PACIFIC LANDING
Pacific Landing aims to provide the foundation and backdrop for an amazing quality of life. Based on a philosophy of three pillars for happy and healthy living: Active Engagement, Social Engagement and Healthy Behaviours; the close-knit neighbourhood considers every possible want and need for a happy, healthy lifestyle, whether you’re thirty or sixty-plus.
“Our community is coming together now that we have folks living on site (since the beginning of November 2017). The majority are in the 40-55+ range, with some in their thirties as well,” says James Giuffre, Sales and Marketing Coordinator for Pacific Landing. “We’re finding that as the community grows, owners are starting to get together, share the community garden, and have regular gatherings at the Pendray House with events like a NYE party and Cinco de Mayo party.”
This was exactly the vision behind Pacific Landing – a close-knit community in a natural, serene setting. On five peaceful hectares with a stunning backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Landing is a haven boasting a community garden, access to over 200 hectares of hiking trails, and a multitude of amenities – from the upcoming yoga studio and cooking theatre, to the relaxing spa pool and, of course, direct beach access.
“You can keep yourself entertained just with the natural amenities alone,” says James. “It’s very unique from most things that are out there. A lot of it is owner-driven and focused, and there’s a strong community feel.”
The suites are luxurious and have been carefully designed with convenience and style in mind. Spacious balconies and terraces allow residents to take full advantage of the views, and an open floor plan with high ceilings adds a grand feeling. There are three interior design schemes to choose from, gourmet kitchen appliances, and many more modern features, such as a high-efficiency heat pump for comfort year-round.
The resort-style amenities make this a wonderful option for active living, and you can participate in as many activities as you like. Here, you have the choice to engage in activities like cooking classes, art workshops, hiking clubs, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) lessons, hiking groups, day trips and more. The overarching vision of this resort village is to live the best quality of life possible, however that looks to you.
“Come down to the property to enjoy the beauty of this location,” says James. “We don’t push for people to join, we just like to present what our goals and ambitions are. It works out great for folks coming from all over Canada to be part of a strong community that we’re constantly building and designing, to focus on adding healthy years and quality years.”
This is carefree, community-centric living at its finest, in one of the most beautiful environments in Canada. Phase One is sold out, and Phase Two (the Douglas) will be completed in spring 2019. Soon, there will also be a variety of convenient service-based amenities and retail stores on site.
For more information, visit http://pacificlanding.ca/phase2/
O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE
O.U.R. Ecovillage is also a community designed to take full advantage of the beauty of nature. As a community centred around a deep value of nature and its bounty, it’s undoubtedly different from the luxury living at Pacific Landing. However, the theme between the two places remains the same – building tightly-bound communities and creating an amazing place to live and play.
O.U.R. (One United Resource) Ecovillage focuses heavily on cooperation and lifelong learning in a more rugged, adventurous way. In picturesque Shawnigan Lake, 45 minutes north of Victoria, O.U.R. Ecovillage is a cohesive group, focused on environmental conservation and permaculture in a unique cooperative setting.
“What’s most unique is to have such a high level of integration of one’s lifestyle; from community support, elder leadership and honouring, passion projects, intergenerational learning, shared resources, a food security model and learning community model with volunteers from all over the world,” says Brandy Gallagher, Education and Outreach Coordinator.
All residents work together to maintain the village, grow organic food, prepare the meals, and host/participate in workshops for continuing education. Founded in 1999, the Ecovillage is a unique concept to Vancouver Island, with naturally built homes on a 10-hectare site. Cobb, lumber, and other natural building materials have been used to create the buildings, including the sanctuary, which offers quiet space to reflect; this exceptional site also features a sauna, shower house, common areas, barn, pond, greenhouses and a guest house for visitors. All community spaces have been designed to be accessible for a variety of folks and their needs for an age-in-place lifestyle.
“From an onsite golf cart to wheelchair accessible washroom/ramps, etc… the design process has included having spaces where full lifestyle access would be included,” says Brandy.
The Ecovillage offers hands-on courses ranging from natural building, tiny home building, rainwater harvesting, and other sustainable practices. The goal is for the students to become teachers, having learned practical skills in an immersive learning environment. The woodworking shop and gardens provide the opportunity to learn how to live off the land by using natural elements, farming and harvesting.
In addition to animals raised for food, and the gardens and greenhouses, there’s a food forest, abundant with nuts, fruits and berries, resulting in about three-and-a-half hectares dedicated to food production. There is an emphasis on community diversity, and anyone who wishes to embrace a simpler lifestyle is welcome to visit and consider joining. A work in progress that develops and thrives more every year, there is nothing else quite like this in Canada.
“OUR team specializes in earthen/cob buildings and all types of ecological design systems; waste to resource, alternative energy, rainwater harvesting, greywater reclamation, it is award winning, including OUR Green Burial; Commemorative Conservation Scattering Grounds…and it’s all fully legal/permitted/engineered,” says Brandy.
For more information, visit https://ourecovillage.org/
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