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Friday's Fotos: What the heck is a YURT and why is it Occupying Toronto?

By John Mayer

Real Estate Agent with Oikos Realty, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach Florida

November 18, 2011 06:30 AM

A New Meaning for "Affordable Housing"

The City of Toronto is trying to get rid of these "Occupy Toronto" Yurts but a court battle will determine whether or not they can stay in St. James Park. My brother Larry recently took these photos of the yurts being erected and is a supporter of the movement (as am I) and is a member of Zeitgeist as well. We care about our planet and the implications of having a political system that privatizes profits and socializes loss. Our government should serve us all, not just the rich and powerful.

A YURT is an insulated felt hut most often seen in the high mountain pastures of central Asia. They were purchased from Groovy Yurts and donated by several Canadian Unions at a cost of around $20,000 each. You can buy a plush snow white one from Nieman Marcus for $75,000 for the banker who has everything :-)

Yurt at Occupy Toronto

This one looks like it could keep you toasty warm all winter!

Yurt at Occupy Toronto

A yurt with St. James Cathedral in the background.

Yurt at Occupy Toronto

UPDATE from my bother Larry: 11/24/2011

City workers dismantle a yurt after a standoff between police and protesters. This was the library yurt. Negotiations removed all books before the cops moved in. Three people chained themselves inside. Five were arrested at this yurt in total and given a $75 trespass ticket. My brother helped to erect this one.

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These photos are copyright (c), all rights reserved and may not be used or reproduced without permission from John or Larry Mayer. Permission can granted with a link back to my website and / or blog, providing the site is appropriate for everyone. Photographs are a great way to share the world. Thank you for viewing.

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DONNA SINGH

Royal LePage Connect Realty - Toronto, ON

Hi John, I was really curious to read what a guy from Florida had to say about a yurt in Toronto. Well I learned alot from your blog and I had not seen the pictures of the yurt being set up so thank you. We will see what happens on Monday.

Nov 18, 2011 07:28 AM

John Mayer

Oikos Realty, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach Florida - Cocoa Beach, FL

Your Beach Area Expert

Hi Donna - I was born in Toronto and Florida is now my permanent home. My brother Larry lives at Yonge and Eglinton and we share photos from time to time. We both believe that this movement is on it's way to making a difference but time will tell. In any case, corrupt political systems need to change all over the world and that won't be an easy task to accomplish. The middle class is hurting big time!

Nov 18, 2011 07:43 AM

Patricia Kennedy

RLAH@properties - Washington, DC

Home in the Capital

John, these are much cooler looking than the typical tents you see in these occupied zones!

Nov 18, 2011 11:12 AM

William Johnson

Retired - La Jolla, CA

Retired

Hi John, I certainly learned a thing or two. I have never even seen one of these before and they look rather neat. Most certainly the designs and colors are beautiful!

If anyone asks me what a Yurt is, I now have a good visual to describe it. Great photos as always.

Nov 19, 2011 06:33 AM

Patricia - They're very cool and toasty warm :-)

Nov 20, 2011 03:52 AM

Hi William - I think a nomadic Asian Prince would be proud to own one. If you're going to "occupy" anything, do it in style!

Nov 20, 2011 03:56 AM

Sussie Sutton

David Tracy Real Estate - Houston, TX

David Tracy Real Estate for Buyers & Sellers

Those look really neat I would love to have one!

Nov 20, 2011 05:56 AM

Sussie - I'll ship one out by UPS right awaY :-)

Nov 20, 2011 06:40 PM

Marge Piwowarski

Phoenix AZ Horse Property - Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix AZ Horse Property, LLC

What a wonderful building. Thanks for the photos if it being built, I have seen only photos of finished ones across the planet. They are sorta like Hogans, but portable!

Nov 21, 2011 12:19 PM

Marge - Unfortunately, the "occupiers" have been given an eviction notice and the yurts have to come down. Hopefully the movement will find another location for them.

Nov 22, 2011 03:52 AM

Myrl Jeffcoat

Sacramento, CA

Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

John - I had heard of Yurts, but hadn't really seen one in as much detail as you present with your photos. I also agree with your statement, "Our government should serve us all, not just the rich and powerful."

Tonight on the evening news, they showed a graph of how congress once enjoyed a healthy number of members, who were moderate and capable of working with both sides of the aisle to faciliatate workable solutions for the good of the people. Unfortunately, special interests control the two parties in today's world. The moderate influence has shrunk to zero. We are in for really hard times, until something changes!

Nov 22, 2011 02:15 PM

Karen Kruschka

RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA

- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

John - Arthur and I just stopped by to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving

Nov 23, 2011 01:30 AM

Hi Myrl - 60 minutes did a piece on Grover Norquist last Sunday. This guy has signed up almost the entire GOP to a pledge of "no new taxes" PERIOD. This means common sense compromise legislation can't pass. Hardline extremism has no place in American politics IMHO.

Nov 23, 2011 03:45 AM

Thanks Karen - May your turkey be full of tasty dressing and your family be blessed with happiness!

Nov 23, 2011 03:48 AM

Friday's Fotos: What the heck is a YURT and why is it Occupying Toronto?

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