June 27, 2017

Ecovillages: A Development Model to Revitalize Communities

Nébesna Fortin – for the special 40th anniversary issue of Possible

Our society, long accustomed to discussing economics and quality of life, is increasingly embracing themes of sustainability and ecology. Everyone wants to enjoy a fulfilling, rich, and high-quality lifestyle—but how can we achieve this without compromising our beautiful planet?

One growing movement may offer an answer: the global ecovillage movement. It’s a development model that prioritizes environmental protection and community values. The concept of the ecovillage, centered around sustainable, responsible, and cooperative human habitation, emerged at the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992. In 1998, the United Nations described ecovillages as one of the best practices for sustainable living.

The Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) includes more than 1,000 ecovillages worldwide, with over 25 registered in Canada. These ecological development models take many forms—from eco-neighborhoods like Vauban in Freiburg, Germany, and Auroville in India, to small communities of a few families living in co-housing arrangements (see the Canadian Cohabitat Network for more information). According to GEN, an ecovillage is an intentional or traditional community that locally implements the four pillars of sustainable development—social, ecological, cultural, and economic—to create a lifestyle in harmony with the environment. Most adopt a shared vision, participatory governance, communal spaces, and host educational, touristic, or commercial activities. The goal is to reduce ecological impact while enhancing residents’ quality of life. To make this possible, various ecological and communal practices are implemented, such as sharing spaces (parks, homes, kitchens), equipment (tools, cars, games), and resources (food, services, expertise).

Here in Quebec, we find La Cité Écologique, an ecovillage established in 1984 in the municipality of Ham-Nord, in the Centre-du-Québec region. This community has demonstrated its success for over 32 years. It is home to 80 residents, 10 businesses, an alternative primary and secondary school, a certified organic farm, and a well-established community environment that continues to evolve in synergy with youth. The site also hosts around 20 international interns and several hundred visitors annually. Through its businesses, the ecovillage provides employment for all its residents and contributes to regional job creation.

Among the ecological and communal practices promoted at La Cité Écologique is proximity. All homes, the school, daycare, and businesses are located within a one-kilometer radius. This means that daily travel between these places can be done on foot or by bicycle, avoiding the use of cars or public transport, which—though less polluting—still consume energy and emit greenhouse gases. Daily travel is one of the most significant contributors to an individual’s environmental footprint. And let’s not forget the stunning landscapes that allow residents to enjoy nature’s beauty.

In the spirit of sharing, community meals are offered five to six times a week. To better distribute tasks related to vegetable production, maintenance, and new project development, “bee” times (joyful work parties) are scheduled. Sustainable forestry and tree planting are also practiced—over 22,000 trees from 50 species have been planted over the past 30 years.

La Cité Écologique, inspired by its third generation of young adults, is thriving and constantly developing new projects. One such initiative, the CAP Eco-Community, offers training in sustainable development inspired by ecovillage living. In 2015, La Cité hosted Canada’s first edition of the EDE course (Ecovillage Design Education), a program supported by Gaia Education, a key partner of the UN’s Global Action Programme for ESD. To date, these courses have been offered more than 190 times in 40 countries across six continents, reaching over 5,000 participants. They train individuals to become change agents in their communities, helping to revitalize their regions. The 2015 edition at La Cité Écologique was a great success, and the experience will be repeated again this summer, from July 8 to August 8, 2016.

The team at the Ham-Nord ecovillage is witnessing growing interest among Quebecers in this alternative lifestyle—more community-oriented and environmentally respectful. This interest is reflected not only in visits to the ecovillage but also in the increasing attendance at environmental events and fairs. Not to mention the many diverse projects and services emerging across the province: tiny homes, permaculture training, co-housing development, community garden initiatives, and the flourishing Incredible Edibles movement. Some municipalities are also joining in, offering residential development spaces that encourage ecological construction and foster neighborly living among citizens who value community ties.