CONTEXT AND HISTORY

The history of York Region is a rich tapestry of fragmented pastoral villages that took form in the shape of silos, individual entities that became municipalities. The Region gradually emerged and continues to be perceived as a safe enclave for nuclear families who seek to escape the hustle and bustle of our neighbours to the South not to mention “the maladies” inherent in big city living, as well as, those deemed “undesirables.”

Over the last twenty-five years, the Region experienced a rapid growth in population which has far out stride its infrastructural development (e.g. public transit, affordable housing, local employment opportunities) and human service provisions (e.g. mental health services, housing, counseling interventions, shelters etc).  

In the December 8th, 2008 issue of the Era Banner (Newmarket), Patrick Lake, Executive Director, York Region Children’s Aid Society, remarked:

Earlier this month, along with other Children's Aid Societies in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), York CAS published a report on child poverty. In the same period, the percentage of impoverished GTA children living in York Region increased from 10 percent to 12 percent.

What is most frightening is this spread of child poverty took place during a time of unprecedented economic growth and strength. Now that we are facing much tougher economic times, how much worse will it be for those families already in poverty and for those bordering on poverty?

(In York Region,) One in 10 children of European background live in poverty; one in five from East Asian groups; one in four in Aboriginal, South Asian, Caribbean, South and Central American groups; one in three from Arab and West Asian groups; and one in two children from African groups.

What's more, throughout this great region, the poor are even more disadvantaged than they are in our neighbouring communities of Toronto and the inner suburbs.

It's difficult to get around because of the lack of public transportation. It's difficult to find affordable housing - Vaughan has the highest median rent in the GTA and Richmond Hill and other communities are more expensive than Toronto. And there's a profound lack of public housing. There is also much more limited access to educational resources, support services and food banks.

It is often said that the current reality and needs of the Region on all levels are unknown to the vast majority of its inhabitance and surrounding neighbours due to the lingering perception that there are no significant social or economic needs within the Region. Instead, it is commonly believed that those within its borders are largely well heeled or affluent. As a result, those who survive on the fringes of our communities are further placed at risk of harm and increased disparity.

What are the experiences of those who live, and too often merely survive on the margins of our communities---the homeless, those who misuse substances, those who are survivors of severe life experiences or acute mental health issues? What are their stories in the invisible world they find themselves in within our borders?

As waiting lists across the Region soar and service provisions remain limited, what are the challenges, gaps, and initiatives that exist or that are on the horizon? Is the larger community within the Region aware of those who are marginalized and the extent of the issues we face as a Region whether social and/or economic in nature?

As the Region continues to experience a welcomed infusion of diverse voices, identities, experiences and ideas there is evidence of a growing interest to explore our distinct and collective experiences within the Region and communities we live in.     

The Multimedia Film Festival of York Region encapsulates these queries and more. It provides a venue for the varied voices of diversity within the Region as well as those who are marginalized and/or underserved.