Canadaville - Did Stronach's generosity foster independence or dependence?

When, with little fanfare,  Canadaville (officially "Magnaville") was launched, I wrote about it, impressed with the simple practicality and generosity involved.

As Amber Hildebrandt describes in her CBC article:

Tucked in bucolic central Louisiana, a small group of Katrina victims is getting ready for another possible uprooting. The 63 former New Orleanians are citizens of a temporary community dubbed Canadaville, which Canadian auto magnate Frank Stronach, the Magna International founder, set up about 230 kilometres northwest of New Orleans.

A successful experiment? Even the five years didn't turn out as planned.

But dreams of farm profitability were not realized. Farm equipment tangled with grass sits alongside fallow fields. Cinder blocks once used to delineate each household's garden plot are now piled neatly on the edge of a field. Goats purchased in Magnaville's early stages have become pets, with no revenue-generating purpose.

Now is when we find out to what extent the vision of a hand-up was realized. Frank Stronach provided some real and realistic help at a time of desperation for many displaced residents of New Orleans. From the beginning, though, it was temporary - an opportunity for individuals and families to get back on their feet. Did it foster independence or dependence?

Another take on the Canadaville experience: Welcome to Canadaville USA

Canadaville officials will tell you they’ve seen as many triumphs among residents as times when some have fallen short. In fact, they believe the world should be proud that those who’ve had so little, have been able to come so far.