I have learned that an ancestor of mine left NY state wife and children and arrived in upper canada in May 1820, with the purpose of settling. Apparently after their arrival in Upper Canada, it had "pleased providence to visit him with sikness (sic) which has seariously (sic) impaired his circumstances". They lived in the Garrison of York starting from November 1820 until they finally received a grant of crown "wasteland" - for which the Kent, Eng. native had had to petition twice(submitted July 1921 & Nov. same year - the first petition was denied because they were " having remained in the States 14-15 years")

I'm trying to get a sense of what it would mean for a family to live in a garrison at that time. Could just anyone live there or only under certain conditions? What would life have been like there for a family? How different would it to have lived outside the garrison? Where can I find out abou these things??

I thank you for any assistance!