Check out the photo gallery of our visit with Prince Charles.

Last month His Royal Highness came for a tour of the Evergreen Brick Works construction site.  The project impressed him because it encompasses urban agriculture, sustainability and the preservation of heritage architecture–three issues close to his heart.

In honour of the visit we also held a Harvest Market with local producers and we invited more than 100 business leaders to come for a Forum on Leadership, Innovation and Sustainability with the Minister of Finance.

George Dark, Chair of the Board, shares his thoughts:

The hours around the steering committee and board table are giving way to an exciting emerging reality these days.  Amidst the cranes and construction on November 6, Evergreen Brick Works saw a visit from Prince Charles and an assembly of business  leaders  asking how each of us can help reach the goal of a new sustainable economy.

On one end of the site, HRH was intrigued that such an ambitious project would pick a “totally redundant building” as a home, and on the other side, within a tent inside a redundant building was talk of the future. With the characteristic smile HRH mentioned to one of his aides during our walkabout that he must keep his “eye out” for a redundant building site at home in the UK.

Both groups came away charged with the possibilities that Evergreen Brick Works always seems to bring out in people.

Tasting cheese fresh from the farm. (Photo: A. Newhouse)

Geoff Cape, Evergreen’s Executive Director, gives his version of the day below:

The morning began two months ago when we received a call from Minister Flaherty’s office that Prince Charles wanted to visit Evergreen Brick Works – little did we know the challenge in preparing for the event.  Three days before, mud puddles were everywhere; however, good luck was on our side as the day bright and sunny.

The morning itself was surreal: RCMP were everywhere, helicopters above, and the Forum tent was bursting with people.  The energy was electric.

With the Forum underway, I waited for the royal motorcade, and the surreal experience kicked into high gear with the news that The Prince was on his way. We got organized, but our first thoughts were quickly forgotten when Minister Flaherty greeted Prince Charles.  Prince Charles then turned to George Dark (the Chair of the Board) and me, and with a big hand shake he offered a sincere hello.

We talked about heritage, environmental issues and architecture as we toured the buildings. When we entered the Harvest Market, Prince Charles engaged with the farmers, discussing food issues, and tasting tea, coffee, cheese and more.  He genuinely enjoyed it, and was very comfortable and forthcoming.

The final stage was a brief exchange between Prince Charles and the Forum guests.  He continued to ask good questions and greeted everyone warmly.  Once time was up, he was on his way.  The rest of us stayed and enjoyed the euphoric moment – it was obvious and evident by the smiles and positive energy across the site that day.

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 5:40 pm and is filed under Events, Evergreen Brick Works, News, Toronto. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.