by Jo Barnes –
When you walk along a beach, you leave a footprint in the sand. When you build a house, the footprint becomes the foundation. But where do those footprints lead you? What have you built on that foundation? Maybe you want to build a different footprint entirely.
Two Saanich Peninsula residents who crossed paths have joined their efforts and vision in pursuit of a unique community footprint called cohousing.
“I am interested in looking at how we make a community. I’m interesting in gathering together like-minded friends,” says Barb Whittington, Co Founding Member, Saanich Peninsula Cohousing.
Not a new concept, cohousing began in Denmark in the 1960s when multi-generational intentional communities were created featuring private homes and shared facilities. By the 1990s the concept grew to focus on senior cohousing where seniors could age in a caring, healthy setting.
“I was looking ahead to my senior years and stumbled across a cohousing website. The project really resonated with me,” says Tracy Mills, the other Co Founding Member of the group.
Cohousing means a neighbourhood where residents have a combination of private home ownership with the advantages of community living and shared resources. Each member is a part of the design, development and operation of the community. Environmental and economic sustainability are promoted through efficient use of land, energy, water and waste management as well as sharing of resources. Walkability or proximity to public transportation and neighbourhood services is also a big consideration.
“It’s about practicality, a European style that is energy efficient,” says Barb.
In February 2016 Tracy sowed the initial seed for this project when she held a community talk featuring guest speaker Margaret Critchlow, founding member of Harbourside Senior Cohousing in Sooke. Interest quickly sparked and led to subsequent meetings and workshops to share the concept, gather members, and solidify the vision. The list of people keen on cohousing continues to grow.
“We have over 240 people interested in this development. They’re mostly from here but also Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and even California,” shares Tracy.
Saanich Peninsula Cohousing is actively building membership through monthly meetings and outreach events. It means effort and group communication.
“I played Olympic level volleyball,” says Tracy, “I know the strengths of a team and working towards a goal.”
The group works closely with Burnaby cohousing consultant Ronaye Matthew who has successfully brought a number of the unique projects into reality. “We need professional support to advance this project,” says Tracy.
Cohousing is community in every sense of the word: interrelationship yet strength of diversity.
“There’s a lovely interdependence like the old-style neighbourhoods,” says Barb, “but privacy is respected. Cohousing is a place that really respects this.”
Perhaps this resonates with you and you’d like to be a part of this community, slated to open in 2020. There will be another free information session April 23 at Saanich Commonwealth Place. Also, a two-day workshop “Is Cohousing for You?” will be held at Sidney Library May 27 and 28. For more information visit saanichpeninsulacohousing.com.
In our sometimes dissociated society, perhaps cohousing offers an answer. It’s a chance to come together to build the kind of community where housing, sustainability and social connection converge. And, it’s an opportunity to build a strong social fabric but with a smaller environmental footprint.
Photo: (l to r) Kitty Elton, West Wind Harbour cohousing, Sooke; Margaret Critchlow, Harbourside Cohousing, Sooke; Tracy Mills, Saanich Peninsula Cohousing
