Environment

Environmental health means you live in a place that is safe; both your home and the surrounding area. You have easy access to clean, potable water; your dwelling is in good repair; there are no vermin in your living space; you have clean air; the ground you live on does not contain toxic chemicals or minerals; you have access to a properly maintained toilet facility; the area around your house is safe; and you have access to green space.

Barriers

• Many homes do not have safe potable water
• Publicly funded water system only covers a small proportion of homes
• Setback restrictions for water and septic systems on small lots are challenging to navigate
• Stable, safe, legal and affordable housing limited
• Unable to afford
  • a cistern and water collection and treatment system. Can’t carry it to your next place when you have to move
  • unable to afford a roof that you can collect rainwater from
  • unable to afford a water collection system
  • unable to afford modern, water-saving fixtures
  • unable to afford septic maintenance and upgrades
  • water testing
• Unable to transport water tests to town

Hornby Island Community Vision

Everyone understands the natural limits of this fragile ecosystem and strives to reduce their ecological footprint by living lightly on the land.

All forms of human activity are designed to have a minimal impact on the environment.¹