How do I join?
How much does it cost?
Do I have to go to meetings?
Is cohousing a way to get a house that costs less?
Can I operate my home-based business from the GreenSong community?
Will each housing unit be independent?
Will I still have my own privacy?
How big will the community be?
Why join the group so early on?
Will I have my own kitchen?
What if I don’t like someone in the group?
Once I move in, how are commonly owned facilities, like landscaping and gardens, cared for?
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Common Questions
How do I join?
There is no formal selection process. We encourage anyone interested to contact us and we will arrange an informal get-together over a coffee to explain more about the GreenSong community. This will help you decide if GreenSong is the right place for you. See also Membership.
How much does it cost?
If you decide to join, you will need to buy a share in GreenSong Inc. This is the development company that is building our community. As a shareholder, you become a member of the board of directors of GreenSong Inc. You will have a vote both at shareholders meetings and at board meetings.
Do I have to go to meetings?
We have business or board of directors’ meetings twice a month. We try to accommodate people's work and family schedules by holding the meetings either on a weekday evening or a weekend morning or afternoon.
The schedule and agenda are set well in advance, along with proposed motions and background information so informed decisions can be made. Meetings go for two hours and rarely go overtime. The agendas and background information are circulated in advance of the meetings by e-mail. While open discussion is encouraged and everyone has an equal voice, the meetings are run in a very business-like, professional way.
Is cohousing a way to get a house that costs less?
It is important to know that cohousing communities in Canada and the United States usually do not have housing units that are below current market prices. In fact, since cohousing communities usually place a high value on sustainability and good quality construction, the cost of the housing units is somewhat more than the market rate of housing in the same area. Also, each unit owner should plan on contributing about 10% of the price of the land and the home towards the construction of the shared common facilities.
Can I operate my home-based business from the GreenSong community?
Yes. Keep in mind, though, that the municipality in which we eventually buy land may have regulations that govern home-based businesses. Also, once we take ownership of our homes and operate as a condominium, the condo board of directors may adopt guidelines that impact on the allowed business practices.
Will each housing unit be independent?
All housing units are self-contained with fully functioning kitchens and laundry hook-ups. There will be regular opportunities for some shared meals as a way of enriching our sense of community; however, your attendance and participation is entirely voluntary.
Will I still have my own privacy?
The design of the community will definitely recognize the intrinsic need for indoor and outdoor privacy. The design will try to achieve a balance between personal privacy and community interaction. In addition, the social mores of the group include a respect for the individual’s need to have time alone.
How big will the community be?
The majority of cohousing communities in Canada and the United States are anywhere from 20 to 40 units. It allows you to know everyone well if you choose to do so, yet the community still has enough resources to function harmoniously without any undue burden on anyone.
Why join the group so early on?
The sooner you decide to become a member of the community and buy shares in the development company, the more opportunity you will have to be part of important decisions like the location of the site, and the design and planning of our community.
Will I have my own kitchen?
This is the single most frequently asked question about cohousing. Yes, each residence has a fully equipped, private kitchen. In addition, the common shared space will have a kitchen, where community members may choose to share some meals on a regular basis.
What if I don’t like someone in the group?
It isn’t essential for everyone in a cohousing community to like every neighbour. A variety of personalities is what makes up an invigorating and vibrant community.
Once I move in, how are commonly owned facilities, like landscaping and gardens, cared for?
Each community creates its own process for doing the necessary work on common property. Some expect residents to contribute a certain number of hours per month to accomplish this work with a voluntary system. Typically, residents match a person’s passions with projects that need attention.