Ahmed’s Unofficial RailsWorld Guide to Toronto - Where did all the bricks go?
Hello RailsWorld!
You may have heard, there's an awesome event for Rails developers this summer. We're just a few months away from the second RailsWorld, the self-described “avant-garde conference for developers excited about building tools, projects and all things Rails technologies.” Being put on by the dudes at Rails Foundation.
RailsWorld promises to be an offbeat conference organized by the offbeat people at Rails Foundation, an offbeat organization helps Rails community, with offbeat speakers (sadly I’m not one of them, but I will be there) making some offbeat presentations, showing offbeat code, which will be followed by offbeat evening events.
Not only is it the second outing for RailsWorld, but Rails is also celebrating its 21st birthday 🥳—that's right, Rails is now officially an adult, licensed to code with even more flair and maturity.
What a journey from the cool new kid on the block, to "is Rails dead?!", to a reliable old friend who knows exactly how to build something spectacular with minimal effort. From an idea to production in a short time. The Rails Way.
And the fun doesn't end here. No friends, the party is taking place in one of the most iconic, historic brick maker and my favourite place in the 6ix, Evergreen Brick Works. What an awesome place to host the amazing event.
So, It stands to reason that it should come with an offbeat guide to its host city, and who better than yours truly, a seasoned Toronto Rails developer, and a long-time resident, to pen one?
From now until RailsWorld, I will be sharing articles about the event, the city and more under Ahmed’s Unofficial RailsWorld Guide to Toronto. Expect to discover interesting places, things to do, and history about Toronto for people who've never been here—or even to Canada—before!
I’ll also try to cover some interesting stuff that the tourist books and sites don’t. If you’re coming up here —for RailsWorld or some other reason— I hope you’ll find this guide useful.
Now, I thought I’d start the series by covering a topic that is crucially important and cool for everyone, the "bricks" aka: the venue Evergreen Brick Works. It's a safe bet that many people including Torontonians don't know much about the place's origin, why bricks, what is was before, what is it now and what did the bricks go! If you’re one of these people, this article’s for you. Pssssst, it is an awesome place dude, you gonna love it 😊
Old brick worked
Once upon a time, in the lush Don Valley of Toronto, there sprang up a place that was soon to be known as the Don Valley Brick Works. Simply put, a place to make bricks from dirt. Not just any ol' mud-pie factory, but a real bigwig in the brick biz. We're talking 1889—back when high-tops were horse hooves and the internet was just a twinkle in some future geek's eye.
This place was no small potatoes. It was a gigantic factory. At its peak, it was churning out a whopping 43 million bricks 🧱 a year! 😳🤯 Yes, you read correctly, 43 million bricks a year! Let that sink in. I will do my best to lay it out brick by brick, got it 😊. If bricks were drinks, Toronto was throwing the biggest block party on the block. Imagine lining up those bricks 🧱 end-to-end; you could build a path that stretches all the way from the frosty tips of Toronto to the sunny shores of California. Now, that's a road trip!
Or think of it this way: if each brick were a pancake -which you must have when come to Toronto-, you’d have enough to serve breakfast to every Canadian, with leftovers for a midnight snack. That's not just a stack of bricks; it's a mountain of possibilities! These bricks weren't just sitting idle; they were the building blocks of Toronto itself, popping up in iconic spots around the city that stand proud to this day.
Bricks that builds
Now, I’ll come to the title of this post, Where did all the bricks go? As you stroll around Toronto, you're literally walking through history, thanks to those 43 million bricks a year. Here are just a few places made with Don Valley bricks, each with its own story:
: Toronto's fairy-tale castle, standing like a knight in shining armour. Did you know it was once the largest private residence in Canada? Now it's one of Toronto's most prestigious event venues. Being on top level as if having a bird eye view of Toronto.
: Where the voices of renowned artists have echoed clearer than your mom yelling dinner's ready. This hall has been a cultural cornerstone since 1894, hosting everyone from Winston Churchill to Neil Young. I can tell you, I've attended best conferences and concerts there.
: The heart of Ontario’s government, where policies and history are made beneath its impressive domes. Every brick here could tell a story of debates, laws, and the shaping of our province.
: A modern temple of sound, home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Its walls, built with Don Valley bricks, have absorbed the sounds of countless concerts, enveloping the city in musical magic. If music is your thing, you can't miss seeing it.
Each of these landmarks is a testament to the enduring legacy of those millions of bricks, proving that sometimes, the most ordinary materials build the most extraordinary places.
Why was it so important, you ask? Well, my friend, those bricks were like the avocados of today's brunch scene—absolutely everywhere and in everything.
Sadly, all good things must come to a timeout. By the 1980s, the glory days of the brickyard were winding down. The city was growing rapidly, and the old brick factory, once the backbone of Toronto's construction, became obsolete—about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. So, in 1984, the doors closed, and the factory sat abandoned, a forgotten relic reminiscent of a Lego set left in grandma’s attic.
New Beginnings at Evergreen Brick Works
Fast forward to the future—well, our present—and something groovy happens. The old Brick Works transforms like a caterpillar into a butterfly, becoming the Evergreen Brick Works. No longer just a relic of the industrial age, it’s now a buzzing hub of culture, nature, and eco-coolness. There’s a farmer’s market where you can buy the freshest local produce so local they could use your Wi-Fi. There are trails wind through the area, perfect for hiking or a reflective walk. And there’s even a spot for a cheeky little café latte or a craft drinks, if that's more your jig.
In this magical place, the past meets the present, and bricks still talk—if you listen closely. They whisper stories of the days when Toronto was just stretching its legs, ready to run towards the future. And the best part? You're standing right on the very bricks that made it all happen.
Evergreen hippy Vibe
Evergreen Brick Works isn't just a venue; it's vibe. You can find it in the heart of Toronto. It is a historic hotspot where the city’s past and present meet, because it's built from the very bricks that once housed the old brick factory. Evergreen Brick Works is my go-to sanctuary all year around. What does it over you may ask:
History with a bit of dirt: Imagine hiking up a hill, the cityscape stretching below, a fresh breeze making the leaves dance—this is Evergreen Brick Works. It’s not just about touching history; it's about climbing it, seeing where those old bricks laid the foundations of Toronto.
Cultural feasts: And oh, the culture! On any given day, you might stumble upon a kaleidoscope of food trucks serving up everything from crispy tacos to gooey poutine—talk about a culinary brick road! Not to mention the unique shops that are as charming as a syntax error in your favourite script—quirky, unexpected, but ultimately delightful.
Sip and code: Then there's the café, a hipster haven that's as much about the ambiance as it is about the artisanal coffee. It's the kind of place where you could easily swap Rails tips or debate the merits of various MVC frameworks over a latte. Perfect for a post-hike recharge or a pre-conference pep-up.
So, if you find yourself at RailsWorld 2024, wander off the beaten track to Evergreen Brick Works. It’s a place where you can code, caffeinate, and commune with history—all while enjoying a view that’s worth every step of the hike up.
