To all our friends and family…WE HAVE LAND.

Gord and I are embarking on a wonderful new project here in Victoria. Our new property is located in the Highlands near Francis-King Park. Our project involves the use of solar/wind power, rain water catchment, composting toilet, grey-water re-use, solar hot water, and ground source heat all within the framework of a passively designed Straw Bale home. We will incorporate chickens, fruit trees, and a large organic garden. We are embarking on this project with my parents and kids. Three generations together. We plan on opening up our new home for tours.

Our offer was accepted and on January 31st we take possession of our new home. Lots of sun, wind and an awesome view of rolling hills, the Olympic Mountain range, and the ocean way off. WOW!!! A bird paradise too…can’t wait too see all the wildflowers this spring. This 8 acre park like property is the top of a beautiful rocky knoll with lots of Arbutus, Garry oaks, assorted wild flowers and abundant birds…just like home on Wise. We are not yet sure where we will live…small detail. Likely, we will build very small temporary dwellings or live in a Yurt or something. Once we are set up we will focus on building a load bearing straw bale workshop. (can’t build a house without a workshop)

Donations of used and useful building materials have already begun. If you do have anything lying around that you think we could use please let us know, however we may not have anywhere to store such items until Feb.

Because of the magnitude of this project and how much time this will require we are considering selling half of our Wise Island property. If anyone knows of any friend or relative that may be interested in sharing the Wise Island home please have them contact us to discuss the possibilities.

Ann and Gord