Big Calm

“There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.”
~ Henry David Thoreau

Big Calm is a permaculture-inspired tiny homestead community for remote digital workers, in the heart of the Kootenays.

Phase 1 is complete. Phase 2 is now in planning.

Founders

👋 Hi, we’re Steve and Abby.

There’s no huge property development company behind Big Calm Inc. It’s us, a loving, middle-aged, no-kids couple who works online, enjoys nature, and values community.

Steve ran a disaster management software company and now advises a range of incredible social innovation / mental wellness / clean technology startups.

Abby is a communications pro at Zoeta BioCommunications, with a Masters in Biomedical Technology and a certificate in permaculture design.

Origins

Dismayed by dismal political discourse and anxious about cascading climate change, we set out in 2019 to find a quiet piece of countryside in interior B.C.

On our tour of numerous listed properties, we came upon a glorious 37-acre mountain-side bench with spring water, spectacular views, a large organic garden, unfinished post-and-beam barn-loft, and old cabin.

Our option-to-purchase proved to be fortuitous when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. We exercised it in Spring 2020 and are now gradually building out the ultimate regenerative remote work environment to share with other friendly, eco-minded, digitally-employed, tiny-dwelling neighbours.

Values

We envision an ecologically sustainable, self-reliant cohousing community guided by the “Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share” ethics of permaculture; and strengthened by collaboration, mutual support and the diversity and skills of its members. Hands-on work is a feature, not a bug.

Heads

A connected place for productive remote work.

Hands

A natural space for gardening, hiking, and stargazing.

Hearts

A respectful home with friendly, helpful neighbours.

Hope

A tranquil base from which to enhance resilience and self-sufficiency.

Simply the Best

Partners

Vision

We envision an ecologically sustainable, self-sufficient “tiny homestead” cohousing community guided by the principles and ethics of permaculture; and strengthened by collaboration, mutual support and the diversity and skills of its members.

Mission

Our mission is to develop and foster a tiny homestead community that respects and lives in harmony with the natural environment, and is composed of a diverse membership that is eager to share its collective knowledge and skills – its gifts – to achieve self-sufficiency.

Values

We value the diversity of our environment as well as our membership, which supports community self sufficiency. We value meaningful connection with nature and each other that drives our environmental stewardship and enhances our well being.

Permaculture Guided

Our values are rooted in the three permaculture ethics:

Earth Care – This ethic emphasizes the importance of preserving and nurturing the natural world. The Earth is viewed as a living system that requires active care, especially through practices like improving soil health and protecting biodiversity. It promotes reducing consumption and minimizing human impact to maintain ecological balance.
People Care – This principle focuses on ensuring the well-being of individuals and communities, and thriving in harmony with the environment, with cooperation as a key aspect.
Fair Share (also known as Return of Surplus) – This ethic recognizes the need for equitable distribution of resources and surplus. By reinvesting excess resources into Earth Care and People Care, communities can ensure sustainability and resilience over the long term