On May 20, 2026, RBC volunteers joined The Bentway beneath the Gardiner Expressway for a hands-on planting workshop at Bentway Staging Grounds — a temporary site and living laboratory dedicated to growing and testing diverse plant species in one of the city’s most distinctive urban microclimates.
Each year, The Bentway team replants a curated selection of native species at the site, experimenting with what thrives in the Gardiner’s unique conditions and using those learnings to inform future environmental initiatives across Bentway growth sites.
The workshop was led in collaboration with Indigenous horticulturalist Isaac Crosby, who guided participants through the plant species that flourish in the urban environment beneath the Gardiner.
Staging Grounds is located on the future site of the Bentway Islands, a 125,000 sq. ft. community space that will serve as a landmark public amenity for the surrounding neighbourhood. RBC Foundation’s support has been instrumental to advancing this vision, helping to fund The Bentway’s environmental sustainability and growth work, including the community and Indigenous consultation process for Bentway Islands.
“RBC has been a driving force behind The Bentway’s growth plan, helping us build a more sustainable, connected city. We are deeply grateful for their sustained commitment to our work and to the communities we serve.”
— Ilana Altman, CEO, The Bentway
“By working with critical partners like The Bentway who champion nature-based solutions and advance environmental sustainability for community spaces, we’re able to support the transition to a net zero and resilient economy while strengthening communities for a stronger future.”
– Jaime Dawson, Regional Vice President, Toronto Downtown West, RBC
RBC Foundation’s support is proof of what cities can become when community, nature, and collaboration grow together.
