The Government of Canada is investing $6.5 million in the revitalization of the Kiln Building at Evergreen Brick Works, a Toronto landmark that is located on a former industrial site and quarry in the lower Don Valley.

The funding is being made through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, and will support the transformation of the Kiln Building into a sustainable venue for cultural programming. The renewed heritage building will also feature artist studios and meeting spaces, as well as enhanced public art installations.

“Evergreen’s Kiln Building redevelopment celebrates the industrial, cultural and natural heritage of the site and, once completed, will greatly expand and enhance the arts and culture production, presentation and exhibit spaces at Evergreen Brick Works,” said Geoffrey Cape, CEO of Evergreen, in a press release. “The centre will be a global hub where the public can convene, learn and share ideas to help build flourishing cities of the future together.”

Evergreen was incorporated in 1991 as a not-for-profit organization with operations based at the Brick Works. The organization promotes ecological awareness and urbanism through its interpretation of the site, which has become host to cultural, arts and heritage activities, and welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually.