FAQ
Eclectic Curiosity
What is Big Calm?
Big Calm is a tiny homestead community. That is, it is a community (or pocket neighbourhood) for those with tiny houses, nestled in nature, with ample space around each pad.
Big Calm currently has three rental pads and a guest-stay unit (Phase 1). The addition of nine long-term lease pads, and a pivot to a cooperative model, are planned for 2027 (Phase 2).
When can I apply and what is the process?
We’re gauging interest now for Phase 2 (2027). Start by filling out this Expression of Interest form.
Wasn't there a lease option?
Yes, in 2025 we pitched a long-term lease model for Phase 2 that would transition to co-ownership over time. This was received well, however it presented financing challenges for younger potential members and/or those who are living in their equity. There were also some continuity concerns should anything happen to the co-founders. We listened and looked more deeply at skipping that whole step by embracing a cooperative model with equity, equality, and longevity.
Do you do work-trade?
Not anymore. A cooperative model with sociocratic circles avoids landlordish tracking and sets the table more evenly.
Are you guys preppers?
Not in the hardcore, fully off-grid, every man for himself, doomsday bunker sense (see The Prepper Delusion), but yes, we are collapse-aware and motivated towards self-sufficiency – including food and energy security. We recognize that the various systems we rely on are brittle and that the pendulum is swinging back to hyperlocalism. And as much as pooled infrastructure enables resilience, we ultimately believe that having a community of goodhearted people with diverse skills is what leads to antifragility (strength from adversity), which is an ideal worth striving for in this day and age. Be the hummingbird.
Can we bring pets/animals?
Yes! Besides pets that remain in your tiny home (such as fish and birds), we allow cats and dogs. They must stay in your tiny home overnight, or in an appropriate shelter, for safety reasons (there are predators in the region).
During the day, cats and dogs must be supervised when they are outside. We have a zero-tolerance policy for aggressive animals. And all animals must be up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Please contact us to discuss the possibility of bringing other kinds of animals.
Is there an age range?
Overall, we aim to be a multi-generational community. On the young side, one must be old enough (18+) to independently enter into a legal agreement. On the elder side, we ask that all applicants honestly self-assess their mobility and medical needs (the rural terrain here is rocky/rooty/hilly/snowy and we are located more than 30 minutes from the nearest hospitals and pharmacies) to avoid putting themselves and neighbours at risk.
How large can can my tiny home be?
For THoWs, generally, if you can tow it on the highway without a special permit, you can park it at Big Calm.
Our driveway and various pads can accommodate small, medium, and large 8.5′ (and probably 10′) wide THoWs. You are responsible for arranging your own towing.
For modular houses on foundation, aim for less than 800 sq-ft.
In both instances, we’re focused on pro-built prefabricated CSA Z240 and A277 buildings that are aesthetically pleasing and designed for Canadian winters. That means no RVs, campers, yurts, etc. (Kyllo offers this helpful article outlining the Z240 and A277 specifications.)
What is the weather like?
Weather information for the Slocan Valley can be found here.
Winters are generally mild but can reach as low as -25°C. Summers can get into the 30s and even the 40s. We encourage THoW owners/prospective buyers to ensure their homes have sufficient heating and cooling systems, and are/will be appropriately insulated.
Is a compost toilet allowed?
Absolutely! Please let us know if your THoW has a compost toilet. We have a humanure compost station available on-site.
Is propane allowed?
Yes. We encourage tiny homesteaders and guests to educate themselves on how to safely transport, store and hook up their propane tanks. Please see FortisBC’s tips on how to use propane safely.
Are BBQs allowed?
Yes. BBQs must remain on your gravel pad, at least a metre away from the grass and kept clean to avoid attracting wildlife.
What is connectivity like?
There are levels to this question.
First, you should know that much of the Slocan Valley – particularly between Slocan Park and the Village of Slocan – does not have cellular coverage. Many residents simply don’t want it. The “No Service” is both refreshing and frustrating. Higher parts of Big Calm pick up a faint signal from the tower in Slocan. For this reason, we have an emergency landline in the laundry room.
We are connected to the internet via Starlink and enjoy speeds of around 270 Mbps down and 34 Mbps up, with median latency of 29ms. Longer-term, Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation and/or Telus and Columbia Wireless will be lighting up a fibre-optic backbone up the Valley, which will provide a big boost to the region.
What household products are allowed?
The products we all use will be discharged into Big Calm’s Type 2 community septic system and ultimately our soil, whose health we want to protect.
We require that tiny homesteaders and guests use biodegradable, non-toxic products. Antiseptic and antibacterial products, including bleach, and products designed to unclog drains are especially harmful to our septic system, so we ask that tiny homesteaders and guests not use these products.
Is there a limit of residents per tiny house?
The maximum number of people in a tiny home is likely limited by space. No clown cars, please.
Where can I park my car?
There is parking space at your pad, next to your tiny home. We may also build a covered carport.
What are some risks to be aware of?
Despite excellent mitigation efforts by the Slocan Integral Forestry Cooperative (SIFCo) and the readiness of British Columbia’s well-trained crews, wildfire is the biggest natural threat in the region (one came very close in Summer 2021 and a few were north of us in the Valley in 2024). Big Calm is located within the Slocan Fire and Emergency Services area and approximately 10km from the Slocan Fire Hall. The nearby Appledale Hall doubles as a Resiliency Centre. There are already sizeable fire breaks on the property and we engaged forestry pros in 2022 to implement further fire mitigation strategies, including selective thinning.
Caution with wildlife is advised, including care while driving on highways in the Kootenays.
Winter tires and back-up power and water are essentials for the colder months of the year.
Personal accessibility may be challenging for those with mobility and/or medical concerns. The terrain is rural (rocky/rooty/hilly/snowy) and the nearest hospitals and pharmacies are more than 30 minutes away.
What wildlife is around?
There is a wide variety of wildlife (and insects) on-site, from wild turkeys and deer to bears and even cougars. Guests and tiny homesteaders should be prepared to encounter wildlife at any time.
We recommend exploring the property and mountainside beyond in groups, making noise to avoid surprising anyone, keeping trash indoors, carrying bear spray in-season, and generally remembering that we’re guests in these creatures’ home.
Is hunting allowed?
Guests and tiny homesteaders are not permitted to hunt on the property.
Hunting options are available in the region, including nearby crown land. We encourage those interested to take the appropriate PAL (firearms) and CORE (hunting) courses.
Do you host workshops?
We’d like to eventually – especially permaculture-oriented ones, near the old cabin by the garden. The interests of the membership will determine this in the future.
