Humans of Downsview: Rudolf Riske, Gardener Extraordinaire!

October 12, 2021 Ayesha Khan

Rudy poses with a section of his garden close to the Black Creek. Photo credit: Ayesha Khan

Have you ever been walking along the Huron Wendat Trail by the Black Creek and stumbled upon a beautiful multi-level orchestra of flowers next to the path? You’ve discovered Rudy’s Garden, and it’s a beloved mainstay of the Downsview Community. Rudolf Riske has just turned 96, and he has tended this piece of land for about 11 years now. Starting with a small patch, he grew it to the magnificent display of natural beauty it is, and takes great personal care to watch over it.

York University Climate Solutions Parks are Putting Students at the Forefront of the Environmental Movement

June 29, 2021 Ayesha Khan

Students and faculty pose during a solar panel installation February 29th, 2020. Photo credit: Codrina Ibanescu

As part of a series of climate-friendly initiatives, York University’s faculty of Environmental and Urban Change has been working on a number of innovative Climate Solutions Parks, both on campus and throughout the wider world.

Local Downsview Tree Cut Down

June 28, 2021 Hodari Reuben Clarke

The local trees being cut down in the Grandravine and Sentinel area. (Photo credit: Louise Weniger)

On April 19th and 20th, Residents living in the Grandravine and Sentinel area were saddened to see the trees connected to their four-story apartment building being cut down. Residents were informed through a letter - days before the trees were taken down by the contractors. Some of the trees that were removed were said to be growing in a way that was damaging the structure of the building. Others were removed because they were said to be damaged.