MPP, leader John Tory visits Caledon's Peace Ranch

On a beautiful afternoon in August, Peace Ranch residents, staff and board of directors were thrilled to host a visit from local MPP, John Tory, accompanied by his assistants, Sylvia Jones and Adam Fagan. During a walking tour of

the property and buildings given by executive director, Eric Tripp-McKay, he recounted the history of the property and the many transformations it has seen through the years. Peace Ranch's primary mandate is rehabilitative housing for

people with mental illness, however, the diversity of seasonal activities offered continues to be the draw for the day program, Green Spaces, which is available to anyone in the surrounding communities suffering with any form of mental illness.

Many of the current residents were involved in varied activities on the property and Tory had the opportunity to speak personally to several.

Rosie, the pot-bellied pig, greeted everyone, as is her custom, but made a

particularly charming impression on Tory, as did the two miniature horses, Maggie and Pierre who gave a sulky demonstration. They, along with three full-size horses, Penny, Jamie and Black Velvet, are all key players in Peace Ranch's therapeutic animal care program.

"Those are the biggest sunflowers I have ever seen," remarked Tory, of the mammoths that flank the new gazebo, the centerpiece of the extensive garden.