What does it really mean to be innovative? There are a million ways we could attempt to define it, but to us, it means being unafraid to challenge the status quo. However you define it, innovation isn't about speed. Even slow, deliberate progress can have a monumental impact on our communities. In this edition of Evergreen News, we're excited to show you how.

We're diving deep into the world of innovation and how it's the driving force behind creating livable and sustainable communities. Read about innovative projects (like adaptive reuse), learn about forward-thinking trailblazers and find resources to help you initiate change in your community.

Gallery of images of various buildings that have been redeveloped for a new use.

See our favourite adaptive reuse projects
in Canada

In addition to preserving character and history, repurposing existing structures minimizes the environmental impact of tearing down buildings and building new ones from scratch. Even though our favourite example may be Evergreen Brick Works, we love to share other amazing transformations from across the country.

Kids building with blocks outside on urban street

Unlocking new solutions: discovering the world of living labs

Social innovators are trying a new approach to solving social challenges. Living labs are all about testing solutions in real-life environments with community engagement with "end users." We spoke to several Canadian innovators who are using living labs to create meaningful and sustainable change.

Stories we're reading from around the web

• 19 Ways to Prepare Your Yard (and Garden) for Winter: HGTV
• The best urban design projects of 2023: Fast Company
• The City Looks Different When You're Older: New York Times
• Why community sports in public spaces are the ultimate game changer: Evergreen

Introducing new Board Directors

Evergreen's Board of Directors makes critical decisions, helps set our direction and ensures we stay true to our mission. This year we've welcomed several new Board Directors to help us make a positive impact. Click below to learn more.

Learn more

Person stands on stage speaking at conference, while crowds sitting at tables watch

The Evergreen Conference: Making a case for place!

On October 16, the Evergreen Conference gathered urban thought leaders, community members, private and public sector innovators and city builders to explore the importance of public places as cornerstones of inclusive and sustainable communities in Canada. Click below to see more photos and stay tuned for more conference highlights.

See photos

How can public art be made more
sustainable?

In summer 2023, we teamed up with Synthetic Collective, the Centre for Sustainable Curating and The Bentway to start a dialogue about sustainable approaches to public art. This resulted in “A Public (Art) Notice,” a free poster and downloadable guide promoting more environmentally conscious ways to curate, create and produce public art. We see this as the start of a vital conversation for the field.

Read the guide

New episode of the Future Fix podcast

The podcast returns for a 4th season with this French language episode. After a devastating tragedy 10 years ago, Lac-Mégantic rebuilt smarter, more sustainably and with community support. Here's how:

Listen here en Français

woman stands outdoors on a small wooden bridge over a creek

Employee Spotlight

In our Employee Spotlight series, we share the voices and perspectives of the Evergreen team. Next up is our Q&A with Sydney Walter, Development Officer. Sydney talks about the stewardship of our incredible donors and shares the impact of their support.

New jobs posted!

We are looking for skilled, passionate individuals to join our growing team. As Evergreen works to build thriving cities that are livable and green, we are dedicated to developing a workforce that reflects the spaces in which we live and work.

Visit our careers page

In our work creating a healthier future through better public spaces, we come across terms that would be considered jargon in everyday conversations. But, this is difficult when trying to create inclusive places. Learn about our Word of the Month below, and check out our City Builder Glossary for more.

Biomimicry definition: The practice of studying and imitating strategies and processes in nature to solve human challenges, such as those in transportation, architecture and engineering. A well-known example is Velcro, which drew inspiration from the tiny hooks on burr needles.

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See our favourite adaptive reuse projectsin Canada