By Terry Lavender, Treehouse Village Media & External Relations Coordinator

“For inspiration, Nova Scotian planners and communities could look to the Treehouse Village Ecohousing project in Bridgewater.”

That’s one of the conclusion of authors Jara de Hoog, Alice Cohen, & Andrew Biro in their recent report for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, “Challenging Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan to Do Better.“

In the report, the Dalhousie University authors urge politicians, planners and communities to explore different models as they strive to reconcile growth, sustainability and affordable housing. They explain that “While existing communities are limited by current infrastructure and entrenched behavioural patterns, new communities could be visionary experiments in cooperative living, sustainable transportation, and holistic health and well-being—but only if the province starts planning for this reality.”

Treehouse Village Ecohousing, they say, is one example that communities could look to.

The full report is available as a free download on the CCPA website.

Atlantic Canada’s first cohousing development, Treehouse Village is a vibrant, multi-generational community dedicated to living lightly on the earth. The community features 30 one-level condominium homes in four two-storey residential buildings, constructed to the ultra energy-efficient Passive House standards, along with a 4000 square foot Common House and 1000 square foot workshop.

Each home’s heating bills are expected to be as low as $200/year. All buildings have solar panels on the roofs, with the ultimate goal of reaching net zero. The community has an EV car share program, with eight charging stations on site.

Treehouse Village Ecohousing has been featured in media outlets including Maclean’s magazine, the Halifax Examiner, CBC Nova Scotia, and Global News.

Click here to learn more about Treehouse Village or to arrange a tour.