There are many people who would like to live in a tiny home, either to reduce their environmental footprint, save money or have a more minimalist lifestyle. In Quebec, we are lucky: several tiny house communities are springing up around the province or are in the planning phases.
Not all municipalities are open to this type of property; in fact, most cities have by-laws in place that prevent the building of such residences. The solution is to look to those that welcome tiny homes with open arms through dedicated neighbourhoods. Read on to discover the 8 most exciting!
1- Sherbrooke: Community Living!
Le Petit Quartier is a tiny home ownership cooperative project that is to be located in Sherbrooke’s city centre. A total of 75 homes will be built. All will be fewer than 500 square feet. Each owner will be responsible for their own residence and will be required to contribute to the maintenance and development of the housing estate. The idea is to create a strong community where people support each other.
2- Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval: Interested in Co-Owning a Mountain?
The people who buy a lot and a house in the development of Espace Pur in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval will also be buying a share in a mountain of over a million square feet. How the mountain is utilized will be agreed upon by the co-owners. For example, a hiking trail or a few parks might be created on the mountain, or a public swimming pool installed. Although the tiny house neighbourhood is located out in the countryside, there are several services nearby such as an elementary school and a grocery store.
3- Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson: 13 Million Square Feet
In the heart of the Laurentides region, over an area of more than 13 million square feet, is a lush green haven that will accommodate 200 tiny homes of between 384 and 800 square feet. The great advantage of the Domaine Nature sur le lac project is that the properties will not be built one on top of the other. They will each be allotted a lot of approximately 20,000 square feet. Moreover, the owners will have access to a private beach and a beautiful lake.
4-Adstock: A $70,000 Lot
The Domaine Escapad situated in Adstock in the Chaudière-Appalaches region is intended to be eco-friendly. Over 80% of the natural environment will be kept intact despite the development. It is located at the foot of Mount Adstock and is therefore ideal for skiers. The first phase is comprised of $70,000 lots and should be ready in summer 2021.
5- Saint-Michel-des-Saints: 40,000 Square Foot Wooded Lots of Land.
This municipality is renowned for its lakes and restful landscapes. Its tiny home neighbourhood will be located near hiking, snowmobile and ATV trails. Most of the land is in a protected nature reserve along a creek and upstream from lake Taureau. Owners will be able to enjoy large yards (40,000 square feet minimum), a private entrance to the lake and access to a wharf in Morissette Bay.
6- Saint-Côme: Perfect for Retirees
Active retirees wishing to acquire a tiny house in a natural setting should consider the Domaine du manoir in Saint-Côme. They will be able to invest in a single-family residence with a yard or share a 40-bedroom residential building that will offer many services to residents, including health care and meals.
7- Shawinigan: A Blend of City and Country Living
The development of Domaine le campagnard in Shawinigan was designed to minimize any impact on the environment from the building of new houses. More than 35% of the area will remain intact to protect the wetlands and natural surroundings. Residents will be able to choose their dream lot, half of which have no back-facing neighbour. The city of Trois-Rivières is only 20 minutes away for those who still want to have access to an urban lifestyle.
8- Ham-Sud: $8,000 in Financial Assistance for Tiny House Owners
In Estrie, you will find the small town of Ham-Sud, where stands Mont-Ham. At the foot of the mountain, it will be possible to construct tiny homes on the lots that make up the Au pied du Mont-Ham residential eco-project as long as they meet specific green building standards. Homeowners are eligible to receive up to $8,000 in financial assistance for sustainable residential constructions or to carry out environmental initiatives. A special feature of this neighbourhood is that it is possible to purchase a residence to rent out to tourists.
Other municipalities in Quebec are planning to build tiny house neighbourhoods. For more information, check out the Mouvement Québécois des mini-maisons’ website at minimaison.org.