A housing co-operative in the Robson Valley is looking to grow. A harvest celebration has been planned for those who already reside in the semi-communal housing project, and those interested in perhaps joining are also invited to attend.

The Kakwa Ecovillage Co-operative (KEC) is a group-run farm located between Prince George and McBride in the picturesque Robson Valley.

"There are 540 acres with multiple legal parcels bounded by the Fraser River and Rocky Mountain vistas. Sounds idyllic. It is," said KEC general manager Russ Purvis. "However, as a legal co-operative, there is a membership process. It’s not too challenging. But it helps to have everyone operating from the same page. Like minded people focused on a common goal typically achieve their objectives."

The housing style is billed by KEC as “debt free living in a co-operative rural environment” with communal amenities like a common house with guest bedrooms, a guest cabin by the river, large hay barn, 25 alpacas & llamas, a 6,000 square foot organic garden, seasonal sandbars for outdoor recreation, BC Hydro and telephone are on site, and high speed internet.

"It helps when you don’t have to spend most of your life at the office or away from home, because home is affordable," Purvis said. "Home doesn’t require significant mortgage payments that eat away at your paycheque. You can contribute through a community effort or CSA in growing much of your own food. And, transportation can be shared so everyone doesn’t need that family van, or econo-low gas commuter, or the weekend 4-wheel drive."

To attend the harvest event, which will be held at their location in the Dome Creek area not far from the Ancient Forest hiking trail, register your interest by phone (250-553-6882) or email (i...@kakwaecovillage.com). It will be held on Saturday starting at 2 p.m. The KEC website (www.kakwaecovillage.com) also has information.