Island Guide
Living Off
the Grid
Savary is not connected to the hydro grid. That sounds daunting, but off-grid life here is well established and can be as modest or as comfortable as you like. Here is how power, water and heat actually work.
The Essentials
How a Savary cottage runs
Propane
The workhorse of the island. Propane runs hot water, cooking and refrigeration. A typical cottage keeps two 100 lb tanks that switch over automatically.
Solar & batteries
Panels and battery storage have come a long way. Most homes store power so generators don’t run constantly, and DC solar fridges are now common.
Generators
Still the most reliable source of power, and handy for pumping water from a deep well. Lund Water Taxi supplies gasoline.
Water
Most properties pump from drilled wells. Savary Shores has the only community water system; elsewhere, sand-points work at Indian Point and along Malaspina Promenade.
Septic
Septic fields handle sewage and grey water, installed by licensed local installers.
Heating
Wood stoves are the most common heat source, with propane heaters close behind. Both need certified installation for insurance.
Directory
Who to call
Propane
Brackenwood Propane
Delivery, tanks, appliances and DC fridges. Drivers check for empties and refill.
Solar & Electrical
Generators
Wells & Water
Septic
This is a community directory, not an endorsement. Island contacts change often, so please confirm details directly before relying on them.
Off-grid questions
Absolutely. Cottages here range from simple to genuinely luxurious. The mix of propane, solar, batteries and a generator covers everything a grid-connected home would.
For most properties, yes. Pumping water from a deep well takes power, and a generator tops up the batteries when the sun is scarce. Savary Shores homes on the community water system need less.
Yes. Brackenwood Propane delivers all year, checks for empty tanks, and services appliances.
