What does a ramshackle, graffiti-covered former brick factory have to do with food?
If you live in Toronto, you’ve probably heard of Evergreen Brick Works. And judging by the crowds who packed the place last Saturday morning, this Toronto spot, which was established 20 years ago, is far from a secret.
But it was my first visit to this urban renewal project turned environmental education center, whose mission is to bring nature into the city. And at least part of that mission is to promote local food.
For more than 100 years, the former Don Valley Brick Works made the bricks that built Toronto. Many of the city’s notable buildings, from Old City Hall to Massey Hall, were built with Don Valley bricks.
In 1986, the Brick Works shut down, and this complex of 16 buildings fell into disrepair. Graffiti artists began using its huge brick walls as their canvases, and performance artists held underground raves in the abandoned factory.
The site took on a new identity in 1991 with the launch of Evergreen Brick Works. Since then, the center has started a variety of “green” programs, on local food, green design, cycling and alternative transportation, and a host of environmental issues.
A highlight, particularly during this harvest season, is the large Saturday morning Farmer’s Market.
Vendors like Vicki’s Veggies from Prince Edward County and Monforte Cheeses from Stratford sell local produce, cheeses, honey, jams, maple syrup, baked goods, and a variety of prepared foods.
Family-friendly hiking trails wend through the adjacent hills…
…a garden center and a “living wall” illustrate green design…
…and there’s even a Bike Works that will tune up your bicycle — and teach you how to maintain it yourself.
Sure, the whole place can feel rather earnest and over-eager, but that’s OK. It’s like a little kid with a big heart who just wants to make the world a tiny bit better.
And there’s nothing wrong with that.
If you go…
Evergreen Brick Works is located at 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, 416-596-1495. If you’re coming by public transit, which the center strongly encourages, take the subway to Broadview Station (Bloor-Danforth line), where you can catch Evergreen’s free shuttle bus.
[mrlinky owner=wanderfood postid=12Oct2011 meme=2888]
Photo credits:
All photos © Carolyn B. Heller