Frequently Asked Questions
How does the housing situation work?
Since we are in the process of developing the site and building our homes, we live in the common house and in the 2 cabins. As members build their homes, we anticipate new members to live either in the common house or in the auxiliary buildings. We're also open to people bringing their own campers/RV’s, tiny homes, yurts or other alternative housing and setting them up as temporary housing.
Do people own their homes or rent, are there other options?
Members own their own homes, and we currently rent to folks who are exploring the last stage of our membership process. We also have a payment plan option.
What are the costs of living here?
We split the mortgage, utilities, accounting fees, taxes and insurance and each pay $50 in monthly dues, these costs decrease with every new member joining us. Additionally to build a home here you must also have the funds for the buy-in and to build a house with.
What is the buy-in?
To buy-in members purchase a Class C Share (redeemable upon ending membership). This buy-in reflects the amount each founding family paid originally, has put towards building infrastructure, and has paid off on the mortgage. The buy-in gives new member families a building site & access to all of the commons. In the future we may also offer mortgageable building leases to new members as another path to buying-in.
Class C Shares increase each year to match inflation:
Since we are in the process of developing the site and building our homes, we live in the common house and in the 2 cabins. As members build their homes, we anticipate new members to live either in the common house or in the auxiliary buildings. We're also open to people bringing their own campers/RV’s, tiny homes, yurts or other alternative housing and setting them up as temporary housing.
Do people own their homes or rent, are there other options?
Members own their own homes, and we currently rent to folks who are exploring the last stage of our membership process. We also have a payment plan option.
What are the costs of living here?
We split the mortgage, utilities, accounting fees, taxes and insurance and each pay $50 in monthly dues, these costs decrease with every new member joining us. Additionally to build a home here you must also have the funds for the buy-in and to build a house with.
What is the buy-in?
To buy-in members purchase a Class C Share (redeemable upon ending membership). This buy-in reflects the amount each founding family paid originally, has put towards building infrastructure, and has paid off on the mortgage. The buy-in gives new member families a building site & access to all of the commons. In the future we may also offer mortgageable building leases to new members as another path to buying-in.
Class C Shares increase each year to match inflation:
Are there any other costs to joining?
To join the cooperative members buy a $500.00 class "A" membership share. Membership shares are voting shares and a member may not own more that one, they are also redeemable. Members also pay a one time non-refundable joining fee of $10,000.00.
What are the participation requirements?
Members attend general circle meetings and are actively involved in at least one operational circle. Members contribute towards the maintenance and development of Hearthstone Village to the best of their ability. They maintain their monthly contributions, and act in accordance with the Commitment to Community policy agreement.
Is there a long-term roadmap for the community?
Our plans are to create between 8 to 16 family dwellings (16 is the maximum number we can officially have on a property this size) which are primarily built of natural materials (local wood, cob, slip straw, earthbags etc...) and are modest in size (500-1200 sq ft). We intend to develop legal, sustainable technology for our septic, water and energy systems like rainwater catchments, composting toilets, geothermal, solar, and masonry heaters. We will be creating food forests, raising livestock within a permaculture approach and build a greenhouse. We are open to home-based businesses and community industries. Most importantly we want to live sustainably in a socially rich and interconnected community, supporting and caring for each other. This roadmap for the community will continue to evolve as membership grows.
Are you open to international members?
Yes, but in order to become a full member in Hearthstone Village Cooperative you must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
Hearthstone Village Cooperative does not sponsor people and cannot provide employment.
To explore immigration click: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html
To join the cooperative members buy a $500.00 class "A" membership share. Membership shares are voting shares and a member may not own more that one, they are also redeemable. Members also pay a one time non-refundable joining fee of $10,000.00.
What are the participation requirements?
Members attend general circle meetings and are actively involved in at least one operational circle. Members contribute towards the maintenance and development of Hearthstone Village to the best of their ability. They maintain their monthly contributions, and act in accordance with the Commitment to Community policy agreement.
Is there a long-term roadmap for the community?
Our plans are to create between 8 to 16 family dwellings (16 is the maximum number we can officially have on a property this size) which are primarily built of natural materials (local wood, cob, slip straw, earthbags etc...) and are modest in size (500-1200 sq ft). We intend to develop legal, sustainable technology for our septic, water and energy systems like rainwater catchments, composting toilets, geothermal, solar, and masonry heaters. We will be creating food forests, raising livestock within a permaculture approach and build a greenhouse. We are open to home-based businesses and community industries. Most importantly we want to live sustainably in a socially rich and interconnected community, supporting and caring for each other. This roadmap for the community will continue to evolve as membership grows.
Are you open to international members?
Yes, but in order to become a full member in Hearthstone Village Cooperative you must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
Hearthstone Village Cooperative does not sponsor people and cannot provide employment.
To explore immigration click: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html
