Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announced that The federal government is investing nearly $2.4 million for renovations at the Evergreen Brick Works towards energy efficiency and sustainability. “As the local MP, I know how important the Brickworks is for so many people, for so many families here in Toronto,” Freeland said, adding that she hopes the announcement will be an invitation for more local residents to “come and hang out.”

The TD Futures Cities Centre at Evergreen Brick Works, a popular community space in Toronto, is getting a major makeover thanks to a significant federal investment. The project will not only enhance the facility's sustainability but also create a new educational and cultural hub for the city. This project, which will see its completion in 2025, aims to transform the former factory into a vibrant center for community engagement and learning while reducing its environmental footprint.

A Sustainable Future for Evergreen Brick Works

The renovations will see the implementation of cutting-edge green technologies to improve the facility's climate resilience and energy efficiency. This includes the installation of a new rooftop solar-thermal array that will work in tandem with the existing geothermal infrastructure to power the building sustainably. These improvements are expected to significantly reduce the facility's energy consumption by 77.7% and its annual greenhouse gas emissions by a substantial 1,572 tonnes.

A New Community Hub

Beyond its commitment to sustainability, the project will also transform the Brick Works into a more inclusive and accessible community space. A new community studio and exhibition space will be created, fostering creativity and artistic expression within the community. This new space will offer a platform for local artists and organizations to showcase their work and connect with the wider community, fostering a vibrant cultural scene.

Federal Support for Sustainable Communities

The funding for the Evergreen Brick Works project comes from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program, a key initiative launched by the federal government in 2021 with a significant investment of $1.5 billion over five years. The program aims to support the development of sustainable and inclusive community spaces across Canada. The recent Budget 2024 allocated an additional $500 million to the program, extending its support until 2029.

A Boost for Small and Large Projects

The GICB program has been actively supporting retrofit projects of varying scales. Since August 1, the program has been accepting applications for small and medium retrofit projects with eligible costs ranging from $100,000 to $2,999,999. The program also plans to open a second intake on September 4 for larger retrofit projects and new builds with eligible costs ranging from $3 million to $25 million. Eligible applicants include provincial, territorial, and local governments, not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations, as well as unsuccessful applicants from previous intakes.

A Step Towards a Greener Toronto

The investment in the Evergreen Brick Works exemplifies the federal government's commitment to building more inclusive and sustainable communities across Canada. The project represents a significant step towards a greener future for Toronto, where energy efficiency and community engagement go hand in hand. The newly renovated Brick Works promises to be a beacon of sustainability and a dynamic hub for the community, showcasing the power of innovation and collaboration in creating a more sustainable and vibrant future.

Embracing a Sustainable Future

The federal government's investment in the Evergreen Brick Works project demonstrates a clear commitment to building more inclusive and sustainable communities. The project's focus on energy efficiency and the creation of a new community hub highlight the government's commitment to prioritizing both environmental sustainability and community engagement. With the implementation of cutting-edge green technologies and the creation of a new community studio and exhibition space, the Brick Works is poised to become a model for sustainable development and community engagement, setting a precedent for other communities across Canada to follow.