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sbolan@yrmg.com For many York Region resi- dents a park represents fun and frivolity and tents are part of a ‘roughing it’ weekend, while alleyways and abandoned build- ings are to be avoided and por- table toilets are for construction workers and emergencies only. In an effort to bring the region's homelessness problem out of hiding. the alliance created the Photovoice project, which has resulted in the exhibition Hidden in Plain Site: Living Homeless in York Region. The exhibition runs from Jan. 9 to Feb. 13 at Latcham Gallery in downtown Stoufl’vjlle. But for other York Region residents, they call these places home. “Things are not always as they seem," said lane Wedlock, executive director, community strategist far the York Region Alli- ance to End Homelessness. “Just because you don’t see it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.” Since 2001, the number of men, women and children living at or below the poverty line in the region has grown to 13 per cent, according to 2008 statistics from the alliance. Homeless photograph their lives for show is a very powerful medium (SEW-Wham BY SANDRA BOLAN See mm". page 5 SATURDAYJANJJOIO I WMWOFWWW I 16 PAGES/31mm GOT MAIL? SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TO JMASON@YRMG.COM 905-642-2745 CALL AND COMPARE! STAFF PHOTOS/JIM MASON “We’re aware (of the HST ), but it can't be a driving factor for us," said Rob Raycroft. director of leisure services for the Town of Whitchurch-Stoufl'fille. “Our fees still have to reflect our operating costs." Stouffville puckheads, skaters, softballers and soccer players are all crying foul and want a time out. If that weren't enough to force some orga- nizations into raising their registration fees, the harmonized sales tax (HST), which takes efiect July 1, will. “The town's bumping rates by 14 per cent for the adult league and then on top of that, you end up with an eight-per-cent HST increase." said Paul Dennody, president of the Stoufiville Amateur Hockey League. “We’re looking at a 23-pepcent hike in our cost.” The HST is a blending of the PST (eight per cent) and GST (five per cent), which will be levied on all items purchased. Currently, notâ€" for-profit organizations, like hockey leagues and soccer clubs, only charge the GST. » Come next season, the town will impose new user fees that, in some cases, will doufle the per person cost of playmg on mumCIpal The cost to rent ice in Stouffville, whether it be at the Stouflvflle Arena or the soon-to- open Clippers Sports Complex, will go‘ from Rate hike irks sports groups Adult hockey costs up 23%, thanks to rental costs, HST See OUT-OF-M, page 3 BY SANDRA BOLAN sbolan@yrmg.com