Have you ever thought of living off grid in Canada? Despite the attractive modern-day technology that rules our lives, many people choose to live simply.
This may include shunning their sewer and gas lines, cutting their cell services, and generally leading a more self-sufficient life.
As a Canadian, you have all the right to shift to this lifestyle. Yes, it is legal.
However, you must follow certain limits when embracing an off-grid life. It might be tough to do that in the beginning. But if you stay committed, the off-grid living idea is definitely doable.
To know more about it, read on!
What Is Living Off-Grid Means Anyways?
Did you say yes to living off the grid in Canada but not sure where to start? Let’s begin from the basics.
Off-grid is a lifestyle many people choose to stay away from infrastructure and public utilities. Instead of being dependent on water supply, sewage systems, and electricity, the participants produce their own power, preferably through solar, look after their water supply, and handle disposals without any government intervention.
In Canada, following this lifestyle can have many vital aspects. Here are a few.
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No Dependence on Central Power Grid
Canadians following off-grid living eliminate the use of the central power grid entirely. Instead, they use wind turbines, solar panels, or generators to own their electricity.
This action allows you to own your electricity and use it however you like.
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Self-Management of Water
If you wish to bid farewell to all government-owned sources, you will have to manage your water yourself. That’s what all off-grid living enthusiasts do in Canada and other parts of the world.
It usually includes treating and collecting water from sources like rainwater, springs, and waterfalls. The main aim behind taking this step is to focus on water purification and conservation without affecting the environment.
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Management of Waste
Another common aspect of off-grid living is the self-management of waste. If you wish to opt for this life, be prepared to handle your waste using septic systems and composting toilet solutions.
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Maintenance of Temperature
Your off-grid home needs to be well-equipped to cater to the Canadian weather. Most people go for pellet stoves and wood stoves as their primary heating sources.
Luckily, there are many solar design techniques available now. If you are comfortable, you can use them to keep your home warm.
The main motive behind this lifestyle is self-sufficiency. People grow, hunt, or fish their own food. In short, they reduce their reliance on external and artificial resources as much as possible.
The entire concept may not be for everyone. It requires sheer resilience and patience, especially when tackling Canada’s harsh weather.
However, if you are up for the challenge, these are the steps you can take to get started.
Start Living Off Grid in Canada- A Step-by-Step Guide
Congratulations! You aim to do a great job. This lifestyle is not only beneficial for the environment but is also a great way to give yourself some mental peace and stay away from worldly things.
But how to start it? Follow the steps below to embark on this unique yet effective journey.
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Educate Yourself
Before jumping on the bandwagon, research and educate yourself about all aspects of off-grid living in Canada. Meet people who have shifted to this lifestyle and try to understand their challenges.
You may also wish to know about different off-grid technologies available to make your life easy. For instance, BLUETTI’s solar power kits can be your biggest saviour. The AC300 +B300 + 3*PV200 solar generator kit can be a great addition to your house, offering a brilliant performance.
Similarly, you may want to equip yourself with a portable power station to produce electricity on the go. The AC200P station from BLUETTI can easily become your great companion by generating an incredible output to support you as you embrace a new life.
Additionally, make sure to know about various practices for sustainable living and make the shift less overwhelming.
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Choose the Right Location
Most enthusiastic off-graders in Canada choose to live in rural areas. This is because there is plenty of land and natural resources available.
When picking the right location, consider things like the climate, access to food, and other common necessities.
You may also choose to live on the move. In that case, get a van or an RV and make it your home for the rest of your life.
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Don’t Forget to Check the Legal Requirements
Living an off-grid life in Canada comes with a few restrictions. It is legal, but only if you follow the law.
Here are a few things to be careful about.
- You can’t move to an abandoned and old barn just because it provides electricity through solar. Your new home must be safe, even if you use a BLUETTI AC180 power station or other similar units to run it. Make sure to install a fire alarm and use batteries in case of emergencies.
- If you don’t want the government to push you out of your new off-grid property, build it only after getting a permit. Make sure that the size of the house meets the requirements of the area it is built on. It is imperative to stay safe from all legal actions.
- You don’t have the right to the land; you can’t just wake up one day and start living in a forest. This is considered illegal in Canada. Canada doesn’t offer squatter rights, meaning you can’t set your off-grid house on any land you wish.
Please do your research about all these restrictions before moving forward with the idea. You might also choose to consult an expert to know more.
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Plan Your Financials
Setting up an off-grid life won’t be easy. You will have to take care of many things before entering this chapter.
For instance, if you decide to build a new home, ensure you have enough money to buy land and build a house. You can either choose to lease or purchase the land, depending on your financial capacity.
Similarly, prepare a budget to cover expenses for energy generation, water, and waste management. If you wish to go for solar as your source of energy generation, don’t forget to get a battery backup for cloudy days.
Your waste and water management solutions should also be according to your financial position. Additionally, If you want to build a greenhouse, know it will also require funds.
Search to look for ideas that can help you manage the expenses according to your needs. This move shouldn’t be a burden. Instead, it should encourage you to take the leap without thinking twice.
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Train Yourself for the Life Ahead
If this is your first time entering the off-grid lifestyle, the move might sometimes get overwhelming. However, you can easily overcome different challenges with the right skills and training.
Learning about things like construction, renewable energy solutions, and agriculture can go a long way in your journey. Besides, having a few survival skills always works as a bonus.
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Prepare Your Emergency Plan
Don’t enter this sustainable form of life without any emergency plan. Make sure you are well-equipped to counter harsh weather, sudden equipment failures, and uncalled medical problems.
Keep your backup sources always available. Besides, get in touch with a community of like-minded people. They are the best sources to help you know what to do in difficult times.
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Keep Testing to Make Adjustments
Running an off-grid house is as challenging as living in a normal one. And since all of this may be new for you, you might not make wise decisions on your first lifestyle shift.
Therefore, to be on the safe side, keep testing your systems now and then. This is imperative to avoid them wreaking havoc in your new home.
Test the off-grid systems every day if possible. You might see some failing to work according to your needs. If that's so, design improvements and adjustments as required.
You can also contact companies for support for your solar generators or batteries. Many ventures encourage off-grid living in Canada, so why not take their help and expertise when needed?
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Practice Patience
The desire to live an off-grid lifestyle should be enough to push you to do everything possible to reach your goal. You will undergo several trials and errors before finally adjusting to this new phase in your life.
Instead of losing patience, face every challenge that comes your way and put effort into stopping them from ruining your plans for sustainable living.
Takeaway
If you have a passion for living a sustainable life with less waste and carbon footprint, shift to an off-grid lifestyle in Canada. Do it without thinking twice!
But make sure you have a strong strategy and equipment available to overcome the different problems that you may face.
Moreover, instead of taking the step alone, join a community that can help you adapt to this change confidently.
If done lawfully, living off grid in Canada is one of the best decisions you can take today. Gear up and experience it to the fullest.
