Woodwynn Farm

[saltspringpictures]

This is really good work, gives hope and dignity. Best Wishes

[JandersMideo]

This looks like a really good idea. =) And definitely a step-up from Y.e.p. in the amount of people it can reach out to, and the self-sustainability of the concept. I remember hanging out with Mike Louie, he was always the funnest guy there, it was really cool to see him in the video. =) Anyone who's fearful of having 'dangerous' people near their homes are really just ignorant. I don't mean that in a bad way, but you need to have an open mind.

[JandersMideo]

Spend time with the homeless, and you'll see, they're just like you or me.

Best of luck with this.

[benzutuber]

So many naysayers! I'm sick of it. The farm is the right size and the location is ideal as it will discourage residents/clients from wandering back to the streets that cause so many of their problems. Someone could donate a bus and a volunteer could drive it. There are answers but sadly a lack of imagination!

[PeacefulWarrior55]

hey!...you have imagination and passion... Come join our team. Check out our website and register as a volunteer. (note: YouTube does not allow posting a website in these comments...just check out the Cedarwood box in the top right corner of this page)

Cheers...Richard

[trailerray]

great news in today's paper Richard.

Congratulations and here's hoping the road will be a little smoother now.

Ray Howard

[quantumartist]

What a wonderful vision Richard ! The time is now to become the people we want to see on this planet. Keep going.  Robert Cerins

[Anndrreew]

just because Providence Farm works doesnt mean woodwynn will, its a very large and unique property. do they really need 200 acers?? thats alot of veggies

[onwardNupward]

Andrew. I read about the wireworm infestation. What is the cure for those creepies?

[PeacefulWarrior55]

Hi Andrew, you're right - Woodwynn is indeed a challenge. We're enlisting the help of 2 Agrologists, an Environment Farm Planner and an Organics Farming professional. I agree that 200 acres will produce a lot of veggies. We have a crop and animal mixes to finalize. And we intend to optimize the farm in order to help with food security and give our organization sustainability with respect to ongoing operational funding. You sound knowledgeable - perhaps I can interest you in helping?

[PeacefulWarrior55]

Hi again Anndrreew. Only parts of Woodwynn may have wireworm...just like most farms on the Saanich Peninsula. These organic farms simply adjust crop mixes to vegetable which are not affected by wireworm. We found it interesting that those opposed to our project, also had plans to grow organic produce on Woodwynn. Would make much more sense to work together. I do appreciate your input.

[brentwoodsup]

If anyone has visited Providence Farm before they would be %100 behind this project!!! It's a winning idea for everyone!!

[Anndrreew]

......and a smiple "soil test" would not tell u that the soils of woodwynn farm severely lack in selium and boron. also would it not make sense to buy a property closer to town that u can house the people on and is more suited to growing veggies or mabey even a little smaller and cheaper then the 200 acre 6mill woodwynn farm???

give ur heads a shake

[Anndrreew]

its a great idea to teach people about farming and good work ethic but people need to wake up and relize that woodwynn farms is on about 200 acres and would be a massive undertaking to farm. The sod from years of hay production is extremley thik and would be extremley expensive to buy the equitment need to work it up or get some one to work it up. Also woodwyn farm is invested with wire worm (a nasty bug that loves to destroy vegtable crops) this would take 2-4 years to get rid of.........

[awomanbehindwomen]

I wish you the very best of success! The community needs Woodwynn and the Province needs it. We are only as strong as our weakest links. Ever person is valuable and we all benefit when we are all engaged and contributing. Yes farming is hard work. However, the lessons I learned about community, responsibility, caring and having fun were first taught while growing up on a farm.I am still happiest when my hands are in the dirt! You program design has a good track record. May you succeed.

[darcylef]

homless people are just that, people that are "homeless". if they were, thieves or criminals they would either be in jail, or enjoying there profits in there homes.why are they homeless? high rent and cost of living due to real estate boom and huge energy costs(average single parent family's are screwed with out outside help)

please support it anyway you can! start fund raising!! and tell everybody!

[tonyh12345]

Great story. Questions: I thought the homeless would be housed on site. How are they to get there. And wouldn't it be better to house them also?

(sorry if this is repeated. I had posting problems)

[PeacefulWarrior55]

Thanks tonyh12345 - yes, our original intention was to house folks onsite..but we met with tremendous resistance. We are now forced to find offsite residence and bus people to the farm daily. Forced creativity.

[tomrabbitt]

Looks like a great project. I hope you can get it approved. Victoria has a serious housing problem and these people need support. Best of luck!

[delinumber1]

"If we are lucky enough to be living a good life, we should recognize this gift and thank God for it by looking out for others who need our help in breaking out of the cycle of poverty." ~Dalai Lama

[PeacefulWarrior55]

Our total Environmental Farm Plan is in perpetual development. Further, we do not intend any non-farming/food/therapeutic activities on Woodwynn. So, any other vocations may be pursued in the future at other locations (janitorial, etc...) Thanks for helping me clarify

[PeacefulWarrior55]

Hi smallscalefarmer...yes, it is our intention to engage seasoned professional farmers to plan, oversee operations, train and supervise our workforce. The # of acres is a function of the # of people that are ideal in the Therapeutic Community dynamic. We are told by Organic Farming experts that it is 1 - 1.5 acres per work. Woodwynn apparently has a max of 167 acres of farmable land - less hay for horses etc... so the math works out fairly close..closer than any other farms we've looked at.

[smallscalefarmer]

One more question... In our experience, small-scale, intensive organic vegetable farming requires 1 to 3 full-time, skilled farm workers per acre. Who do you plan to be the farm manager(s)?

[smallscalefarmer]

So far, strongly in favour of helping homeless people, not convinced this proposal is the best option. Mr LeBlanc, have you asked many homeless people if they want to be farm workers? I do this for a living, and man, it's hard work. I also don't understand why the society needs 192 acres. In your plan, how many acres will be intensively farmed? (not including hay to feed horses?) Tell us more about the other vocational training you propose on site... janitorial? landscaping? other?

[creativelymaladjuste]

If 40,000 people in Victoria(10% of the population) donated $150 to the Creating Homefulness Society there would be enough money to purchase the farm. Donations can be made online through their website.

[Dixoking]

The homeless are parasites of society.

[creativelymaladjuste]

Dear SaanichFarmer, I love it when someone can state their opinion without being rude, inflamatory etc. Thank you.

Could we not have a facility to train the homeless as well as provide food security for the Island at Woodwynn?

[SaanichFarmer]

I appreciate the value of therapeutic gardening for the homeless and I would like to see a facility similar to the one in this proposal, but built closer to Victoria, on a bus route so it is accessible, and on a smaller piece of land. It would be better to have a facility to train the homeless as desperately needed farm labourers who can then work alongside farmers in the effort to achieve Island-wide food security.

[suestroud]

This is a beautiful video full of hope and creativity. The homeless are people with talent, people who once had dreams, people who can love and create and participate if only we surround them with a community of love.

[suestroud]

I am a citizen of Central Saanich, I live in Brentwood Bay and I just love this compassionate solution to a problem we never should have allowed to happen. So many of the homeless are FROM CENTRAL SAANICH. It's time we did our share. Maybe the naysayers on our council will wake up and support something other than pavement!

[jlpryer]

What an inspiring video and wonderful idea. I think this is perfect for our community and surrounding area. To feed and house the homeless and teach them to prosper themselves is bang on. Also benefits the entire Peninsula with whole, natural foods. A great way for all of us to get involved. Well done and I pray Woodwyn is very successful and blessed beyond what they could ask or imagine.

[221522]

what a great idea! Helping the homeless and growing local organic produce, it's perfect. This is a truly noble cause worth supporting.

[jasenmcquarrie]

What an incredible and inspiring video. It is essential to our communities that we address the needs of our homeless people. There is a reason why they are there. Thank you for opening your hearts to this project...these are human beings too! With great love in my heart I support this program. Thank you!

[benzutuber]

Excellent video! The homeless are people too but they are treated worse than animals. All they really need is someone to love them and help them help themselves. With the support of caring people like us, their lives can be salvaged and the community will be better off for it. It saddens me every time I go past a homeless person. This project makes so much sense. It will be successful. Habitat For Humanity started with a similar philosophy and look where they are now. Good luck!

[ProRecreationalist]

...great plan - good effort by those involved.

I'm constantly embarrassed by the vocal opposition to projects like Woodwynn Farm and our needle exchange.

It takes a whole community to raise a child, and it takes the whole community to help us heal.

If people have an objection to projects like Woodwynn Farm - it would be wiser to redirect your objections into imagining a solution, instead of blocking those who are trying help.

[EretzShamaim]

Thank you, Richard for your selfless effort creating a place for the homeless they can call home and at the same time give something back to the community. Apart from helping homeless people to restructure their lives this could become a thriving business and would meet a great demand for local organic food. A growing community is supporting this project, waiting that Woodwynn Farm becomes a lifeline for homeless people.

Even children understand this and are willing to make a difference

[PeacefulWarrior55]

I am grateful for the many positive and supportive posts received so far. So many in our community understand that our difficulties will be overcome by getting past fears and by finding the compassion necessary for transforming lives.  We have such a wonderful opportunity at hand. Thank you!

[creativelymaladjuste]

Brilliant idea carpediem (love your name!) What if we start a pledge right here, right now??? I'm in! I pledge my $100 government cheque to the Creating Homefulness Society. This money should have gone to the homeless in the first place. Anyone else? Let's see how many people we can get to sign up right now on this site. What if we challenge the government to match?

[souldance21]

Here's another $100 gov. cheque pledge. The comment made below about it should have gone to the homeless in the first place, is bang on!

[creativelymaladjuste]

Dear Souldance, thank you so much for your kind comments regarding pledging the $100.Did you know there are a group of 40 neighbors who are putting in an offer (tonight) on the farm to purchase it solely so Richard cannot?They do not want homeless in their neighborhood.(see Times Colonist article today, entitled Homeless farm plan sparks $6million dollar race. Absolutely heartbreaking!

[avatar0226]

Driven by his passion to help the homeless and destitute transform their lives, Richard is deeply committed to this this project. It's a bold endeavor requiring the collaboration of many people including governments and people in the neighborhood. Woodwynn Therapeutic Community could be the most important and powerful vehicle to create the future of the many disadvantaged people who would otherwise have no future. Clearly, it is a Win-Win for all concerned. How can I support this project?

[carpediem881]

A great plan! I live in Central Saanich and would certainly buy produce there. Central Saanich residents need practical suggestions to help make this project real. Let us know how to help. Re cost, the $100 per person (total of $450 million) BC residents will soon receive from the provincial government could be better spent helping solve homelessness. Can we find a way to get people to donate their $100 to an organization which is working on the homelessness issue?

Bert MacBain

[Recrutista]

Thanks to the Centre for Homefulness for championing this successful, PROVEN model of community and horticultural/agricultural/ permacultural therapy for the CRD region!

[mowbrayandmills]

Hi Richard,

I really liked the video (informative and convincing) and I support the project. If you ever need our music for fundraising or celebrating (!) - just let Mowbray and Mills know!

Best regards - Tracy

[trailerray]

Hey Richard what a great video. I think the whole concept is great.

I would like to see the housing for this project out on the water using our retired ferry fleet as the place to support up to 300 people per ferry. I feel there is a huge potential on this farm for treatment but it's difficult to accomodate large numbers of people (300)requiring treatment. The housing could be easily handled by one retired ferry. The farm could easily handle daytime treatment.

I hope you get your farm.

Ray

[PeacefulWarrior55]

The due diligence for our business plan and submissions were over 18 months in the making with the help of talented academics at Royal Roads University, our stellar board of directors and a number of accomplished and concerned professionals. The cost-effectiveness is irrefutable.

Richard Leblanc,

[PeacefulWarrior55]

Dear Mr Shpak... The true motives of your campaign of fact distortion and inflammatory characterizations - "hastily cobbled together" "incredibly irresponsible" etc... are obvious to us all. Whereas your neighborhood following is miniscule, the vast majority in the CRD understand the value, wisdom and importance of this project - and will continue to support it despite your attempts to misinform.

We continue to extend a healing hand to you.

[creativelymaladjuste]

dshpak-what is your vested interest in this project? Are you solely concerned with the use of government funds? Very noble of you, perhaps you should run for office. Are you concerned with having those people in your own backyard? Or are you being paid by the government to oppose this proposal? Why would one person spend so much time trying to discredit such an incredible plan for dealing with homelessness?

Imagine what you could accomplish if all your negative energy was put towards good

[xWhitexWingsx]

Thank you so much for doing this project! As a resident of central saanich I see far too many homeless.

There is no plan that can help every person on the street, however, this farm would be able to pull back to society some of those people who are on the edge and desperately wanting to change their lives around. Yes WoodWynn farm is an expensive piece of land but this scheme would enable it to stay as a working organic farm, rather then being developed.

[dshpak]

Regarding the following comment: The capital costs for Baldy Hughes is ten times less expensive on a per-participant basis.

[dshpak]

Do you want to help the homeless by developing a responsible program that uses precious funds wisely or do you want glitz and glamour?

Do you know that the capital costs for the Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community is ten times less than for Woodwynn? They did their homework rather than quickly jumping on the most expensive property on the market. Maybe the Baldy Hughes site isn't perfect but buying Woodwynn is incredibly irresponsible, especially since you can't house the participants on site.

[Recrutista]

Dude, this is the Island, Victoria region no less. Real estate is expense here everywhere.

[dshpak]

The initial Woodwynn proposal was hastily cobbled together to meet a Jan 9 deadline for government funding. Woodwynn was selected because it was for sale, not because it was well suited to the purpose or a responsible expenditure. They didn't bother to look around because cost was not a consideration: it was $5.9 million plus another $6 million in startup costs of taxpayers' money. Woodwynn is glorious, but it doesn't help very many people and it excludes high-risk individuals.

[writewhinger]

This whole project holds such an incredilble promise to those in need of a supportive community, a sense of belonging that only comes with a long-term commitment.

For those against investment in the poorest among us, perhaps a commitment by society is one of the most profound statements of their worth that we can offer. Warehousing people in some roach-infested former "hotel" does little to tell someone they are important as human beings and fellow citizens.

[SHEGOEVILPARTNER]

Two thumbsup,Richard and his crew. Has this been played on the news? The video is worthy!!!!! And I going to forward, to all I know Take care

Jerry Howe

[oneeighty1]

looks great Richard! hope all the best with the future!!

[souldance21]

What does it take to make this therapeutic community a reality? More than money. It takes people who believe in change, hope and purpose in life. People courageous enough to confront the fear and stigma of poverty and homelessness. People committed to preserving the earth; stewards of the land. People who care more about lives than wealth, property or status. I pledge my full support to advance this hopeful initiative.

[marcellewelch]

I love this idea. In fact when I first read about it in Fucus Magazine I cried. It is the first sensible thing I have heard as a way to help the homeless and give them not only a home but a purpose and a life of creativity. It breaks my heart when I see people sleeping on the sidewalks of down town only to be (literally) hosed off the street in the early mornings by the city. If thats the best solution the city has come up with then that is a discrase. As a psychotherapist I hope I can help.

[momozand]

This project is absolutely wonderful. I contacted Richard LeBlanc as soon as I heard about it, and told him so. He's got my full support. I honestly don't understand the objections to what is actually a solution to homelessness. People in our community seem to prefer using violence being used against our most vulnerable members of society. I would like to know from dshpak what "errors" he found in the business plan, anyway.

[dshpak]

My objection to this plan is that twice as many homeless people could be helped with the same amount of funds. And, this would still be in a Therapeutic Work Community. I went through the original business plan and found it to be an expensive showcase that was full of errors. I have met with and given authors of the Woodwynn plan several realistic alternatives but did not receive the courtesy of a reply. Nor have I received the updated business plan that I requested at my meeting with them.

[markperry87]

dshpak, why exactly should we not trust this man? It seems to me that we should not trust people like you who think that this is a "scheme". Sorry it does not involve helping the rich get richer. God forbid someone actually try to come up with an idea to help the poor! I thoroughly believe that we need to get our act together and help the homeless. If you are going to turn down this idea then I beg you to think of a better one!! Otherwise, what is the harm in giving it a chance?

[mbossco]

This project looks ALL good to me. I don't see anything but positives! And when it's operational, I WILL buy my food there.

[cdbilly]

Wow, what a fabulous idea to help people, on so many levels. Getting the community involved to help solve the problem of homelessness is not only necessary, it is brilliant. Looking at Providence Farm, how can anyone be paranoid about the use of Woodwynn Farm for such a noble project. What a beautiful way to preserve the farm, and add value to the community.

cbilly

[creativelymaladjuste]

I feel there is an entire community out there waiting for an alternative to climbing the corporate ladder, showing off material wealth and social stature. We are wanting to offer a hand up to those in need while asking for nothing in return - giving can be the mark of genuine freedom.

You would be hard-pressed to find a more compassionate, selfless, trustworthy person than Richard Leblanc and I am positive if you ask anyone who truly knows him they will tell you the same.

[creativelymaladjuste]

Mr Leblanc is a dear friend of mine so I take GREAT EXCEPTION to the first comment.

Instead of reacting negatively to our fears of the unknown why not replace that fear with love?

"Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within I use the word love here not in the personal sense but as a state of being, or a state of grace Not in the infantile sense of being made happy but in the tough and universal sense of quest and daring and growth" JBaldwin

[delinumber1]

Wow, what a terrific idea! How can I support this?

Everyday I see our homeless neighbours barely surviving on the streets. Most distressing is seeing entire homeless families...with children. I have led a very fortunate life and I have so much. I wonder, how can I help in a truly meaningful way? What can I do that would have a positive impact in these lives?

What I do not ever wonder is, what would I lose? Really, what could I possibly lose when acting to serve, inspire, empower, love?

[PeacefulWarrior55]

To our friends in Central Saanich...of course we work with all levels of government and many other stakeholders toward solving Homelessness for all in our community...please read the notes below...

[PeacefulWarrior55]

Dear Mr Shpak,

Arbitrarily set bureaucratic guidelines are no justification for withholding unconditional love to those in need in our community

Resistance to positive change by those in power are no justification for withholding forgiveness to those our community has already abandoned

The fear-filled protection of assets for the wealthy do not justify providing the dignity of a home and purpose-filled employment for our family members lost from our collective indifference

[PeacefulWarrior55]

Judgments held by misguided elitists, against your own loved-ones who are struggling will continue to lead to growing dysfunctionalities for all

Perceived power of the rich is but a faint attempt to thwart our community's will to re-build healthy relationships with each other and our planet

We look forward to working with the community to build Woodwynn into a valued asset for all.

We look forward to extending a healing hand to Dale Shpak and his followers.

Richard Leblanc

[dshpak]

Richard

You have PROMISED that you would obey zoning bylaws yet the dormitory and "under one roof" usage in the video are ILLEGAL under the zoning bylaws.

Your scheme received a unanimous NO vote from municipal council. Why are your promoting an ILLEGAL use for the cherished Woodwynn Farm to unsuspecting members of the public?

Your scheme is very expensive, which is why the relevant provincial Ministries have turned your scheme down TWICE.

Warning to everyone:

DO NOT TRUST THIS MAN!!!

[ShadowWhisperz]

Well it's obvious that this NIMBY was in the room that fateful night to help veto such a great project.

My advice to dshpak:

1. Get over your irrational NIMBY fears & use your energy for positives.

3. Put your energy into finding solutions.

4. Put your money where your mouth is.

"You're either part of the solution or part of the problem" which are you dshpak?

PS: I don't bother with sugar-coated "politically correct" crap. I shoot straight from the lip.

[ProRecreationalist]

...so, what's your better idea?

.