Who we are
ACES is a BC Society that was officially incorporated in December 2017. ACES was created to explore the feasibility of creating communities of people with small homes, and shared amenities to connect with each other and our environment. We are exploring our first project in the City of Maple Ridge, British Columbia.
The members of ACES currently meet to work on the next steps in the creation of our “Complete Community Project”. Our working name was initially “The Shire” but after further research we decided our community would best be served by following the Ecovillage model and we have rebranded the project to BeeLiving Ecovillages. Our first project will the BeeLiving Ecovillage of Maple Ridge.
Project progress
As of January 2026
- Currently we have space for new members to join our BeeLiving Ecovillage, where members will own units in the community. See how to become a member here.
- Our design professionals are now actively working on a feasibility study for the community, set to be completed in February 2026.
- We have completed the communications plan and are in the process of contacting initial key stakeholders.
- This includes setting up a pre-application meeting with the City of Maple Ridge.
- We’re refining the site design to optimize the form and function of the buildings.
- Our 2 year geo-technical study confirmed the suitability of our land for this development.
- We are proud and grateful to have secured funding from the Government of Canada to support the affordable rentals portion for our feasibility study.
We are very excited to continue working with our wonderful pre-development partners as we continue to move towards making our vision into reality.
Community vision
The current vision of the BeeLiving Ecovillage consists of:
- 24 small homes on foundations, with potential for Mobile ADUs.
- 50% affordable rentals, 50% ownership under an ownership model.
- Shared amenities including a workshop, car share, and community gardens using regenerative agriculture.
- Accessible design to support aging-in-place and inclusive living for all.
Imagine living in a sustainable community surrounded by nature, with spaces that foster creativity and connection. Interested in joining us? Contact us today to learn how you can become part of BeeLiving Ecovillage or explore our current Site Design Concept here.
What we’ve achieved so far
We are a member of the Canadian Cohousing Network and are listed as BeeLiving Ecovillage/ACE Society on the Foundation for Intentional Community website.
We have deepened our understanding of creating a sustainable community by:
- participating in 2018 Canadian cohousing conference
- attending the OUR Ecovillage 2022 Colloquium
- attending the 2018 Small homes BC conference
- touring Ecovillages such as O.U.R. Ecovillage, Yarrow Ecovillage
- establishing a library for the society with reference books on sustainable building and environmental practices.
- continuing to meet via Zoom twice a month. Once a month we have an in person hybrid meeting.
We are still searching for people and families that want to participate. We cannot yet guarantee that this project will move forward to construction, but we have taken many active and concrete steps towards realizing our vision.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
CURRENTLY, ACES IS IN THE EARLY STAGES OF THE PROJECT AND THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE PROJECT WILL EVEN GET TO THE NEXT STAGE IN DEVELOPMENT OR GO FORWARD IN ANY WAY BEYOND THE SOCIETY’S FEASIBILITY AND PLANNING STAGE.
The Next Steps
ACES is actively engaged with experts who are qualified in creating affordable housing.
Completing the feasibility study.
We currently have spaces open for new members.
ACE Society Values
Positive visioning – creation of tangible, clearly expressed and practical visions of the community beyond its present-day dependence on fossil fuels.
Being inclusive for all ages and economic status and include land ownership and rental capabilities.
Building community resilience – utilizing a wide range of amenities and complete community design principles.
Building financial resilience – less consumption, and smaller lifestyle footprints.
Fostering inner mindset transition – recognizing the challenges we face are not just caused by mistaken technology, but as direct results of our loss of connection to each other and our environment.
Applying subsidiarity – empowering the community at the lowest possible level so that change happens at the most appropriate, practical level.
We oppose all forms of discrimination, and support the UN Declaration of Human Rights (General Assembly resolution 217 A (III), 10 December 1948).
Find out more about our different roles
We are a member of the Canadian Cohousing Network and are listed as BeeLiving Ecovillage/ACE Society on the Foundation for Intentional Community.