Homes not Shelters in York Region

To understand homelessness in York Region, Ontario, Canada, one needs first understand it from the ground up so to speak.

Firstly, with one of the lowest percentages of available rental housing stock per capita than the entire country, it's tough to find anything, let alone affordable. In the past couple of years however there has been some funds and mixed income rental housing built and transitional housing that's being rolled out, but more often than ever, the plan leaves out its biggest client in need - the adult male.

Smoking room messages for residents with addictions

People become homeless for various reasons, but, at the end of the day, when they do, men can expect a much different experience than the women with the unspoken perception that men are more capable of surviving on the streets - or are less worthy - I'm really not sure yet.

The truth of the matter is people are homeless for a variety of reasons, often related to abuse they themselves as children, such as the men of age to have lived through St Johns school for boys which for many years harbored teachers who were raping boys. Those boys are now men. Some turned to drugs or booze, but who knows, given proper treatment, they may have a chance. This would not be on any record likely or move them up on housing lists however.

Main St Newmarket business' solution to local poverty

One recent FB thread was posting links to a shelter saying we may not be doing enough but are shelters are great and ended it with a link to a shelter article or website telling you how so.

My response was to ask him if he'd ever actually stayed in an Inn from the Cold type shelter? Did he know they could check knives and guns at the door until morning? Had he experienced sharing a room filled with strange men and all the smells, noises, habits, lack of privacy and behaviours that go with it?

The white elephant is peoples sub-conscious thoughts that these men aren't worthy of saving if they've got to this point. Truth is, it can and does happen to many from many walks of life, and when they do, are expected to mix and stay safely as best they can on their own.

This short story has been written mixing in some true facts so that people can understand why someone may choose to avoid staying in a shelter - and why a home is the need.

                                       The Traveler

It wasn't his fault he was the way he was. Maybe it was, but he had been this way so long now he couldn't recall it being much different. But now, as he got older, he began to believe maybe he wasn't all to blame. Maybe he could share it at least.

As a kid, he grew up with an abusive step-father who abused all the boys including sexually and which then filtered down to abuse from his 2 older brothers who also would terrorize him. At school, he stood out, as did his brothers for their poor appearance, unkempt hair and bad behaviour with Billy recalling having his own desk by himself most times, a barrier separating him from the other kids. Outside they got beat up often, if not daily, until he became hardened to it and struck back.

Yet in YR emerg shelters you can check them in

He got out of that abusive situation for the first time after having been kicked out of school and taking a job in a restaurant hours away from anyone and anything he knew. It was Newmarket he came to as a young adult, with a chain restaurant coming from his home town opening a location and he latched on...but After-hours was another story. As he moved toward adult relationships, he found himself haunted by his childhood experiences, further immersing him into alcohol, which he'd long since discovered dulled his pain when still a teen.

A YR Farmer resists being pushed into dangerous shelter

Eventually the place closed and he hit rock bottom and with no supportive family or friends really he drifted from place to place for awhile eventually morphing into being homeless.

But shelters are a dangerous place, don't kid yourself, with the youth shelters being known as the worst for guys selling their wares and recruiting for not-so-good deeds. I learned that from a young man, who fell into staying at one in Newmarket before falling back to the streets, immersed also in drugs and alcohol for a time. He's housed now, working and doing well. But he's young. It's a long life.

Billy also learned that as one would check into an Inn From the Cold / shelter, they could check their knives or guns at the door and pick them up when they all left at the same time each morning. One morning one such guy took a shining on Billy, the new guy on the block.

"What's your story dude?" he'd asked earlier, " What brings you in here?"

Billy didn't much like talking to other people. The less friends the better in this world the better but some guys can spot that and hone in on a guy like that immediately, knowing he'd have few friends or supports kicking about. But he also didn't want to piss the imposing looking dude either.

" Just seeing the world, friend", he tried to make a light-hearted humourous answer.

" Right on. If you need anything...drugs-wise..."

" Right on" Billy mirrored, " thanks, will do."

Word had it the guy had checked in a .22 calibre gun and Billy wanted no part of that. Beyond buying a bottle for the day he had no plans but to find somewhere to consume it without too much public interaction, possibly the hidden encampment areas used mostly in summer for the local homeless to live outdoors. In winter many are forced in with the Inns from the Cold being the last resort.

" Hey buddy!"

Dealer man called out, startling him, emerging from the bushes nearby the shelter leading into a park,

"Were you still interested in buying some stuff? What did you need?"he continued, assuming the deal.

" I think I'm good man. But thanks". Billy was an "alchy" not a "druggie".

His eyes got shifty then Wham! That's when he was hit, the location for the attack strategically chosen as to not be seen by anyone, his nose broken in one swift move, blood streaming down his face and emerging from back in the bushes, more supporters of this street yard bully, perhaps ready to join in. Guys like this know how to pick a mark, someone without local connections and new fits perfectly for a broke addict. And robbing their own rarely gets reported, no one feeling they'll win anything in the end but more grief.

But Billy had other plans, at almost the instant his nose was broken, when the flash of being hit being executed, his feet ran instinctively - like a built in panic button we all have, but only use a few times in life - unless we live like this. He'd dropped his bag of stuff however, I.D. and essentials intact, picture of his mom and daughter he has not known for years living in another province, and contact info... nutbar's raging voicing warning him he'd get him later.

Even if there was room at the other YR shelter the always full Men's Porter Place, they wouldn't accept him without ID. This is overwhelming for some at this stage.

Ducks have feathers, a bathroom and shelter here

He decided not to go to the hospital to treat his now freezing cold, now hanging sideways, nose because he had no Ohip card, but stopped at the Fairy Lake bathrooms to clean up and they were closed. Feeling unlikely welcome at a place he wasn't spending money at, he continued on, bloody face, dirty, stumbling, shaking with cold and alone-ness to the sub shop by-where his anger at life had wailed up so much, he'd built up a confidence to insist on using the bathroom first before ordering food or proving he would.

" I'm using your bathroom"

He gobbled up his sub like the last supper, hating the community style meals in comparison, preferring eating as sloppily as he wished on his own terms without judgement. These were the few normal thoughts he'd allow himself before arriving again, as always to his demons, and now the additional worry of a nut-bar out to "do" him. Where's the liquor store?

Billy arrived at the men's shelter knowing they'd offer him a bus ticket out of town. Where did he want to go? Where could he go?

" I have no home, so I don't know where I'll go. As far as they'll send me I guess".

But for every Billy leaving, another 2 are arriving or being made newly homeless or coming back, so if the strategy is to ship them out, it's a failing strategy all around.

York Region has 0 transitional housing for men and only 26 full time beds for them in a population of over one million people..in a country that gets extremely cold...

Its affordable housing has a 12 - 18 year waiting list with women escaping abuse moved automatically to the top of the waiting list followed by homeless families. 


York Region has spent the last 8 years focused on drawing attention to and then funding a new family shelter, then women's shelter, then transitional housing for women while seemingly putting blinders on to the men's needs. It's time someone took a political stand on their behalf.

New shelter for single women "Belindas Place"

Perhaps some street men could gain value from a shelter to escape abuse from the dangerous streets, or priority housing list status, or assist programs because, right now, it is men who overwhelmingly in Y.R. and beyond, are the ones who die while homeless, and, to that end, it is blatantly unfair if not outright discriminatory.. 


Lets make an example to our kids that we care about everyone.

Homes Not Shelters.

Click here to view York Region politicians discuss these issues in ' Behind The Masks"

Tom Pearson

Markham Farmer Continues to Fight for Right to Stay

Not officially zoned yet so piling dirt as such is actually illegal on14th Avenue in Markham, but ignored.

Sam Orrico's experience with being expropriated from land started back in the 70's, when, as a Farmer farming land in Pickering, he was asked to move because of the airport that never was. He moved to farming in the nearby Markham area afterward and became very familiar with municipal planning and bylaws in the process. In fact, he has been sitting in on the recent YR Planning meetings as an interested party right up to present, 2015, as well as attending many Markham Council meetings.

King City sold 105 farmland acres to Magna recently

Through this he's noticed whenever they've decided to rezone an area that was previously for farming there's a trend towards ousting them / him at any cost. Sam has lived through two house fires with Toronto Star headlines then declaring, " Farmer Escapes by Miracle", as well including one where he still currently resides and farms albeit not as much as he'd like, what with declining health and having to fight the system and developers and the town at every step.

In the latest front they've been trying to essentially evict him using newly written bylaws " Keep Markham Beautiful", designed for residential areas ordering him to "clean up" his farm land and equipment. And what does someone farming do with a tractor on 72 hours notice, as they 1st tried to intimidate him with? His trailer too, or rather his home, they said had to go. Never mind that the bylaw is missing, on page 6, section 21, making it null and void.

Long time Newmarket farm has developer's signs up

But he fought back. Again. Geez, they even had him arrested on trumped up charges one year to keep him out of the election so scared of this frail-ish old man they were (and the truth). Charges Sam tells me were a farce, based on one persons say so, that he spoke a threat about a third party, Mayor Scarpitti, also running for Mayor then. They then not only incarcerated him, but a judge also tagged a gag order on him throughout that election in the media for a year after. A judge who also wanted to run for politics. Hmm. Now how often do you see that?

Firstly the bylaw as written is incomplete, with complete sections of it missing. Sam has attempted to get this item added to the Markham Council agenda but is repeatedly stone-walled by the clerk who refuses to add it. Who's running the show there anyway? This proud man has farmed for decades here and now they try and toss him away like a piece of garbage.

His deal is not overly complicated, but essentially he had struck deals with land owners over the years which allow for him to farm and reside in lieu of them receiving tax breaks and cost breaks - INCLUDING - the landowners not having to cut grass etc and keep it up as a residential neighbourhood would. Of course underneath all the action against Sam is the fact they are now trying to change the official plan to have  where he farms and lives declared residential and not industrial. This is a common practice by developers. That would mean he'd have to go, but that hasn't even been ratified yet as they moved to have him removed via this bylaw. Easier to ratify if no Farmer stands in the way though.

Sam attended planning meetings since 70's. " You can't just change an official plan"

When new owners took over, likely hoping to change its zoning eventually and develop it into homes at some point in the future, and somehow banking on the plan being changed to accommodate this, had to agree to all liens and conditions that came with it which included it's designation as industrial land and the agreements made with the farmer(s). This in turn kept ( keeps) them receiving preferred tax perks and maintenance cost relief as a result and kept Sam legally on that land. Now they have served him eviction papers claiming rent arrears.

Adjacent property announces

Sam is wily though, and knows his rights better than they it seems, having had to fight off the developers and municipalities against him for so long now, alone, and it's about time he had some support.

The latest foe involves a seasoned lawyer he's locked horns with before but one that worries him because he has been around onside with the developers for many years too, and, with mounting health concerns, Sam wonders if he'll be able to keep it all up with the various courts and possible costs.

He just received an "N4" notice which can lead to eviction with the person serving it coming onto his property and photographing him and called me for advice on next steps. Last time when they illegally tried to intimidate him to leave they even brought police who left after realizing he had rights to be on the land. Too bad his crops takes years to move not days.

He may be old, but he's no fool, and he's one of Markham's last Farmers, who needs to escape through one last miracle.

YRMG's Era Banner needs to respect Grassroots Voices

Recently I had a call from The Newmarket Era Banner asking me to comment on the Ontario government's announcements regarding their latest poverty reduction announcements. I'm reluctant sometimes to do interviews with the paper as at times they misquote me, and, for a number of years now, have not published any of my many letters to the Editor nor any pictures.

The pics one is odd, as another recent time they'd actually asked me to come for a pic after being asked to comment about the fact that York Region Council had voted to raise transit costs again - they are already the countries highest for local transit. I came down, they did the pic and they didn't run it. No explanation and the article went on to replace my statement of it being the among highest in the entire country  to "already high".

In the most recent article they quoted me fairly well, however in  the following issue in " Letters to the Editor", allowed to go unchecked, a letter to, by a writer claiming PACC was in lock- step with the government. One need only Google the terms ' Poverty York Region" to find that is far from the case. The letter writer had used it as a sedge-way to discuss their own pet peeve, non-related to the subject of homelessness agenda, and I / we were left without defense or rebuttal so I wrote a letter to the Editor. Again, no print.

Little whispers tell me designs being changed several times caused delays

Our lock-step point had been they should simply raise O.D.S.P. - Ontario Disabilities Support Program and welfare rates as their 'anti-homelessness" strategy and they'd be able to eliminate most of the "need" for many 'programs, and such a heavy reliance on food bank solutions. Hardly a "lock step" position, yet it made " Letter to the Editor" without question, and left for all to surmise it true since the column it referred to with my quotes was not in the same issue leaving the reader with a final false impression and notion about PACC. I wonder if any other groups get this kind of treatment, where no pics and no letters or no articles are ever published by the newspaper, yet they still call you on occasion for controlled quotes because they must. The letter to the Editor letter had also insinuated we were highly paid 'experts', when in fact no PACCer get any salary. Go figure, but no rebuttal printed on this either by YRMG.

Funny, PACC's work is recognized by the Region and by the community at large as shown through the chair being nominated for and  receiving The Queens Jubilee Award for contributions to country, and co-authoring the region's social audit, our creation of youth road hockey and scholarship awards and community development like hosting annual BBQ's in lower income communities and connecting families to supports.

PACC's expertise and experience gets us invited to consult with government and various departments in order to help steer the direction they take, not because of any lock-step arrangement. They recognize who we are. It's time YRMG did as well and allow our voices truly heard.

How about a feature on PACC and all they've managed to accomplish, without government funding, for over 10 years, despite the silo they've been given to work in at times.

Getting media coverage like pulling teeth for these kids

This week on Ontario budget day I will be locked in prior to the announcement and able to see the budget before the public does and ask questions of the Minister / assistants prior to the budget announcement.leading up to this budget being tabled, we were asked to participate in input sessions to examine the directions the government would / should take - often at odds with what we felt priorities should be.

We didn't attend to say how wonderful they were doing, we attended to try and influence the direction in a way that is fair, but we always come back to a simple deduction - raise the rates first to pre- Mike Harris-like levels, and then you'll eliminate most of your "at risk" population. Add real addictions services - including gambling and drug alcohol rehabs and you'll eliminate it even further.

Join Dan's Stroll & Roll to Freedom

Simple Math - A LOCAL ROOM FOR RENT AD - $525 is the only ad I see for shared accommodation in the the Era Banner I have now. Welfare rates top out at around $600. Food banks give 3 days rations per month.

You can show your support for a BETTER DEAL for those on disability support on the Stroll & Roll to Freedom.

TP out

Mulcair borders on Rock Star Status in Toronto

Recently I got taken to school...well not exactly but I got an opportunity to ride a school bus, an orange one of course, having been invited to hear and report on what Thom Mulcair had to say at Toronto's Metro Convention Centre with a group of NDP supporters from Newmarket including area federal leader hopeful Yvonne Kelly.

The TPE video report attests that Mulcair is adored like a rock star by a throng of supporters, NDP in this case, but increasingly more than that. The NDP leader, who easily slides in and out of both official languages seamlessly, seems to be on a bit of a roll with the issue of Bill C51 fresh on every Canadian's brains.

#tm4pm is the twitter call

It's one of those issues that seemed to start in crawl mode but has quickly risen like a pizza dough that's been left out all night. A sticky one too, one that could make or break the election and one that could put Mulcair alone out in front...or alone period. It's a gamble he / they are taking and seems a principled one, although in these political times one wonders if that's possible, but at any rate it is risky, yet steeped in principle as well.

I've spoofed about joking about "Jihad" and as a consequence being arrested, but I jest only half so, always an eye on what could be, given my propensity towards sometimes criticizing governments in power. That's part of our rights and freedoms to do so, and it helps keep governments in check.

There have been incidents in life where innocent people have been prosecuted under current laws, so one can only imagine that number would increase by making the process less controlled. The laws, as they currently sit, seem  just fine. CSIS was never intended to do the physical policing, just the investigative, elimnating yet another oversight measure. All accomplished through fear mongering and a majority government that is steam rolling straight ahead despite objections. Like Canadians just gave a green light to everything they have ever conceived. Even a voter of a particular party might be doing so to vote against another party or for one that has some issue stand they can agree with, but rarely everything the party offers up  unless ts a sheep we're referring to here.

Surely this government doesn't need Thom Mulcair to tell them that the majority of Canadians don't want this now that they are becoming more aware of what the implications actually are.
No, I think when Canadians are vocal enough that they want more reflection and debate and information before we steam-roll ahead on an important all encompassing issue such as bill c51. I think they should have it and if not boot them to the curb first chance.

Niqabs notwithstanding, make no mistake, this is the issue around which the next government will be formed. Was Trudeau too preemptive by embracing the Bill C51 law changes when he did? Does that show his decisiveness or naivety? Thom Mulcair thinks he knows, and he also thinks it's time for Harper to go. Of course he would though. Lol.

Any government that gets in power a little too long and has worked with a majority can get smug and complacent at times and I'm a big

believer that no matter the party, you have to change things up every now and then just to keep everyone as honest as can be....and especially if one is perceived to be destroying some the the most treasured institutions of Canada. Our Canada.


Is Mulcair the man who can deliver? He seems genuine from afar, and, as he says experienced. I did interview him. Well, not exactly, we met briefly as I was going in and he was coming out of the men's room after the event. Not that event. well both actually i imagine. Ha.  Anyway, I opened the in door and there he was, and, for a brief second, I was like a deer in headlights, but I offered my hand instinctively told him he did a good job and that I liked his message and his energy. Hey, as I said, deer-in-lights-syndrome! I hope he washed his hands! Ha.

Tom Out!..The other one!

Toronto Taxpayers Coalition brings Ombudsman to York Region

Recently, I attended a recent closed door meeting at Richmond Hill's Sheraton Hotel; featuring Ontario Ombudsman Andre Marin. The meeting, which was organized by The Toronto Taxpayers Coalition's Mathew Mcguire, focused on the municipal issues and how the sunshine laws and Bill 8 work or are supposed to work.

Ontario Ombudsman Andre Marin visits York Region

Sunshine laws were set up to protect taxpayers by holding elected officials accountable for city business and expressly allows for private meetings only under a few exceptions. Handbooks outlining its guidelines have been sent to all municipalities across Ontario. As Ombudsman Marin stated during the meeting,

"There is no provision in the law that says that council need meet in private. It says they may meet under certain narrow conditions, but, unfortunately, politicians have taken the exceptions clause and stretched it like a rubber band,"

Toronto Taxpayers Coalition President Mathew Mcguire

The Ombudsman went on to cite examples of the retreat that York Region council recently went on that cost taxpayers $15,000 using the "educational purposes" reason, one of the few exceptions for meeting away from council behind closed doors, however, as Mr. Marin explains in the video report  - eduction means learning computer skills or being trained in HR policy, it does not mean for strategic planning."

See and hear more of the Ombudsman had to say on his visit to York Region on the video report.

The Toronto Taxpayers Coalition also announced an expansion, opening up a York Region Chapter and naming former Newmarket councilor Maddie Dimuccio at the helm.

TP out.

Bullying - One Kid - Man's Tale

I still remember the day like yesterday. It was 40 years ago, but that day would have a profound impact on my life.

I grew up in an atmosphere wherein bullying was just another day at school, and I learned to always be vigilant against surprise attacks. One time, after almost reaching home while taking back-yards and the like all the way, I was brazenly sucker punched by my tormentor, hidden around the corner of a house directly across from mine, after I was sure I was home. This particular kid had a crazy kind of laugh and look that scared us 'regular" kids and it was rumoured his father was an alcoholic who routinely beat up the mom and would pitch the kids in fist fights against each other for amusement. I found out later he  was also medically drugged, thus the crazy laugh etc. A lot of the 'problem kids" were it seemed, mostly all boys, and they were terrors. It got so bad, I used to have "fly dreams" where I'd get away by flying off  just before anyone reached me.

Our public school even brought in a strict male teacher specifically to deal with the rampant fights and violence that seemingly broke out, daily for sure, often in multiples. I recall physical fights between this taskmaster, Mr Motiar, and the tough drugged kids with problems and he would make them submit - sometimes rolling across the classroom floor as he fought to control the person. This, from about grade 4 or 5 on, and these out of control 'kids" obviously had no regard for order in class with adults present so imagine the pandemonium they could cause on the way home.

Of course I could fight alright, I had to, but against some of the bigger, more, "nutbar" kids, as we called them, and older ones, I had my limits. That's where my speed came in handy, being able to out- run most, even older kids, but mostly you were expected to stand up to a challenge regardless, often taking a licking. But, being smaller, if I won they looked bad, so I did have some chance of survival!

In grade 8 it all came to a crescendo. Mr Mortiar, was now towered over by some, and, in fact, invented a board game and moved on leaving a gaping hole. By then, physical contact including corporal punishment was abolished as well, leaving an over-matched staff and Principal used to being able to dish it out. I recall class being so bad at least one teacher left citing a breakdown and still another just up and quit. It was like Welcome Back to my Nightmare Kotter without happy endings. Especially on this day.

For some reason I got another cruel blow that year when puberty seemed to forget me. Whilst most of my classmates were changing - voices, heights, hair etc, I was yet to show. Even kids that were once much shorter than I was were now taller and bigger which was an embarrassment at the time, compounded when the class bullies demanded I fight another...for their amusement.

According to them, something had been said during class the the bullies jumped on, making it sound as if a "diss" had occurred, and that I had to resolve it with the other guy or face them. Both were man-sized, with one having failed twice and on a prove himself a tough-guy tear...We were just their latest entertainment. I didn't want to fight but had no choice, a boy did not back down from a fight or he was a coward and could never face anyone again. My stomach was tied in knots as the clock ticked towards 4.....the bullies pointing at the clock and taunting when the teacher wasn't looking...or...at this point...pretended not to. Tick...tick..

I delayed the "terror walk" as long as I could, having been there before. Regardless of how many times, you always get nervous before a fight, but this one was different, If I lost I looked bad losing to someone who'd been considered very weak until recently, someone dying to prove his new-found puberty muscles were no flukes, and me, I was the perfect sacrifice.

I walked out the back doors of the school, the frenzied group already positioning me into the middle, excitedly, yelling, " Fight! Fight!", many urging my opponent on to kill me,

Kill Him! Kill Him!

As I grappled with my opponent, I gave it my all but was unable to gain an upper hand. It was surreal, out of an episode of Twilight Zone or something, almost in a frenzied slow motion, as some now former friends urged him to kill me as well. People laughed and squealed, like in horrors as we fought...I recall looking up from a hold I was unable to wriggle from, more free shots hitting me than him, feeling completely demoralized.... and in front of all the girls too...another boys worst nightmare.

...Any esteem I'd had, I lost that day.
 I'd never felt so alone than in that very moment.

I don't recall how long we went but it was awhile, broken up eventually by a teacher as I was taunted and ridiculed for having "lost" in some eyes, and, although I understand now that some of my classmates' behaviour was due to peer pressure at the time,  some even apologising, I will still never forget. That day, combined with some other then-variables in my life, sent me spiraling to a place where it very well could have ended tragically...and very nearly did.

Today you add the internet to the mix and you have another form - just as emotionally devastating.
Bullying can and does have short and long term affects too, with the teen years being most crucial as somewhat demonstrated in my short film, Shoots, Scores.

End bullying now - At home, at school, on the streets, on-line, and through legislation.

TP out.

Contaminated Soil Dumped in York Region not the only Stench

Elections in rear view

York Region, in Ontario, Canada is an unlikely place for a political hotbed of activity, but, like anyplace in our once thriving country, it too has faced some growing pains.

With the recent completion and opening of the long sought 404 highway extension to Georgina being completed, a whole new set of buzz phrases and such will likely begin to creep into play. Once you get by the usual standby's of "partnering, collaboration, sustainable growth, industrial beltway and the new kid on the block, broadband community" being tossed around like a messy salads, phrases like, "fracking", will become

Which way for wheel chairs?

commonplace, as the anticipated influx of residents, and to some degree, possibly businesses that are "expected" to infiltrate areas north of the Green Lane line in Newmarket and beyond, see fruition. Oh, not in the traditional sense, as this fracking is for water not oil, but it could affect your property's water flow by tapping into it underground. No one seems sure. Frack me!

Farmers' fields and nature spots, long used by local wildlife and game, were also quietly removed in Sharon over the summer, just outside Newmarket, with long time " iconic" trees and such removed with nary a whisper through the

recent election campaign, the land's caretakers too pre-occupied getting elected perhaps than to notice a few trees being removed, with the foreshadowing residential construction company fencing telling the tale. Until fairly recently, the property located at Leslie St and Green Lane and running north was a bustling farming property. A remaining house stood on the front also, housed for many years by residents who'd hold weekend lawn sales, with people coming for miles to see what neat stuff they had. Eventually they were pushed out and the house demolished.
I learned some of this sometime afterward, while helping resurrect a mansion, across Leslie, on the opposite side, to be used as permanent housing for people with mental health issues, from a guy who had rented a room at the farmhouse there and wanted work painting. I felt for him, but could only offer a few days work as the boss' son had just hired some friends. He understood but looked defeated, his late 50's something body sauntering off into the morning light. More recently, I helped the "house of hope" re-open again, again housing those who might otherwise be lost to the streets or worse.

Former resident of to be developed property works

Developing is inevitable some say, yet King Township has managed for many years to resist the lure of change for the sake of change, instead adopting a slower, "what's the rush to expand and destroy nature and build over it" attitude, for which they should really be commended. Such long term thinking. Should we compare Newmarket for example - they have recently started development on the very last parcel of land, also farmland, on the entire southeast corner of Davis ( highway 9) and Bathurst St's - literally, they can develop no more land, as that is the boundary line. While in contrast, across the street in King Township, a working Farm sits.

Former farm at Bathurst & Highway # 9, Newmarket

Maybe they expect we'll import all our food from China?..Produce and dairy in the future? But who wants that? Not me, that's for sure and so the disappearance of farming land and our ability to feed ourselves - which comes along with that lack of foresight - frankly scares me. This is some of the most fertile land in the world we're destroying and did I mention the unaccounted for dump truck loads of contaminated soil being unloaded on YR with no clear record of where?

Ahhh! Community gardens you say? Ah, No thanks. I prefer shopping...in private.

A Farmer recently came to me with big concerns, feeling pressured to leave the property he's farmed for over the past 12 years and now being threatened with eviction from, a process he's been through before when land farmed by him was expropriated by the Ontario government for Pickering's Airport that was never built. He says he sees the same sorts of signs again, including tactics. His deputation to Markham Council was seemingly ignored.

Locked block

He has raised issues regarding suspicions of contaminated soil dumping in the past as well to an adjacent property he suspects has been used for shady practices, also ignored, but now toxic dumping sites are being exposed by the media at those same Pickering farmlands, found to have been used as a dumping ground for contaminated soil. So maybe the old gentleman isn't so full of beans after all as people have tried to make the twice defeated Markham mayoral candidate, and now soon to be completely homeless Farmer, to be! Would it be a stretch to think the same dumpers of the contaminated soil be the same who burned Sam's two farm houses down in the past, with still another fire happening at the same Pickering property some years ago now? The farmer, Sam Orrico, certainly hasn't forgotten. Nor has he ever really recovered.


Development is coming, no doubt to all nether-regions of The Region, the key is controlling what kind, and who and where if at all possible. I think unethical companies should be excluded from the process when dealing with sensitive growth areas, such as those set up at arms length from developers which acquire properties just to change their use - for example as rental housing to condos, or store fronts to condos.

The recent attempt by Main St Clock Inc. on Newmarket's Main St,  which
originally acquired the property might fit the bill, claiming it wanted the tower for a seniors residence, but then, afterward when not getting what they wanted, moved them and all adjoining the businesses out, to create the appropriate atmosphere for developing what they really want and using municipalities' own bylaws to speed up their wishes by boarding up establishments until such time as they get what they desire. Not someone I would choose to do business with, so why do we have to?

Development now just west of farmed Markham property on 14th

Changes to ponder for a fairer York Region, include pondering a better deal for those with disabilities too, and those on O.D.S.P. with the Ontario Government. For some, they've lost all hope, and you're it. Every year, more Canadians kill themselves than die by car accidents, HIV, homicide, drowning, influenza and war combined. Something to think about....
To That end watch for STROLL & ROLL, coming to a provincial government outlet near you in spring 2015!



Here's a link to the award winning video one minute spot " One Paycheck Away "

Oh...by the way, experienced farmers can find and create ponds from ground water without fracking so....Frack Off!

Markham Farmer's Last Stand