🎯 Project Description:

Canada, like many developed nations, is undergoing a significant demographic shift, characterized by an aging population and a rising demand for integrated, sustainable, and inclusive housing solutions. This project proposes adapting and localizing the successful “Les Colibris” Ecovillage model from La Réunion, where the project founder originates, to the Canadian context, starting with the province of Quebec.

The original concept, focused on senior autonomy, intergenerational living, and eco-conscious urban design, will be shared with participating students. Your mission will be to conduct in-depth market research and strategic analysis to determine how the Colibris model can be realistically implemented in Quebec and eventually across Canada.

📘 Context:

The original “Les Colibris” project, developed in La Réunion (France), responds to critical issues including:

• Accelerated aging and dependency rates.
• Lack of affordable, adapted, and inclusive senior housing.
• Pressure on healthcare systems.
• Environmental sustainability in urban planning.

The full original presentation will be provided to students as a reference and inspiration. Your task will be to evaluate how this model can be adapted, funded, and deployed within the unique provincial landscape of Quebec, encompassing regulations, real estate availability, public needs, and policy opportunities.

🔍 Project Scope:

Students will explore the following:

1. Demographic and Social Needs

• Current and projected aging trends in Quebec.
• Assessment of existing healthcare and senior housing infrastructure.

2. Market and Sector Research

• Public/private offerings in senior and health-focused real estate.
• Trends in healthcare real estate development.
• Competitive and gap analysis.

3. Policy and Regulatory Mapping

• Overview of applicable Quebec policies: housing, aging, healthcare, and ecological development.
• Available grants, public-private partnerships, and zoning laws.

4. Localization Strategy

• Identify 1–3 potential regions in Quebec for a pilot site.
• Analyze local challenges (climate, accessibility, cultural adaptation).

5. Funding and Innovation Models

• Explore opportunities through tokenization and ESG financing.
• Investigate CMHC programs, SHQ subsidies, and provincial innovation funds.

6. Stakeholder Identification

Map potential collaborators: municipalities, Indigenous communities, healthcare networks, construction firms.

📦 Deliverables:

• A complete market research and adaptation report (approx. 30–40 pages).
• A strategic recommendation slide deck (15–20 slides).
• A 1-page concept visualization of a potential Quebec-based pilot ecovillage.

🎓 Learning Objectives:

Students will:

• Apply market and regulatory research in a real-world context.
• Explore interdisciplinary themes in urban planning, public health, sustainability, and Web3/tokenization.
• Understand how global innovations can be localized to address critical social issues.
• Develop practical recommendations with real implementation potential.

📅 Timeline:

8–12 weeks

(Project duration can be adapted to your course or program structure.)