Whole Village -- The Energy Efficient Greenhaven

Northwest of Toronto in the Town of Caledon there is an amazing eco-village and biodynamic farm known as “Whole Village.” As we drive down a long unpaved road we see a barnyard across from an open field, slightly hidden by a large patch of trees.

There is a quiet calm that immediately reminds me of the benefits in leaving city life. As we park I can see Greenhaven, the co-operative house and primary residence of Whole Village members. 

I later find out that the placing of the building was carefully considered to make the best use of the sun. Brenda Dolling, one of the few modern pioneers who have been building the intentional community since 2001, greets me warmly at the front door.  

I walk into a 1,400-square-foot dining and living area, which features a masonry heater. It is similar to a high efficiency wood stove and it supplements the head pumps that are their primary heating system. The masonry component provides heat after the fire stops burning, giving it high thermal mass. The building also uses geothermal (ground source heat), which is a system designed to use the earth’s own heat that channels through the flooring in radiant heat pipes. 

Mairy Beam and Mary MacEachern show me the spacious, modern suite I will be staying in. I finally notice that there are no lights on in the building and it is being entirely lit by skylight. Members have also been planning to utilize a green-roof with 15,000 succulents, which have been carefully nurtured over winter months. One of the most important principles of the community was to implement ecologically responsible energy, water and waste systems that utilize modern technology. 

Later I explore the farm and meet a number of farmers who work in partnership with Greenhaven. Some farmers who contract with Greenhaven bring their own livestock. Currently there is a band of free-range chickens wandering in the barnyard. Toward the crops there are tents set up by WWOOFers who have come to learn the trade of organic farming. A pond sits on my way back to Greenhaven, which is most appreciated by swimmers during hot summer weather. There are also a number of trailors, which sit across from a solar-heated outdoor shower, sink, and composting toilet.

 “It is important to utilize passive solar. Trying to become 100% sustainable is challenging,” Mairy Beam says. “Our most important energy strategy is to lower consumption. Our hydro bill dropped 30% last month because of the weather we have been receiving and perhaps due to a few members going away.”  

I am invited by the former property manager and current handyman to follow him on the farm while he undergoes general maintenance. He believes that the solar heating system and masonry heater have been probably the most important elements in building energy efficiency. Later in the evening a number of members gather for games night and enjoy the competitive atmosphere of Euchre, Crazy-eights (Quebec rules), and Risk. For once I actually did not die first! 

On my last day, Roger shows me the electrical maintenance room to help me understand how the solar hot water system works in more detail. He explains that this system transforms solar energy into hot water in tanks, ready to be transported in their traps. The 600-gallon tank is used to pre-heat the water from the well and disperses heat from the solar collectors at lower temperatures. If by chance the solar hot water heater does not provide sufficient hot water, the heat pumps serve as back up. 

Whole Village suites are for sale or rent-to-own in a community of all ages. There is a 400-square-foot library, 1,400-square foot dining and living area, and a 900 square foot recreation area in Greenhaven. The community welcomes people to get involved by attending an orientation session, community meetings, special events, coming to workbees or taking part in a number of different educational opportunities. Guests also have the option of purchasing a CSA garden share, volunteering and becoming an intern, staying in the B&B or camping on the land. To inquire about the formal membership process, please visit www.wholevillage.org.

Read this article in the August-September edition of Peace and Environment News.