i live in a residential/commercial building in a remote area of the Sunshine Coast BC. The property itself was a school site since 1998, with myself hired as the teacher in charge. Over the years, I purchased the property, and developed the makings of a permaculture site, won innovative project grants with geodesic dome, herb spirals and an amphitheatre. However, Government cutbacks in 2003, removed and disbanded the program. At that time, I moved the makings of my home into the main building and maintained the operations of the site. Over the years, some influential residents would love me to sell the place and move. They are not interested nor need a Permaculture site to glimpse upon while driving by - would much rather a corner store, restaurant or cafe were in its place. In retaliation in the past, pranksters have turned my water off from the roadside, and once someone scattered brand new roofing nails about my gravel parking lot. Now I have just been informed that my fire insurance policy will not be reinstated. Reasons being that in their minds and perspectives, the property is not being used appropriately as it is zoned residential commercial. The crux of the matter, "the powers that be" are not comfortable with a School District special education teacher "living simply" and being demonstrative - so the heat is being turned up.

Does anyone know a reputable insurance agent that is "hip" on the ecological movement and the concepts of permaculture - in so knowing he or she could back me with fire insurance. My bank is not happy with the current situation and i am afraid the other shoe will drop sometime soon.

mg