TerraVie

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TerraVie

Located in Montcalm, QC, Canada

Mission Statement
Ecologically viable community

Community Description
TerraVie is a nonprofit charitable organization that acquires, preserves, and manages land for future generations, of which 25 percent is made available for the development of viable communities. TerraVie is a qualified recipient for an ecological gift, certified by the Minister of the Environment of Quebec.

TerraVie is devoted to scrupulously managing the land at their disposition in conformity with its charter and principles. TerraVie is committed to preserve its objectives, irrespective of the socioeconomic or political context.

This initiative is based on the principle that land is not a commodity, but a fundamental resource to be maintained for the community as a whole.

Although land trusts are established for similar reasons, TerraVie is different in that its purpose also includes the development of viable ecological communities.

It acts as a local, sustainable, environmentally conscious stimulator while educating the public about the various aspects of lifestyles in harmony with nature. It emphasizes the development of communities that minimize the exploitation of resources and financial speculation on land.

In Laurentides at Montcalm, TerraVie purchased on September 5, 2006, 250 acres of land with a lake (40 acres) and two downstream rapids.

On September 5, 2006, TerraVie purchased 288 acres of land near the hamlet of Moncalm in the Laurentian Mountains north of Montreal. The mainly forested land has access to a lake and two rapid flowing streams.

TerraVie rents part of the land (25 %) to two nonprofit cooperatives (housing and employment) that manage the activities of the ecovillage. The cooperatives are responsible for the buildings, but cannot own the land or the natural resources. They are obliged to ensure the ecological integrity of all activities and construction within their territory. The cooperatives must respect the ecological charter and fundamental principles of TerraVie as described on our website.

The board and members of TerraVie are working towards the creation of a legal structure to facilitate the establishment of community land trusts (CLTs) and ecovillages throughout Quebec. The research studies that stem from this project will be made available to the general public.

TerraVie received the ¨Phoenix of the Environment 2007″ award in the categorie “sustainable development” for its pilot project at Montcalm. This prize is the highest distinction from the minister of environment of Quebec.

Housing
Status: We have land in the permitting or zoning stage
Area: 288 acres
Current Residence Types: Room(s) in a house or building, Yurt, tee-pee, dome, treehouse, or tent, Lots to build on
Planned number of residences: 12
Planned Residence Types: Single-family homes, Multi-family homes, Tiny house, Natural built structues
Housing Provided: Purchase, Work-exchange
Land owned by: Community controlled land trust
Additional Comments:
75% in conservation 25% for village
12 houses are planned and 20 eco-cottage non-residential for retreats and workshops
Cooperative

Membership
Adult Members: 30
Child Members: 5
Percent Women: 51-60%
Percent Men: 31-40%
Percent Transgender: 0%
Visitors accepted: Yes
Visitor Process:
Workshops, permaculture, nature
Open to new Members: Yes
Membership Process:
Be consistent with the principles of sustainable development.
Additional Comments:
The respect of Nature and each of others

Economics
Join Fee: $7000
Dues, Fees, or Shared Expenses: Yes
Regular Fee per Month: $100
Shared Income: Partial share of income
Required Labor Contribution per Week: 4
Open to members with existing debt: No

Sustainability Practices
Energy Infrastructure: We use both systems.
Current renewable energy generation: 50-75%
Energy sources: Solar, Hydro-Electric, Biogas, Geothermal
Planned renewable energy generation: Almost All, around 90%
Current food produced: Up to 25%
Planned food produced: Almost All, around 90%
Food produced locally: From 50-75%

Lifestyle
Common Facilities: Common House, Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Vehicle Share, Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Swimming pond or pool, Hot tub or hot springs, Outdoor Kitchen, Large Scale Kitchen, Stage or Auditorium, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Waterfront access, Internet
Internet Available: Yes, both the community and individuals provide it
Internet Fast?: Yes, it’s fine.
Cell Phone Service: Good for most people.
Shared meals: 2-5 times per week
Dietary Practice: Local (food sourced within 150 miles), Organic (no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers), GMO Free (only non-genetically modified organisms), Mostly Vegetarian, Opportunivore (dumpster diving, nature harvesting, etc.)
Dietary Choice or Restrictions: No – people may eat however they wish.
Alcohol Use: Yes, used occasionally.
Tobacco Use: Yes, used seldomly, or ceremoniously.
Additional Diet Comments:
The sharing meals is vegetarian
Common Spiritual Practice(s): Ecumenical (accepts all religions or spiritual practices), Native American
Spiritual Practice Expected?: No
Education Style(s): Home Schooling, Up to each family or individual
Healthcare Options: Up to each family or individual

Source: https://www.ic.org/directory/terravie/
             http://www.terravie.org/