The Numbers

Want to help make it happen? Help build your dream?

Sadly we live in a world where land is at an inflated value and thus makes everything else in our lives unaffordable and difficult.
So…lets circumvent the problem. Not all of us are willing or ready to leave the city and it’s luxuries but someone needs to get the whole thing started and do the work to keep it going.
$5000 from 8 people is $40,000. How much is access to freedom worth to you?

In order to purchase raw land we must finance it as a loan. We cannot mortgage raw land. This means some significant cash flow needs to be put down on the initial purchase price. Also we do not want to burden ourselves with a large loan/mortgage payment. It should feel like a donation or a membership fee. Under $100/month each is a good goal.

Land Requirements

• 40-160+ acres
• 20 acres as level usable land
• excellent water rights/access
• accessible but off the beaten path (ie: hard to find)
• under $200,000

Keep in mind this is all just the thought, research and planning of one person. Naturally as a co-operative forms things will be changed with additional input. This is only a rough idea.

All fees, donations and income generated by the co-op is paid back into the co-op. Money goes to first paying the bills, second project funds and third to paying our Members.

To join the co-op here is what we need from you.

Memberships are only available for buy-in from December-April. In the rare occurrence an existing member drops out their membership and credits for that year will become available for buy-in.

There are three membership levels in which you can participate: Associate, Participating and Active
Associate Member

No Membership Fee
$10 Minimum Monthly Donation

To purchase raw dairy or meat from the co-op you must be at least an Associate Member. Anyone can be an Associate Member. Associates are invited to work parties and scheduled events. Those who have put in the required number of hours will receive Participating Member level pricing on fees. Associate Members must pay $5 for camping.

Participating Member

$500 Non-Refundable One-Time Membership Fee
$25 Minimum Monthly Donation

Participating Members are those who are committed to seeing the co-op succeed but need to maintain their ‘normal’ lifestyles off-site. They are invited to work parties, meetings and scheduled events. Participating members in good standing receive discounts on workshops and events. They always camp for free.

Active Members
$5000/Share*
$100 Monthly Donation

Active Members are full fledged co-op members. They have veto power at meetings and are actively involved in the direction and construction of the village. They are the only members who have the right to live permanently on the property. They are part of one of the four committees and seek to always enhance the village with their knowledge and their skills. No Active Member may have more than 50% of the shares available at any given time.

*Active Members with 2 or more shares desiring to become completely off-grid and self sufficient will then have the ability to ‘disappear’ onto the property and build their own accommodations virtually rent free with the help (physical labour) of the co-op. Any homes/structures built outside of the ‘forward facing’ area of the property are to be ‘off-grid’, eco-friendly, hidden from aerial view and difficult to find/see if you didn’t know they were there. Should that member choose to leave the co-op they may sell their house and their share as per the guidelines.

Future Farm Foraging Guidelines

Farm Membership to the co-op is a yearly commitment of $200. Animals are in addition to this cost.
Members wanting significant orders will need to make plans as to their family members food requirements. Numbers will be tallied in late winter/early spring of each year. At that time decisions will be made collectively as to the numbers in our herds & flocks. There are no shares to be purchased. Animals will be purchased by each member according to his or her needs. All costs will be shared collectively according to each members needs.
For example if my family of three requires 6 layers, 30 meat birds, a goat and a sheep each of those animals is purchased and owned by me.
Costs of food, maintenance, veterinary, etc are covered by the annual Farm Membership fee. Each season costs will be analyzed and the next years membership fee will be adjusted accordingly if necessary.

Each Farm Member is required to visit at least one day a month at the farm unless prior arrangements have been made. Only members in good standing will be allowed to make such arrangements and they must be agreed upon by the consensus of all members. This can be for a day, weekend or a week, or a single night the choice is yours but you must be on site for a minimum of 24 hours each month. You are welcome on the farm at anytime, bring your friends, bring your family, bring our members! It is a beautiful place that you are encouraged to spend time at and enjoy. Members missing more than three of their regular visits to the Farm will forfeit their membership and animals to the remaining co-op members.

On butchering days (late summer – fall) all members with animals that are to be butchered must be present. You will be assigned a task in the ‘assembly line’ of the process according to your skill and squeamishness. Know that our animals are raised with absolute loving kindness and have lived a beautiful life. As Joel Salitin says “A happy life and one bad day”.