbour explorations, festivals and art appreciation but then a string of pregnancies and little babies kept me nestled (chained) in my neighbourhood bubble venturing only outside to visit the zoo. My youngest is now almost 4 (I still can’t believe it!) and for the past year, we’ve really been able to enjoy the city and all that it has to offer without the stress of strollers, naps and diapers.
It’s a whole new world!
Recently we explored an urban oasis: Evergreen Brick Works.
The Brick Works, as locals affectionately call it, was the Don Valley Brick Works from 1889 to 1984 and many of Canada’s preeminent buildings are constructed of bricks made from this site. From 1984 until the early 2000s, the Brick Works deteriorated. Piles of rubble and crumbling buildings are what most people saw when they drove past along Bayview Avenue, with the exception of a group of creative innovators who saw the potential to transform the site into a not-for-profit destination celebrating nature, culture and community.
The old buildings mesmerized the boys. They imagined themselves heating clay in the giant kilns to make bricks. They saw the old tracks used to transport the tons of coal from the various buildings. We talked about the working conditions: how loud it must have been and oppressively hot from the steam, the kilns (and the humid Toronto summers) and how it probably wasn’t that safe in the early years.
Exploring the kiln building was a favourite but not only because of its historical significance. The walls are lined with an evocative gallery displaying artistic photography and, perhaps the highlight for me; it is where The Sustainable City installation is currently on display. City school teams have imagined and created a future Toronto that encompasses the core values of Evergreen: nature, community and culture. Not only are the projects incredible but also they are inspiring! To think that our city is home to such innovators . . . lucky for us!
There is a lot to see and do at the Brick Works. Every day people explore the extensive trails where local wildlife abounds!
The weekdays are quieter but the weekends are chock-full of activities including an impressive farmer’s market, pottery demonstrations, bike rentals, a flea market and the children’s garden. The Brick Works hosts seminars on the weekends that appeal to bikers, gardeners, wild life enthusiasts and artists.
Wednesday evenings (from July 2- August 6) enjoy pizza from Pizzeria Libretto from the outdoor wood-fired oven (to.die.for.) and a small seasonal salad for $3.
It’s summer and there is no shortage of activities in Toronto. There is a reason it’s called The Living City, so get out there and live!
4 Mothers 
This place looks fascinating. I hope I get chance to visit one day. Thanks for sharing:)
It really is fascinating! I am a history buff and budding eco-warrior so it didn’t disappoint. I also loved how “free” my boys felt to explore and be so immersed in nature without leaving the city.
I also love history and how what happened in the past influenced how things are today. This place links past and future in a caring and beautiful way.
I loved hearing about Toronto, as my sister lives across the lake near Youngstown, NY, and I have only seen it from afar, through the mist on good weather days. I especially enjoyed reading about what your boys enjoyed. They sound like an imaginative and creative lot!
Your words warmed my heart – thank you! I hope you have a chance to explore the city one day because it really is a beautiful place with so much to offer.