Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns this place?
The property is owned by a Limited Partnership (LP) for the purpose of affordable land co-ownership. After a trial period, residents build equity in the LP through a portion of their rent. Also, when they invest directly in the property to make infrastructure improvements, that is equity-building, too.
Neighbourly is part of a local network of co-owned farms that include Simple Riches, Luna Mia Farm, and Hawthorn Farm Organic Seeds. In each case, the property is co-owned through a partnership, while the on-farm businesses are owned and operated independently.
What’s the housing like?
We have spaces from one to four bedrooms. All are separate units with their own kitchen and bathroom.
How much is rent?
Rent is affordable. It is not based on market rates, but calibrated to cover operating costs of the property, with the rest being equity. We do not advertise rental rates because it depends on the home you’re occupying, and it is less important than you and your enterprise being a good fit.
What do you mean by “enterprise”?
Your enterprise is your occupation, your self-directed onsite “day job.”
How much land can I get?
Part of determining your fit is determining what space your enterprise will need. There is acreage available for market gardening, herb gardens, a permaculture food forest and so on. Many of the ag-related enterprises we suggest make use of the extensive built infrastructure rather than extensive acreage.
Can I build my own house?
If you have the skills and motivation to build your own house, talk to us. We love natural building, and so much is possible.
Can I bring pets with me?
Yes. As in any village or neighbourhood, your pets have to get along with others.
Can I bring livestock with me?
Probably not. Small numbers of livestock, such as a couple of dairy animals for your household, could be considered on a case-by-case basis. Because we already have a large livestock enterprise onsite, it is not possible to add another. Nor can each household have their own small flock of free-ranging chickens – it’s just plain impractical.
Is this an intentional community?
It has similarities to what is typically thought of as intentional community. For one thing, it is very intentional! However, residents are financially independent from each other, which is very different. The lease and any other aspects of the financial relationship are with the general partner of the LP, who is not a resident.
Is this a housing co-op?
It is very similar financially and in practice to a housing co-op; however, it uses a limited partnership instead of a co-op legal structure.
What is the application process?
See the Opportunities page. The process can move along quickly, but it is a conversation, not a checklist. After all, moving to a new neighbourhood is about relationship-building, not a transaction. Part of the process involves visiting us at the farm. If you’re too far away to visit, we can’t really get to know each other.
What’s the catch?
Neighbourly is a mission-oriented initiative. Although the partnership that owns the land is designed to be financially self-sustaining, it is not a profit-driven business. The “catch” is that it is only for people who are going to make their living at Neighbourly by running an enterprise that fits our criteria and space. The enterprise is your own – no one is overseeing you or your financials – but you have to actually do it.
In a two-adult household, only one of you must have a full-time commitment to the onsite enterprise. The other adult is free to work off-farm or do anything else; however, if not fully engaged in your enterprise, that second person would not be eligible to become a partner in the LP.
I’m a…
…young person who wants to work for someone else.
…career-changer who’s never worked in agriculture before, but wants to start farming.
…homesteading family that grows our own food, while depending on off-property jobs for our income.
…entrepreneur whose business plan is based on agri-tourism.
…semi-retired person who’d like to move to the country, keep chickens and start up a little flower farm.
Am I a fit?
The short answer is no, although we are very sympathetic to the barrier created by the high cost of land in southern Ontario. Neighbourly is designed to remove that barrier, but only for skilled farmers, artisans, craftspersons, food-related or other ag-related entrepreneurs who are committed to running their onsite enterprise.
Even with affordable land access, I can’t afford to start up my business. Can you help?
Sorry, no. The only thing we can help with, financially, is affordable rent and access to land and/or infrastructure.
Can I drop by for a visit?
Sure, but Neighbourly Farm is not a public site, it’s a cluster of homes on a farm. Like going to any farm, ask one of us first. People are busy, so don’t just show up.
Can I come volunteer for a week/month/season, for the experience?
Possibly. It will depend on what help you can offer. Contact the residents directly to inquire. We have comfortable accommodations for visitors and seasonal workers, on an ad hoc basis for now. By next year we expect to post some info on short-term work-stay opportunities.
Can I come for a weekend getaway? Are you on Airbnb?
No. Neighbourly Farm is not an agri-tourism operation.
Who owns this place?
The property is owned by a Limited Partnership (LP) for the purpose of affordable land co-ownership. After a trial period, residents build equity in the LP through a portion of their rent. Also, when they invest directly in the property to make infrastructure improvements, that is equity-building, too.
Neighbourly is part of a local network of co-owned farms that include Simple Riches, Luna Mia Farm, and Hawthorn Farm Organic Seeds. In each case, the property is co-owned through a partnership, while the on-farm businesses are owned and operated independently.
What’s the housing like?
We have spaces from one to four bedrooms. All are separate units with their own kitchen and bathroom.
How much is rent?
Rent is affordable. It is not based on market rates, but calibrated to cover operating costs of the property, with the rest being equity. We do not advertise rental rates because it depends on the home you’re occupying, and it is less important than you and your enterprise being a good fit.
What do you mean by “enterprise”?
Your enterprise is your occupation, your self-directed onsite “day job.”
How much land can I get?
Part of determining your fit is determining what space your enterprise will need. There is acreage available for market gardening, herb gardens, a permaculture food forest and so on. Many of the ag-related enterprises we suggest make use of the extensive built infrastructure rather than extensive acreage.
Can I build my own house?
If you have the skills and motivation to build your own house, talk to us. We love natural building, and so much is possible.
Can I bring pets with me?
Yes. As in any village or neighbourhood, your pets have to get along with others.
Can I bring livestock with me?
Probably not. Small numbers of livestock, such as a couple of dairy animals for your household, could be considered on a case-by-case basis. Because we already have a large livestock enterprise onsite, it is not possible to add another. Nor can each household have their own small flock of free-ranging chickens – it’s just plain impractical.
Is this an intentional community?
It has similarities to what is typically thought of as intentional community. For one thing, it is very intentional! However, residents are financially independent from each other, which is very different. The lease and any other aspects of the financial relationship are with the general partner of the LP, who is not a resident.
Is this a housing co-op?
It is very similar financially and in practice to a housing co-op; however, it uses a limited partnership instead of a co-op legal structure.
What is the application process?
See the Opportunities page. The process can move along quickly, but it is a conversation, not a checklist. After all, moving to a new neighbourhood is about relationship-building, not a transaction. Part of the process involves visiting us at the farm. If you’re too far away to visit, we can’t really get to know each other.
What’s the catch?
Neighbourly is a mission-oriented initiative. Although the partnership that owns the land is designed to be financially self-sustaining, it is not a profit-driven business. The “catch” is that it is only for people who are going to make their living at Neighbourly by running an enterprise that fits our criteria and space. The enterprise is your own – no one is overseeing you or your financials – but you have to actually do it.
In a two-adult household, only one of you must have a full-time commitment to the onsite enterprise. The other adult is free to work off-farm or do anything else; however, if not fully engaged in your enterprise, that second person would not be eligible to become a partner in the LP.
I’m a…
…young person who wants to work for someone else.
…career-changer who’s never worked in agriculture before, but wants to start farming.
…homesteading family that grows our own food, while depending on off-property jobs for our income.
…entrepreneur whose business plan is based on agri-tourism.
…semi-retired person who’d like to move to the country, keep chickens and start up a little flower farm.
Am I a fit?
The short answer is no, although we are very sympathetic to the barrier created by the high cost of land in southern Ontario. Neighbourly is designed to remove that barrier, but only for skilled farmers, artisans, craftspersons, food-related or other ag-related entrepreneurs who are committed to running their onsite enterprise.
Even with affordable land access, I can’t afford to start up my business. Can you help?
Sorry, no. The only thing we can help with, financially, is affordable rent and access to land and/or infrastructure.
Can I drop by for a visit?
Sure, but Neighbourly Farm is not a public site, it’s a cluster of homes on a farm. Like going to any farm, ask one of us first. People are busy, so don’t just show up.
Can I come volunteer for a week/month/season, for the experience?
Possibly. It will depend on what help you can offer. Contact the residents directly to inquire. We have comfortable accommodations for visitors and seasonal workers, on an ad hoc basis for now. By next year we expect to post some info on short-term work-stay opportunities.
Can I come for a weekend getaway? Are you on Airbnb?
No. Neighbourly Farm is not an agri-tourism operation.