A Greater Victoria-based organization has acquired property in Esquimalt to build a new cohousing development that promises a vibrant and sustainable living environment in the heart of the township.
Housing expert, author and cohousing resident Margaret Critchlow explained that cohousing – a subset of community-led housing – involves the future residents of a housing development funding, designing and working with development professionals to build housing that is connected and supports interrelationships in the living environment.
"It's housing that is developed by the people who are going to live there. It emphasizes participation in the design, construction – not in the building part, but in the decision-making, and in the life of the community after moving," she said. "It's designed for the people who are going to live there, by the people who are going to live there, and it fosters connected social relationships. It's an antidote to social isolation, which is a real plague."
The collaborative housing model looks to combine private, self-contained units with shared common facilities, such as kitchen and living areas, to further promote the vibrant, social neighbourhood.
Critchlow was instrumental in building the Harbourside seniors cohousing development of 31 waterfront units in Sooke that opened in 2016. Many of the dozens of residents helped plan and fund the development, and they continue to work together to clean and upkeep the property and host social gatherings.
Currently, Critchlow is working as the community facilitator of the Victoria Harbour Cohousing initiative, which has acquired the property on Esquimalt Road near the Archie Browning Sports Centre, Country Grocer, the public library, schools and parks.
"We're attracting a mixed, multi-generational community, so we've got some little kids and some old people, and it takes a village to make a cohousing," she said. "It really benefits from the equity that older people who've owned their homes for a long time can bring to the project, and it really benefits the younger people who can barely afford to move into a home because all they [can] do is put down the minimum amount of money and be part of the decision-making."
The initiative has about 25 people so far looking to get involved in the development, and the group is looking for more to get involved, either as pre-equity – or associate members who may still be considering joining the community – or as equity members.
"If you're interested in knowing your neighbours, but also having all the privacy that you want – this is not a commune, everybody has as much privacy as they want and as much community connection as they need. So if that works for you, then you'd be a good fit," said Critchlow, who hopes to begin work on the development in the next five years. "People often say, 'But I'm raising a kid, I don't have any time to participate.' That's fine. What makes you a good fit is being open to having a meal with your neighbours that they prepared. So wanting to share food, to share enjoyment."
The group is welcoming new members to join for a three-month trial period. Interested individuals can attend free, in-person Information sessions on May 31 and June 28, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Archie Browning Sport Centre Lounge. Those looking to sign up for the sessions can do so at www.victoriaharbourcohousing.ca.
Additionally, Critchlow is hosting 90-minute online workshops called "Is Cohousing Right for You?" which will be available on zoom from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on June 12 and July 8, which are free to members, and $50 for non-members that can be credited toward membership. To register, email info@victoriaharbourcohousing.ca.
