Don Valley Brick Works

The Don Valley Brickwork's history dates as far back as 1882, when the Taylor brothers found that the clay soil located in this bush was ideal for making bricks.

It was the longest running business of its kind in Ontario, and offered more products than any of its competitors.

This picture is dated 1891.

Their bricks were used to build such edifices as Massey Hall, T.G.H., and the Ontario Legislature, to name a few.



Over time, four chimneys were built for the wood and coal down-draft kilns.

The words "Don", "Valley", "Brick" and "Works" were spelled out on these chimneys.

When the plant closed in 1984, it had produced over 43 million bricks.

To-day only the "Valley" stack remains.



The area is now being restored as a park and heritage site. You can visit the site of the Evergreen Brick Works here.

The quarry is one of the few places in Toronto where the geological history is visible.
A wetland has been created in this area, along with a boardwalk.




Besides cycling and walking paths in the valley, there is now a market place for folks to enjoy.