Don Valley Brickworks
Don Valley Brickworks is a former quarry and brick plant turned into parkland situated in the Don River Valley
The site of Don Valley Brickworks was once a source of high quality clay ideal for producing top quality bricks. Beginning in 1989 a quarry was developed to obtain clay and a plant and kilns were set up adjacent to the quarry to produce bricks which where used in the construction of many of Toronto's landmark buildings. At its peak the company was producing approximately 25,000,000 bricks every year.
Eventually the clay and slate were used up. In 1994 reclamation of the site began. The quarry was filled and landscaped. Three ponds were created along with a meadow and forest. Wildflowers, shrubs and native trees were planted around the ponds. In 1997 the reclaimed site was opened to the public. Since that time many species of wildlife have inhabited the site and fish have entered into the ponds from the Don River. The natural environment and old buildings all set into a valley make this an interesting place to explore and photograph.
A non-profit organization called Evergreen Brick Works has taken over responsibility for the old buildings on the site with plans to convert them into a cultural and educational centre which has a planned opening for May 2010. For additional information about the Don Valley Brickworks see the Official Website: Don Valley Brick Works.
