Here we are, just days from the official start of winter. The sun now sets at 4:30pm, sidewalks turn into ice rinks overnight and endless layers of clothing take forever to put on. It can be tempting to just stay inside.
So how can winter possibly be our favourite season? Because we know the secret...
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You have to find outdoor spaces that bring you joy! Winter in Canadian cities can still mean nature, activities and connection. It also means making memories with the ones we love.
In this month's edition of Evergreen News, we’re inviting you to embrace the cold and support our work in building places that make it easier to get outside, slow down and reconnect this season. Read on for stories, events and resources to help you ring in the new year outdoors.
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As December winds down, we find ourselves in that familiar holiday haze — caught somewhere between work and vacation, losing track of days and already looking ahead to 2025. But it’s also the perfect time to reflect on all that 2024 brought — the highs, the lows and everything in between.
This year we celebrated, connected and cared about our community. Luckily, we caught so many of these moments through a camera lens. Click the link below to see a collection of the moments that stand out from 2024. |
Movies say snowmen can come to life — skip Frosty and try these 5 builds instead! |
When the season’s first big snowfall blankets the ground, it’s tempting to grab a carrot, some buttons and a scarf, and get to work on a classic snowman. It's all fun and games... until your snow person comes to life! We say: why risk it? Whether it’s in your yard or the public park, level up your snow creations with wild winter creatures, castles and snow selfies. |
What's it like to get outdoors in the winter? We asked a youth skating lesson participant
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"I've improved so much, and my lessons have taught me how to fall properly, how to get up, how to turn and how to feel more safer on my skates!"
- Alizia, age 7, Youth Skating Lesson Participant. Watch the video to see the whole interview!
Your support creates opportunities for kids like Alizia to get outdoors, learn new skills, connect with peers and make lasting memories. Programs like Skating Lessons, March Break Camp and School Visits at the Brick Works are only possible because of supporters like you.
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These are the plants that are thriving in the cold at Evergreen Brick Works |
Does it feel like nature fades away in the winter? Good news: nature doesn’t hibernate! Join us at the Brick Works to see if you can you find Wild Grape, Staghorn Sumac and others. Click below and follow our clues to uncover them all! |
10 fun and easy outdoor winter activities for kids |
Winter break doesn’t have to mean a break from the great outdoors. This year, get ready to embrace the season with a flurry of engaging activities that turn the frosty landscape into our playground.
From tracking animal prints to outdoor crafts, there are many ways for kids to get outside and play when there is snow on the ground. We asked Evergreen’s Outdoor Educators to share 10 of their favourite winter activities to help young and old get outdoors this season. |
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Other stories we're reading this month 📰
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Looking for more last minute gift ideas?
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There are so many ways to give sustainably this season. While the best gift is connecting with loved ones, you can also make a meaningful impact through thoughtful, eco-conscious giving.
Toronto experienced record-breaking rainfall this summer, causing flash flooding across the city — and Evergreen Brick Works was hit hard. Recovering from the flood requires significant resources, and that’s where you can help. When you shop our Gift Catalogue, you’re supporting our recovery by helping us replace essential items lost in the flood. It’s a gift that truly gives back. |
Looking for something unique? Visit the Evergreen Garden Market at the Brick Works for sustainable goods made by local, small-batch creators, artisans and craftspeople. It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts that support community and sustainability. |
New episode of The Future Fix podcast
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For a large North American city, Toronto is surprisingly rich in biodiversity. And its natural assets are getting noticed internationally— Toronto was recently named a “role model city” by the United Nations Environment Programme. To find out what the city can teach others across the world about fostering and protecting their urban ecosystems, we speak to Kim Statham, director of Toronto Urban Forestry, and Wendy Strickland, project manager for the Toronto Ravine Strategy. |
Evergreen Brick Works Skating Rink opening soon!
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The outdoor skating rink weaves through snow-covered gardens under exposed beams from the roof of the old brick factory. There’s truly no other skating rink like it in the city. Whether you’re skating with your family, meeting up with a friend or connecting with a stranger, this program is the perfect opportunity to get outside, get active and connect with community during the winter season. Weather permitting, our public skating will reopen for the season Dec. 21. |
Looking for more things to do at the Brick Works? The last Winter Market takes place Dec. 22; the Farmers Market continues indoors every week; or take a deeper dive into the story of Evergreen Brick Works with a free history tour every Saturday.
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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. See open positions |
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Our Staff Spotlight series shines a light on the voices and perspectives of the incredible Evergreen team. Meet Pamela Wilson, Manager of Evergreen Brick Works Partnerships and Program Sales!
We’ve been lucky enough to benefit from Pamela’s strategic direction for the past eight years. She shares a few fun facts and advice for those interested in building partnerships that benefit organizations and communities. |
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