Joining La Cité Écologique in Ham-Nord

Usually we do not recruit people. However, we are opened to receiving new residents with whom we feel a good synergy. Joining an ecovillage is more a question of passion than reason. Still, certain steps need to be followed. Generally, the integration program for our community is spread out over three years in order to allow both parties to get to know each other better.

Note: First of all, we strongly suggest that you come for a guided tour before taking into consideration this integration program.

Steps for joining our community:

First Step:

• Participate in a 2-week internship. It is a great opportunity for you to see how the ecovillage works. In your application, tell us that you have in mind the idea of moving here.

Second Step:

• At the end of the internship, if you are still interested, a formal application can be presented at one of our community meeting. Your request must be approved by 80% of the regular members attending the meeting. Then, an additional internship period might be required.

Third Step:

• If you are accepted, you will be on probation for one year and your status will be revised annually. Meanwhile, you might find a job and/or an apartment here, but there is no guarantee that it is going to happen. So, be prepared to work or live somewhere else while waiting for a place in the ecovillage.

Things you should know:

• If you are not covered by the Quebec Health regime, be aware that there is no health insurance provided by any of our businesses or by the ecovillage itself, so any health care expenses are on you.
• You might be asked to provide extra time for nonprofit or community services, especially during week-ends. We might ask you to come for farming chores, landscaping, cleaning, etc. Your participation shows your commitment to the ecovillage.
• For many reasons such as safety, efficiency, the kids, or simply for cohesion, we might ask you to follow certain rules regarding sanitary conditions, hands cleaning, clothing, use of equipment, or others aspect of community living. Before discussing those rules, we think that you should follow them for a while in order to fully appreciate them.
• Community meals are provided daily but we are not always able to accommodate specific diets.
• In most instances, you will not be permitted to attend permanent resident meetings. In some case you might be permitted to assist, but with no permission to vote. Certain events, parties, school meetings might be for permanent residents only.
• What we will not tolerate are: Illegal drugs, cigarette smoking, wearing guns or arms, manifesting violence, using verbal abuse, printed shirts with violent or disparaging messages or fights.