The Barley Jar is an evolving, Plum Village–inspired permaculture training and practice centre in Toronto, where we learn and practise living harmoniously with each other and the natural world. We see the community as a research and development laboratory for social, spiritual and environmental permaculture, drawing on the Plum Village tradition and the best available science. Our desire is to be the change we want to see in the world.
The tradition of Plum Village and Thich Nhat Hanh is a non-denominational path focused on mindfulness in daily life. It arises from a Buddhist vision for a global spirituality and ethic, but its practices are nonsectarian and universal, open to everyone from atheists to Catholics, Muslims, Jews and others.
Community life: We share meals and cooking, groceries, chores, music, art and ideas, community dinners, common space and household items, with a balance of privacy and community. We share values around sustainable transportation (bikes, no cars owned), local organic and vegetarian/vegan food, natural, plastic-free materials, and fair trade. Inclusion and diversity matter to us: all ages, abilities, backgrounds and social groups, including marginalized communities, and queer-positive.
The house: We live in a century home at the north end of Brunswick Ave, with a shared kitchen, bathroom, dining room, living room, sunroom, patio deck and garden. Our members tend to be community activists, social change agents, artists and farmers, and we contribute to the wider network of similar homes we belong to.
We have hosted: monthly community Sunday dinners (last Sunday of the month, with an optional potluck and music jam), workshops on politics, art, sustainability and social justice, music and art events such as house concerts and readings, and guests from all over.
Update (November 2026): We are currently down to two long-term members and are closed to longer-term guests and not accepting new members while we work on renovations.
Ecological, spiritual and social sustainability and permaculture.
We are in a period of renovations so are not accepting inquiries for longer term membership. In general, our membership process includes a one month guest stay, essay type questions and an interview with current members.
Contact us! We are currently in transition and not accepting new members or longer-term guests while we renovate. We will update this page when that changes.
One person or partnership has ultimate authority.
A single person, couple, or small group makes most major decisions.
Primary authority rests with the community’s founder(s) or designated leader(s).
We have a house coordinator who is the point person for the house.
Individuals are invited to levels of membership by members with deeper levels of community membership. Depth of membership is based on observed commitment, interest and involvement in the community and to supporting the intentions and traditions of the community. Decision making and responsibility grows with level of commitment and depth of membership. Decisions are generally made in a friendly collegial way reflecting the friendship that we share as well as depth of membership. Decision by varying levels of membership are made this way by consensus unless they involve the building itself, these decisions are made by the owning member in consultation with the rest of the membership.
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
We are currently two long-term members. We share chores and weekly cooking, about 4 hours per week each, and contribute to a common pot for food and bulk household items. We are not accepting new members or longer-term guests during renovations.
Common House, Garden(s), Internet.
Within city limits with access to urban amenities and infrastructure.
Connecting people and communities through an intentional online marketplace
A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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