To the joy of many Black Food Justice activists and service providers in Ontario, the Toronto Black Food Sovereignty Plan has just been approved by Toronto City Council. The first of its kind in North America, the plan has been in development for 2 years by grassroots activists and city staff.
Read moreHumans of Downsview: Esther Carenza Makes a Difference!
During a crisis, there are people who are indispensable and always seem to be there to help, Esther Carenza is one of them. Recently a woman was seriously hit by a car close to York University. Esther Carenza came on the scene and did whatever she could to assist the distraught and badly injured woman until secured by paramedics.
Read moreLocal Food bank puts Food on the Table in Jane and Finch, Feeds Most Vulnerable During COVID-19
As food insecurity reaches a critical point due to COVID-19, one local food bank in the Jane-Finch area has been working non-stop to provide healthful and consistent food for most vulnerable residents. The Society for the Living Food Bank began in 1988, serving hot lunches to people on Queen St. in Toronto’s downtown area. Since then, they have made connections with North York Harvest Food Bank and Second Harvest, leading to the bustling and thriving food bank operation on the mostly industrial Eddystone Avenue off Jane St. They are one of the few food banks in Toronto’s often food insecure Jane-Finch community.
Read moreCommunity Clean Up At G. Ross Lord Park
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is holding a Community Clean Up at G. Ross Lord Park! They need your help to pick up litter around the community to create a healthier environment, while also learning about the impact that microplastics and litter can have on our watershed. Garbage bags, litter pickers, and gloves will be provided.
Read moreTree Planting, Any Day and Every Day
Every day is a good day for tree planting, especially when you're doing it with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority at Rowntree Mills. Even though Sunday was a gloomy and rainy day, lucky for us, the morning was filled with a cool breeze that made the weather perfect. As we drove down to North York, the scent of the fall fresh air filled our car and the morning was off to a great start.
Read moreInternational Day of the Girl: Because I am a Girl
The International Day of the Girl; also known as the International Day of Girls or the International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated every year on October 11. This special day began as part of a campaign, titled “Because I am a Girl”. It was aimed at promoting the rights of young girls in developing countries. It was eventually brought to the attention of the Canadian federal government by Former Canadian Member of Parliament, Rona Ambrose.
Read moreHumans of Downsview: Rudolf Riske, Gardener Extraordinaire!
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.
Read moreCommunity Coalition Launches Campaign for Community Benefits at Downsview Park
Downsview Park is currently in the planning stage for a large mixed-use neighbourhood which will see proposals to develop new housing, retail, commercial, institutional and/or community uses on the site. The combined site is estimated at 520 acres which is roughly the size of Toronto's downtown core area. These developments and projects like the recently announced Netflix film studios will lead to many changes at Downsview Park and the surrounding area for years and decades to come. One community group based in the local area is seeking to raise a key question - how does the community benefit from all of these new investments and developments?
Read moreModified Semesters for the Upcoming School Year
As summer comes to an end and students prepare to go back to school, the school boards are working hard to create a plan that ensures the safety of students, teachers and their families.
Read moreDownsview Advocate: Matias de Dovitiis for Humber River-Black Creek
In the upcoming federal election, the Downsview Advocate is proud to support local NDP candidate Matias de Dovitiis.
A longtime resident of the Downsview Community, Matias has worked, lived and volunteered to better the community for years.
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