The design of our cohousing community will allow for individual privacy combined with the benefits of living in a community where people know and interact with their neighbours.
Environmentally sensitive design with a pedestrian orientation is a high value. A large common green space area would be also central to our community, and we hope to grow some of our own food.
Our homes will be centred around a community building where we share services, such as a workshop, music room, exercise studio, guest rooms or library. This common space will the heart of our community – a place to periodically share cultural activities, meals and significant events.
Our preferred site will have easy access to amenities, such as shopping, a hospital, and a public library, that are a high priority. Ideally the site features woodland and is in walking distance of a pond or a stream.
Housing units will be mixed in size. A flexible design will allow homeowners to easily make modifications after move-in, such as finishing a basement or converting a den to a bedroom.
During the development/construction phase, our business affairs are conducted within a legal corporation. Once we move in, each household privately owns its conventional self-contained home under a condominium corporation.
Resources
Canadian Cohousing Network
The Cohousing Association of the United States
Readings
Creating a Life Together: Practical Tools to Grow Ecovillages and Intentional Communities – Diana Leafe Christian
The Cohousing Handbook: Building a Place for Community – Chris Scotthanson and Kelly Scotthanson
Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves – Kathryn McCamant and Charles Durrett