| EcoReality is developing an ecovillage in the south Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada. This ecovillage will be a model of sustainable development and will include public outreach and education as goals.
We have acquired a 43-acre property next to a 61-acre “community farmland” site, backed by hundreds of acres of public parkland, all the way to the highest peak on the island, and down to the ocean.
The combined public/private property has cleared, productive farmland (currently in hay), riparian and laucustrine areas, and young forest. The public parkland extends from the highest point on the island (Bruce Peak, at 704 metres), all the way to the ocean at Burgoyne Bay, and up the other side to the second-highest point (Mount Maxwell, at 579 metres).
All of the 43+61-acre property is irrigated by a two-acre pond and two year-round streams via an extensive buried irrigation system. The class-2 soils are in growing zones 8 and 9. We are beginning a permaculture design process for the combined 100-acre site.
Two houses with a total of nearly 4,200 sq ft of living space have nine bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two kitchens between them, as well as ample room for meetings and home-based businesses. Six members live in these buildings, sharing them with renters, WWOOFers, and visitors.
A garage/studio/workshop of about 1,200 sq ft is used as a classroom for Qigong, yoga, and public events. The classroom seats 40.
We have begun a public education campaign leading to re-zoning that will enable construction of a number of additional dwelling units. Current zoning allows three additional houses and a cottage. We are beginning studies to determine the appropriate number of dwelling units, based on both carrying capacity of the land and agricultural labour needs. This will be a political process, with at least three government bodies and public hearings involved.
We are seeking additional members who can contribute approximately half the value of a typical North American suburban house to the project. Prospective members with outstanding skills who can contribute less are encouraged to contact us as well.
Current EcoReality members include an assistant professor of agroecology and two permaculture instructors, as well as people with skills in natural building, alternative energy systems, videography, finance, counseling, agriculture, information management, massage, education, and much more. Status: seeking members | Contact: Links: EcoReality: EcoReality is developing an ecovillage on 100 acres of public/co-op land in the South Gulf Islands of British Columbia. This ecovillage will be a model of sustainable development, and will feature public outreach and education as included goals. Island Tides: A newspaper article about EcoReality's metamorphosis. Escape From Suburbia: Co-founders Jan Steinman and Carol Wagner are featured in this documentary film by Greg Greene. Submedia TV: Co-founder Jan Steinman is interviewed at 7:30 into this video blog. (Warning: considerable profanity before the interview.) |
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Population Child Members: 2 (2 yr Sienna, 3 yr Jesse) Non-member Residents: 5 (variable: 1-6) Open to new children: Yes Gender Balance: 50% M 50% F Open to which gender(s): All genders welcome Ethnic Diversity: 0% identify as 'non-white' Age Focus: No Focus (We strive for age diversity and balance.) Age Restrictions: Yes (We strive for age diversity and balance.) Which Ages Restricted: (Missing teens, 20's, 60's, 80's.) | Government Decision Making: By consensus (Consensus as a delegation and ratification mechanism, with a great deal of autonomy given to stewards.) Leadership Core Group: Yes (Stewards have considerable autonomy, and committees of stewards with similar or overlapping responsibility make many decisions.) | Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances (Complete financial disclosure to other members, updated annually.) Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: No Answer (Applicants must demonstrate a history of fiscal responsibility.) Labor Contribution: Expected (30 hours/month residents, 10 hours/month non-resident members.) Join Fee: Yes ($1,000 for basic membership, plus an equity investment in land and buildings.) Regular Fees: Yes (Yes, currently $25/month.) | Land and Buildings Rural (Walikng/biking distance to small village. Public bus service.) Area: 43 acres (17.4 hectares) (additional adjoining 61 acres in an independent land trust) Land Owned By: The community Number of Residences: 2 (plus garage/workshop/classroom) | Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 1-5% (plan for 50% or more) Share Community Meals: 2-5 times/week (Wed community potluck, Saturday public potluck) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: There are some dietary restrictions (vegetarian and self-butchered meat) Dietary Practice: Primarily vegetarian Alcohol Use: Used occasionally Tobacco Use: Prohibited (Except religious/medicinal use. Discrete 420 friendly.) | Social Factors Open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members: Yes Shared Spiritual Path: No Answer (vaguely earth-based) Which Spiritual Path(s): Buddhist :: Native American :: Eastern :: Paganism/Earth Religions :: Unitarian Universalist :: Eclectic (integrates pieces from many religions) Educational Style(s): Private school off the property :: Public schooled :: Home schooling | |
