Lothlorien Farm (Lothlorien Rural Co-op)

Lothlorien Farm is a rural cooperative in the forest and lake country of eastern Ontario, founded in 1972 and incorporated in 1998. It provides members with a rural natural environment in which to live, work, and/or spend recreational time in a continuing context of sharing and community. The co-op owns our 700 acres of land, mostly rough bush in its natural state. with small gardens and a few fields (cleared but unused.) Our buildings include houses, workshops, and outbuildings. Currently we are a small, loose-knit but stable group of five resident members (currently all adults over seventy) and eleven non-resident members, all linked by friendships or family relationships and a love for this piece of land. Resident members are retired from employment or individual home-based businesses (wood-workers, weaver, artist). Incomes are separate and houses individually owned, while the land itself is owned collectively. We look out for each other as good friends and neighbours, and resident members look out for each other’s houses if someone is away. We hold two general meetings annually, and have potlucks and other gatherings. Residents are quite involved in the local community, through the community centre, choir, library, and other activities. Non-resident members visit often. Our future is in constant discussion as residents age. but we are not looking for new members. Interested individuals might get to know us gradually through day visits. There are several approved house sites that new members could build on. Costs of joining include a one-time, non-returnable membership contribution, and house construction.