[2] At this time Yorkville was the hippie capital of Canada and local politicians, the police force and residents were concerned over the developing youth subculture.
The Digger group in Yorkville was concerned with community action and provided support to youth in need of food and shelter.
DePoe's activities came to national attention in 1967 prompting the Star Weekly to publish a picture of him on the cover of an issue in September 1967 with the headline "SUPER HIPPIE," a title he himself disdained.
[4] DePoe led a series of sit-ins throughout the city during the period of August 17 to August 24, 1967, to try to persuade the city to close Yorkville Avenue to vehicle traffic and create a pedestrian mall as Yorkville was the site of numerous coffee houses, cafes, and shops.
After a number of arrests the large group moved to Queen's Park and finally, on August 23 a "sleep-in" took place in front of Toronto's City Hall.