Toronto - Evergreen Brick Works - Site Stewardship and Maintenance - Flood Recovery Crew (2024)
Flood Recovery Crew
You might be aware that Evergreen Brick Works is located on a flood plain, and with the extreme weather event that took place July 16, 2024 our site has in fact flooded. To return to regular operations we are seeking volunteers to join the Evergreen staff team in engaging in site clean-up and remediation.
Key Tasks:
- Cleaning: manual cleaning of items and surfaces, such as walls and floors, contaminated by flood waters. Pressure washing, sweeping, and shovelling of mud and other debris. Note, some tasks may involve lifting objects of up to 20 lbs.
- Moving equipment: using carts to transport items around the site (up to 20-40 lbs lifting).
- Logistics: running errands, note-taking, other light duties as required.
What you bring: To be successful in and enjoy this role, you:
- Are physically able to perform the tasks described above.
- Understand the importance of, and agree to follow, all health & safety protocols.
- Have previous experience volunteering and/or familiarity of the Brick Works site.
- Are 18 years of age or older.
What you will need:
- Bring your own water bottle and snacks. We will try to have some snacks on hand as well to supplement.
- Plan your route and take the safest option. Here is some more info on how to get here: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-works/visitor-info/plan-your-visit/getting-here/
- Make sure you have fully completed any training that has been assigned to you in Better Impact.
- Please be sure to read the "Waiver of Claims, Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement" and "Volunteer Agreement and Waiver Form" in the linked jot form. Once complete, please sing and submit to us here: https://form.jotform.com/241994596390068
When and where: All activity takes place at Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Ave). Shifts are currently scheduled on:
- Monday (July 29)from 10:00am - 2:00pm (5 vols supporting Evergreen Garden Market)
- Tuesday (July 30) from 10:00am - 2:00pm (5 vols supporting Evergreen Garden Market)
- Wednesday (July 31) from 10:00am-2:00pm (5 vols supporting Evergreen Garden Market)
- Thursday (August 1) from 10:00am-2:00pm (5 vols supporting Evergreen Garden Market)
- Friday (August 2) from 10:00am-2:00pm (5 vols supporting Evergreen Garden Market)
- Wednesday August 7th, 12:00pm-3:30pm or 3:00pm - 5:00pm (5 vols supporting our Festivals, Markets, and Activations Team with sanitizing and moving items back into storage in the North Kilns)
Additional shifts and number of openings may be adjusted as required over the coming days. Please stay tuned!
What to wear:
- Be sure to dress for the weather (much of the work is outdoors) with sturdy footwear and plenty of layers.
- If you have your own steel-toed boots, please wear them. If not, wear old close-toed shoes.
- A limited supply of steel-toed boots can be provided if necessary for the job that you are assigned to.
- Old clothes that cover the entire length of your legs and arms are recommended
- Bring a change of clothes for the end of your scheduled shift.
- Fishing waders are recommended if you've got access to a pair.
- Hat, sunscreen, bandana, and water bottle are also useful.
- On the weekend, please be sure to bring a lunch/some snacks and a water bottle to keep you going! We will try out best to have some snacks available as well.
How we will support you: We will provide Flood Recovery volunteers with PPE. All volunteers will receive in-person training on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), slips and falls, WHMIS, Right to Refuse and Heavy Lifting at the top of their shift. When you arrive, we will brief you of our current situation, review the tasks that need to be done, and assign you to a team. All required protective equipment, cleaning supplies and tools will be provided.
Important info:
- Upon arrival in the East Parking Lot, you will be required to walk south of the TD Future Cities Centre (building 16) towards the centre of the site, then head towards the Children’s Garden, then up the stairs to the Base of Operations on the RBC terrace. Should you require assistance, you can call the Site Phone # (647)-222-7685 and someone will come over to escort you to the base of operations (2nd floor balcony of Bldg. 12). Boots can be provided at this time if you do not have your own.
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Please note: When the site floods the water on site is unsafe to enter. It is categorized as black water, which is highly contaminated water, primarily from toilets and potentially also from kitchen sinks and dishwashers. This water contains human waste, pathogens, and other contaminants. This contamination is also left behind in the silt we will need to remove prior to reopening the site.
- While we have taken, and will continue to take, all necessary precautions, the fact remains that the Flood Recovery Crew are cleaning up contaminated materials which not everyone will be comfortable with that. Exposure to E. Coli is the largest risk, along with hazardous debris. For those who do wish to participate, you will be provided with training and the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This will included gloves, googles, masks and (optional) boots and full hazmat suits. Volunteers have the right to refuse work they believe to be dangerous at any point. Your participation is completely voluntary.
Perks: You’ll learn about emergency preparedness and be able to share in restoring the site for all to use.
Interested in helping out? Sign up for a shift(s) below by logging into your volunteer profile and clicking the "+Signup" button next to your preferred shift. Please be sure to update your online volunteer profile to reflect any relevant experience you may have. If you're a new volunteer with Evergreen, please click on the "Fill in an application" button toward the upper right corner of the page. This will prompt you to create a volunteer profile with us. Once complete, return to this page and click the "+Signup" button next to your preferred shift.
NOTE: Please only come to site for confirmed, scheduled shifts. Evergreen has a clearly-defined, staged approach to flood clean-up. The public, staff, and volunteers are not allowed on site until it is safe to return.
Questions? Reach out to us at volunteer@evergreen.ca and we would be happy to help you.
Qualifications Required
- Are you in either of these age ranges? Some volunteer roles are restricted based on age. Must be at least 18 or older
