John and Dana of Frequency555.com were invited to visit La Cité Écologique ("the ecological city" in English) in Québec, Canada. This ecovillage has been in existence since 1984 and strives to preserve "an intergenerational and fulfilling way of life. Priority is given to education, the environment, and access to work."
What makes this ecovillage so unique is that there are several thriving businesses which were founded within the ecovillage and are run by the community. The school at La Cité Écologique is run by the community members; however, it is a fully accredited institution and teachers are payed through government funds. Students are held to the same academic standards as the rest of the Canadian public school system and more. The older students at the school participate in the running of the various on-site businesses as interns to help them gain the real-world experience that is so often lacking in public school systems.
The schoolhouse building houses a commercial-grade kitchen and bakery where the fresh organic produce grown in the ecovillage is prepared for the students and faculty. These kitchen facilities also serve as the production center for 'Les Jardins de la Cité,' which is the community's organic frozen foods business. The company name translates to "the gardens of the city." Students learn about food preparation and the ins-and-outs of the frozen food business.
Also attached to the schoolhouse building is the headquarters for 'Kheops International,' the largest supplier of New Age goods. "Kheops" is the name of the largest Pyramid in Giza, Eqypt. The company began by creating unique glass pyramid boxes, candle and incense holders, and has grown into a multimillion dollar entity which collaborates with artisans from all over the world.
The community features a holistic health center called 'Groupe Évolution Santé,' which translates to "Health Evolution." The center offers massage therapy, osteopathy, acupuncture, homeopathy, yoga and more. Many of the community members offer their own unique healthcare specialties providing a wide array of holistic health techniques.
Attached to the healthcare facility is the Marché Restaurant ("Market" in English). This restaurant is open during the summer season and serves all the organic foods prepared by 'Les Jardins de la Cité.' An interesting note about the building that houses both the restaurant and health center is that it was constructed using 80% recycled materials. The building also utilizes a solar hot water heater to help conserve energy.
Just across from the health center and restaurant is the 'Respecterre' textile production facility. 'Respecterre' translates to "respect earth" in English. Here, community members design and create a beautiful line of natural clothing made of bamboo and 100% organic cotton.
Finally, if you would like to visit La Cité Écologique and have your own ecovillage experience, the community even has its own Bed and Breakfast.
You can even visit for an extended period and participate in the community's organic gardening as a work-exchange volunteer!
For more information on La Cité Écologique and its many businesses, visit...
www.cite-ecologique.com (for the ecovillage itself)
www.lesjardinsdelacite.com (for their frozen organic foods business, restaurant, and Bed and Breakfast)
www.kheopsinternational.com (for their New Age supply business)
www.evolutionsante.com (for their health facility)
www.respecterre.com (for the clothing line)
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Les Entreprises de la Cité Écologiqueby citeecologique684 views
Thanks John and Dana!
Great job :)
NithAnna 1 year ago