Co-housing in Canada

My Wife and I had our introduction to Co-housing last week when we were invited to stay and hold a house concert at the Pacific Gardens Cohousing Community in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

The concert was the opening act for their 4th Anniversary celebration that was attended by North Americas cohousing expert Charles Durret.

It is believed that Community and social interaction is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Co-housing is about creating communities that encourage social interaction. They can range from inner-city apartments to rural country blocks. The heart of the community is the communal facilities that will include a common room/house and kitchen, garden lots and playgrounds. Everyone has their own home or apartment offering full privacy. There is an emphasis on sustainability and the use of natural construction products.

Although new to myself, Co-housing began over 40 years ago in Denmark. Since then it has spread throughout Europe and made it’s way to North America in 1988. After a quick Google search I can see there are a number of cohousing projects here in New Zealand as well. Check them out at:

• Earth Song
• Converge
• Delhi Village

For the full low down and an experts insight check out Charles Durretts book. “Creating Cohousing, building sustainble communities” – Pacific Gardens website

LU