In 2011 the old Tangier Deanery Centre suddenly came up for sale. It had previously served as a much loved summer youth camp for nearly 75 years. In order to save the property from private development, and keep it in community service a group of local residents, environmental educators and youth-serving organizations formed a non-profit cooperative and were able to purchase the land. The word “Deanery” was retained as part of the new name to acknowledge its history.
The buildings had fallen into disrepair and many committed volunteers rallied in the days after the purchase to make much needed repairs, starting with a new meta roof on the Main Hall. Once the roof was secure, twelve Dalhousie University Architecture students became the first group to hold a program at the Deanery Project. In a huge burst of inspiration and energy they designed and built the Cob Oven Pavilion, earth-plastered several interior walls, built a compost centre, and milk-painted the exterior of the building, all in the space of nine days!
Today, The Deanery Project is a not-for-profit organization with a focus on the environment, youth and community, natural building, and the arts. We are open year round offering programs and projects connected to a wide variety of learning, recreational, and research opportunities, especially those related to energy, forests, health, active transportation and rural living.
We also offer rental space. Our staff are available to work with groups to develop experiential, place-based learning activities on our site or in their communities. We support people who have things to teach and learn; meetings to conduct; weekend retreats; meals to prepare together; or nature-exploring adventures to undertake.
