evergreen brick works

Evergreen Brick Works closes and cancels events after extreme flooding in Toronto

Evergreen Brick Works, one of Toronto's most popular venues for events, education and weekly farmers' markets, is suffering major flooding in the wake of July 16's epic rainfall.

When the record-breaking nearly 100 mm of rainfall washed over Toronto and the GTA on Tuesday, many a resident quickly became concerned about the risk of flooding in the city.

As time would prove, they had every right to be.

From scenes of rushing water cascading down the steps at Union Station to videos of people kayaking and fishing on city streets, places all over the city became — and, at the time of publication, continue to be — under water.

Evergreen Brick Works is one such place.

Located just off the now severely oversized Don River and at the base of a ravine, the nature reserve and event venue was the perfect victim for rising water levels to collect — prompting Evergreen Brick Works to evacuate their visitors and staff on Tuesday, remaining closed on Wednesday, July 17.

Evergreen Brick Works was unable to provide comment for this story, unsurprisingly tied up with clean up and repair efforts, but some images have emerged showing the severe extent of the flooding.

An image posted to X by Mayor Olivia Chow shows emergency workers paddling a boat along what is typically a driveway connecting the venue's two parking lots, with water reaching nearly the license plate of a car parked — rather unfortunately — behind them.

As staff works to repair what is surely considerable damage to the Brick Works' buildings and natural spaces, they've also cancelled a number of upcoming events — such as their free outdoor movie screening and outdoor eats food pop-up, both set to take place on Thursday, July 18.

A notice on their Instagram warns potential visitors to stay away from the area for the time being, confirming that all events are cancelled until further notice.

It remains to be determined whether weekend events, like the Saturday farmers' market and Sunday artisan and vintage markets will be able to go off without a hitch, but Evergreen Brick Works urges visitors to stay tuned to their Instagram for the latest updates.

Lead photo by

Mayor Olivia Chow


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