Discover Cohousing,
Explore Collaborative Living.
We're building a vibrant community in Greater Victoria, BC where residents mutually support one another, preserving independence and nourishing social connections.
Overcome Loneliness & Isolation
Neighborly Support When Needed
Sustain Physical & Mental Well-Being
Home Sweet Home?
Overcome Modern Living Dilemmas:
Separation: Limited social connections in most neighborhoods
Upkeep: Traditional homes can become a burden
Car Dependency: Reduced walkability and increased isolation
Lack of Support: Few opportunities for mutual assistance
Oversized: Many homes are now too large for evolving families
Heard About Cohousing?
• Independent homes with shared community spaces
• Designed and managed by residents themselves
• Fosters mutual support and social interaction
• Promotes active aging and personal autonomy
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![Social Design]()
Social by Design
Clustering homes around generous shared amenities including a dining room, guest suites, and gardens enhances interaction, security, and communal spirit.
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![Self Managed]()
Self Management
From design to operation, residents collaborate in decision making, cultivating a shared sense of collective ownership and dedication.
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![Shared Resources]()
Shared Resources
By sharing transportation, maintenance, and care, living costs decrease and mutual support thrives.
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![Balanced Privacy]()
Balanced Privacy
Homes are privately owned, like any condo, boasting fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor space within efficient layouts.
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![Sustainable Living]()
Sustainable Living
Green construction, sharing resources, energy efficiency, walkability, gardening, and nature conservation reduce the environmental footprint.
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"Cohousing puts us in closer contact with each other than a regular neighbourhood. Some of the group activities we have fostered over the years include book clubs, knitting circles, labyrinths, yoga classes, writing circles, meditation, ping pong tournaments, movie nights, horseshoes, darts, Even with COVID we were able to have a few pickle ball events on our courts chalked on the ring road. And we eat together - a lot!!"
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"The idea of what it means to live in this type of experience, I would say, it's not because it works, which it does, it's because we celebrate life, we create life with each other, there's a larger force at work"
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"When I took stock a year or two after moving in, I thought to myself, if I had written down all the things I would like in a place to live, it wouldn't have been nearly as good as this is!"
Welcome Home to…
Victoria, BC
Victoria, British Columbia offers a perfect blend of historic charm and cosmopolitan allure. Nestled along the scenic Salish Sea, this picturesque coastal city boasts breathtaking natural beauty, from the snow-capped Olympic Mountains to the tranquil inner harbors. The charming downtown core features an eclectic array of local boutiques, galleries, and renowned culinary establishments, while the nearby provincial parliament buildings and University of Victoria add intellectual vibrancy. Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, Victoria combines the peaceful island lifestyle with easy access to the dynamic urban amenities of Vancouver. With its mild climate, vibrant arts scene, and active community, Victoria provides the perfect setting for retirees seeking an enriching, well-rounded lifestyle.
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Four-Season Livability
Victoria's mild climate (Canada's warmest city) allows for year-round gardening, walking, and outdoor socializing. With minimal snow and moderate temperatures, community members can stay active and engaged throughout the year in shared gardens and outdoor spaces.
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Cultural Vibrancy & Lifelong Learning
Home to the University of Victoria, Royal BC Museum, and numerous cultural venues, the city offers endless opportunities for continued education, arts engagement, and meaningful community involvement.
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A Walkable Lifestyle
Victoria consistently ranks as one of Canada's most walkable cities, allowing community members to maintain independence while reducing car dependence. Essential services, cafes, shops, and the picturesque Inner Harbour are all easily accessible.
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Social Connection Infrastructure
The city's human-scale neighborhoods, abundant public spaces, and community centers naturally support the cohousing lifestyle. Victoria's reputation for friendliness and community-mindedness aligns perfectly with collaborative living values.
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Healthcare & Wellness Access
Renowned for its comprehensive healthcare system, Victoria offers excellent medical facilities, holistic wellness centers, and outdoor recreation options within walking distance. Perfect for those prioritizing a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
How You'll Craft Your New Neighborhood Around You…
Step 1
Embark on Your Cohousing Journey
Attend our free information sessions to discover how cohousing enhances independence and fosters meaningful connections.
Become an Associate Member to learn much more about the project, attend meetings, and decide if it’s right for you.
Connect with like-minded individuals who share your vision of community living.
Participate in workshops to develop effective collaboration techniques and begin defining shared values and goals.
Be a part of the "Getting Your Community Built" workshop to officially launch and plan your new community.
Step 2
Shape Your Future Community
Be prepared to make a financial commitment to facilitate the design and development of the project.
Work with the development team and other committed members to select and secure the site for your new community.
Engage in design workshops with our architects to craft your community's layout, common house, and homes.
With the help of our development team, invite others to join and share your vision - build your community!
Step 3
From Vision to Reality
Our development team will bring together all the professionals to manage design approvals and navigate regulatory processes.
We’ll secure the services of a highly qualified local construction contractor throughout the design and development, ensuring efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Our development team will source and negotiate the construction financing needed to move forward.
Our professionals oversee construction and manage cost control while providing regular progress updates for full transparency.
Set up your community for success with effective community management structures.
We will provide support for individual mortgage financing as needed.
Step 4
Settle Into Your Custom Community
Experience an expertly managed move-in process.
Celebrate your collective achievement with a community-wide housewarming event.
Take charge of your community's management from Day One with strong foundations already in place.
Enjoy the vibrant, supportive community you've helped build for daily connection, active living, and fulfillment.
Meet Our Team of Cohousing Professionals
Alastair Townsend, Margaret Critchlow and Ronaye Matthew have joined together to initiate, and provide professional services, to support the development of a cohousing project in the Victoria/Esquimalt area. With over thirty years experience managing the successful development of multiple cohousing projects, three of which are located in Greater Victoria, the team is uniquely qualified to facilitate this process. Alastair will manage the development, Margaret will provide support with community building and Ronaye will provide oversight as required.
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Alastair Townsend — Cohousing Development Consultant
Alastair combines a technical background in architecture with experience managing large real estate developments for a global investor. Alastair seeks to build cohousing communities that foster social connection and enrich lives.
A graduate of Kathryn McCamant’s 500 Communities cohousing program, Alastair will oversee the design, financing, and construction of Victoria Harbour Cohousing. His approach emphasizes transparency and accountability, ensuring a smooth development process that aligns with the community's vision.
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Margaret Critchlow, PhD — Community Facilitator
Margaret spent twenty-five years as a professor of Social Anthropology at York University in Ontario. She first discovered the importance of community led housing through her field research with Vanuatu villagers in the South Pacific. A leading voice in academic cohousing discourse, Critchlow has authored and edited books on housing cooperatives, customary land tenure, colonial history, and development issues. Critchlow is now a community building facilitator at CDC and has lived at Harbourside Cohousing in British Columbia since it opened in 2016.
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Ronaye Matthew — Cohousing Development Consultant
Ronaye is the primary consultant at Cohousing Development Consulting (CDC), an expert development management firm, where she has guided eleven cohousing projects to completion. After earning a degree in Environmental Studies from the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba, Matthew spent her early career working with diverse residential developers in Alberta and British Columbia. In 1996, she shifted gears to cohousing development and never looked back. She has lived at Cranberry Commons in British Columbia since its completion in 2001
Sign Up For Upcoming Events
Join us to learn about the exciting world of cohousing! We will offer both online and in-person sessions to introduce you to this proven housing solution, highlight its benefits, and explain how we will build a thriving community with your input.
Our calendar will be updated with new events, including seminars on topics like aging in place and social gatherings where you can start meeting your future neighbors.
Attending an event is your first step towards a more connected and purposeful lifestyle. Check our calendar often, register for an upcoming session, and begin your journey towards intentional community!
A New Living Alternative for Victoria
Join us to learn about an exciting new cohousing community taking shape in Victoria! Building on successful BC communities like Harbourside (Sooke) and Ravens Crossing (Sidney), our team is initiating a new cohousing neighborhood that combines private homes with thoughtfully designed shared spaces, all within easy reach of urban amenities.
We invite you to explore how this community-centered approach to living can enhance your lifestyle in Victoria's vibrant setting. Like our other successful BC cohousing communities, the vision includes well-designed private homes, workshop spaces, and common areas that foster natural connections while reducing our collective living footprint. We are targeting a location that will offer easy access to shops, restaurants, public transit, and essential services - perfect for those seeking an active, sustainable lifestyle.
Whether you're drawn to Victoria's mild climate, walkable neighborhoods, or vibrant culture, cohousing offers a unique opportunity to create meaningful connections while maintaining your independence. Imagine stepping from your private home into beautifully designed shared spaces where neighbors become friends, sharing optional meals, and working together on community projects.
Experience the benefits of cohousing in one of Canada's most desirable cities. Our professional development team will guide the journey from participatory design through completion, ensuring we create a community that enhances Victoria's reputation for innovative, sustainable living. Join us in shaping a neighborhood where community thrives naturally.
Get in Touch
We're excited to share more about our vibrant cohousing community! Whether you're curious about the concept or ready to explore joining us, use the email below to reach out to us. Your journey towards a more connected and purposeful lifestyle begins with a conversation, and we'll respond as quickly as we can.