Evergreen and WoodGreen announce partnership to create habitat for chimney swifts and enable construction of affordable senior’s housing
TORONTO, ON – July 15, 2025 – Chimney swifts and seniors will soon have more places to live in Toronto thanks to a collaboration between the charities WoodGreen and Evergreen. The organizations created a new habitat for chimney swifts by uncapping and repairing a chimney at Evergreen Brick Works, allowing an affordable housing project for seniors on the Danforth to move ahead.
“We needed to find a creative solution when it was discovered that chimney swifts were living in two chimneys at a site on Bowden Street near Danforth that WoodGreen is developing for much needed affordable homes for seniors,” said Anna Babcock, CEO of WoodGreen Community Services. “We’re grateful that Evergreen worked with us to uncap the chimney at Evergreen Brick Works, which will provide potential habitat for swifts and will enable this important housing project to continue.”
Chimney swifts are a bird species designated by the federal government as threatened in Ontario. The new partnership will open up habitat for swifts in the last remaining chimney at the former brick factory, a site recently approved by the Canadian Wildlife Service.
“Working with WoodGreen to support wildlife habitat and unlock the development of an important affordable housing project is the kind of collaboration that is needed for resilient cities of the future,” said Jen Angel, CEO of Evergreen. “For over 30 years, Evergreen has worked with partners to champion the importance of climate ready public spaces in cities, and to bring them to life, enabling the dense, affordable housing we need alongside the conditions for people and nature to thrive.”
WoodGreen provided financial support to uncap and repair the Brick Works chimney for potential nesting habitat for swifts. This will enable the construction of the Bowden Street affordable housing project, with completion expected in late spring 2026.
Evergreen worked with the Canadian Wildlife Service and other experts to complete repairs, uncap the chimney, and create a welcoming habitat for chimney swifts.
“Chimney swifts are graceful endangered birds who voraciously eat insects. They are being driven to extinction by habitat destruction and the loss of protection. Uncapping this historic chimney gives them back a good home to raise their young. I am proud to help preserve them. Generations to come deserve to marvel as swifts spiral overhead,” said City Councillor Dianne Saxe, Ward 11, University-Rosedale.
The collaboration between Evergreen and WoodGreen demonstrates what is possible when organizations share resources, expertise and physical assets to make our cities more hospitable for people and wildlife.
Key Project Details:
- Chimney swift habitat: The partnership restored the iconic historic chimney at Evergreen Brick Works, turning it into a potential nesting site for chimney swifts, whose populations have drastically declined since the 1970s.
- WoodGreen’s role: WoodGreen Community Services will own and operate the new affordable homes at 60 Bowden Avenue. WoodGreen also provided financial support and resources, working with Evergreen and consultants to successfully uncap and repair Evergreen’s chimney and support the monitoring of the swift population.
- Evergreen’s role: Evergreen’s stewardship of the Brick Works enables vital, place-based support for biodiversity in the city alongside community, including ongoing public outreach and educational programming related to the project.
Media Contacts:
Jon Reed, Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications
WoodGreen Community Services
437-226-8091| [email protected]
Toby Davine, Manager, Communications and PR
Evergreen
289-904-2636 | [email protected]
About WoodGreen Community Services
WoodGreen is one of the largest social service agencies in Toronto, serving more than 40,000 people annually. We offer over 75 programs and services that address the social determinants affecting the health and well-being of individuals in our community. As Toronto’s largest non-municipal affordable housing provider, we own and manage 34 housing sites in the city, where residents have access to WoodGreen’s full spectrum of supportive services
About Evergreen and Evergreen Brick Works:
Evergreen is a national non-profit transforming public spaces in our cities to build a healthier future for people and our planet. Evergreen Brick Works, our headquarters in the heart of Toronto’s ravine system, is a former industrial site that we converted into a green community hub where visitors can connect, explore and play year-round.