This paper looks extensively at the history associated with the mentally challenged, including social attitudes, governmental policies, local history, and personal stories. Chapter one presents the theoretical framework and explores bioregional links, the concept of community, and inclusion versus exclusion. Influences outside Haliburton such as society's attitudes towards mental disability, social policy from 1950-1973, and governmental policy in relation to creating inclusive community are considered in chapter two. The final section of the paper deals with the situation in Haliburton itself focusing on the work of the Association for Community Living as it and other social services attempt to create and build a healthy, sustainable community.