Landmark Report: Fantino’s Billion Dollar Legacy – Part 2

Authored for the Landmark Report by ‘Kaffir Kanuck,’ a Canadian Forces veteran of Afghanistan
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(My second part from Landmark Report. See here for Part 1)

(This is the second of two parts examining the Native occupation of the Douglas Creek Estates in Caledonia, Ontario. It is a result of interviews with activists Mark Vandermaas, Gary McHale and Merlyn Kinrade. It has been framed exploring what it has cost the Ontario taxpayer so far and how the OPP’s actions under their former Commissioner Julian Fantino and those of various stake holders may affect the federal election in two ridings.)

Behind the barricade remains, a Native patrol drives by in a red pickup in front of the press-board ramshackle “Embassy.” Outside DCE, a sign invites tourists.

(This is the second of two parts examining the Native occupation of the Douglas Creek Estates in Caledonia, Ontario. It is a result of interviews with activists Mark Vandermaas, Gary McHale and Merlyn Kinrade. It has been framed exploring what it has cost the Ontario taxpayer so far and how the OPP’s actions under their former Commissioner Julian Fantino and those of various stake holders may affect the federal election in two ridings.)

The Douglas Creek Estates were to be a bedroom community for Toronto and Hamilton. Small economic off shoots to strengthen the community were planned such as Chris Syries’ plans to open up a music school for 400 students. A class action suit is still under way representing the few businesses which have remained and are still fighting for justice.

Mark Vandermaas who personally provided an “occupation tour” related the personal and emotional costs the DCE saga has had and still incurs on a population who have seen their property value fall, trapped in a situation where they can’t afford to sell; not that they would find any buyers who would want to move to a community renown for having been abandoned by the OPP.

Mark, a CF veteran, gave his cherished UN Peace Keeping cap badge to one of the locals who live next to the DCE on 6^th Line, Caledonia a road the OPP have stopped patrolling and have abandoned. He told this person that they could give it back to him when they feel safe again. Mark is still without his cap badge.

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Read the rest of this article…

• Landmark Report, May 01/11: Fantino’s Billion Dollar Legacy – Part 2
• Kaffir-Kanuck.ca, May 01/11: Fantino’s Billion Dollar Legacy – Part 2

POSTED BY: Mark Vandermaas info@caledoniavictimsproject.ca