What is Cohousing?
The term cohousing describes the process by which a group of people
work together to create and maintain their own neighbourhood. By
participating in the planning and design of their housing development,
residents form the bonds which are the basis of ongoing community.
Cohousing emphasizes a supportive, inter-generational community,
common facilities and participation by all members using a consensus
process to make decisions. Its setting can be urban, suburban or
rural and can involve building houses or rehabilitating existing
structures. The design can take a variety of forms, depending on
the wishes of the group, however the homes are always self-contained,
have access to shared facilities and the overall intention is to
create opportunities for interaction among neighbours.
How did Cohousing get started?
In the late 60’s a group of Danish families, dissatisfied with
existing urban and suburban living options, decided to create their
own resident developed neighbourhood as an alternative to traditional
housing models. They wanted a community where they would know their
neighbours, that would be alive with adults talking and children
playing, and that would be safer because people would look out for
each other and strangers would be easily noticed. It would reduce
the stress of their busy lives by easing day to day burdens such
as child care and cooking. It would be a place where people could
pursue their individual goals while living in a supportive community.
They wanted to reduce their impact on the land and create communities
that were environmentally sensitive and sustainable. They called
their solution bofoellesskaber — literally translated as “living
communities”. Today, 10% of all new housing construction in
Denmark uses this model and the concept has been spreading to other
parts of the world. It was introduced to North America by two architects
in 1988 who created the name cohousing to refer to this style of
development. There are now more than forty completed communities
in the U.S. and Canada, and hundreds more in various stages of planning.
What is the purpose of creating a cohousing community?
Every group creates their own mission statement, however, in general
the desire is to have a safe, friendly community where everyone
feels welcome.
What will the community be like?
The Members will be actively involved in the design process and
will work together with the Architects and professional team to
create a design that meets their needs and stated priorities. The
optimum size for a cohousing community is between 15 - 35 households.
Anything smaller puts too much pressure on the individual to participate
in community activities. Anything larger does not allow for the
development of a closely knit community.
Is cohousing best for certain kinds of families?
Cohousing is for everybody who wants to participate in their community.
Typically cohousing communities would like to include a diverse
group ranging in age from babies to seniors, with couples, families,
singles and single parents.
Do cohousing groups have religious or political affiliations?
Not generally. The goal of most cohousers is to have a community
which is diverse in age, background and family type, that is sustainable
both socially and environmentally. The emphasis is on quality of
life, including the nurture of children, youth and elders. There
is no social agenda beyond creating a friendly neighbourhood where
all residents feel accepted and comfortable.
What kinds of people live in cohousing?
Based on the experience of past groups, the following generalization
gives an overview of who is typically attracted to cohousing. They
tend to be people who have thought about this idea of creating community
long before they heard the term cohousing. They tend to be people
seeking to improve their quality of life, people who are interested
in the larger community around them and people who tend to think
globally and act locally. To the best of their ability they take
responsibility for themselves, for the world they experience, and
for the world their children will inherit. People who choose to
be a part of a cohousing community come from a variety of backgrounds,
income levels, family types and beliefs. What they do have in common
is a desire to have a say in how their neighbourhood will be and
a belief that having more connection with their neighbours will
be good for them. You will see evidence of a more sensitive attitude
towards the natural environment, reduced home size, sharing of resources
and community recycling.
Do members share meals together?
Although individual dwellings are self-sufficient and each has its
own kitchen, there is typically a kitchen and dining room in the
common area which is available for shared meals and celebrations
as often as members want. The common facilities, and particularly
the shared meals, are an important aspect of community life both
for social and practical reasons, however shared activities are
always optional. People always have the choice of eating in their
own homes. In existing communities, shared meals can be available
a few nights a month, to as many as 7 nights per week.
Would I have privacy?
Yes! Members value privacy as well as social contact, and it is
important to members to have their own homes and private space.
There is a common belief that the cohousing arrangement allows for
less privacy than traditional development, however this does not
in fact prove to be the case. A unique aspect of cohousing is that
the future residents participate in a conscious process of creating
a community which will reflect their values. Privacy is valued by
most people in our culture, so the design always reflects the desire
to provide a balance of privacy and community. The following statement
was taken from a CMHC study in 1997 called, “Planning Cohousing”,
which addressed this particular concern:
“While the shared amenities are integral to cohousing, some
believe privacy is more respected in cohousing communities than
elsewhere. The idea of a shared kitchen and dining facilities does
not stem from a notion that meals should be communal, but a recognition
that sometimes communal meals are desirable and benefit everyone.”
There can actually be more privacy in cohousing because the amenity
areas provide meeting places, play areas, party room, guest space,
etc. while the individual dwelling is a place of privacy and retreat.
How can I get to know the people in the group?
The best way for prospective members to meet the community is to
attend the regularly held meetings. Community relationships are
strengthened through discussion at meetings, working together on
committees, socializing at community functions and through whatever
other informal contacts people initiate. Through working and making
decisions together a cohesive community is formed.
Do I have to like everyone?
As in any healthy community, people will be tolerant and respectful
toward others. Since cohousing communities usually attract members
through a process of networking, it is likely that a high degree
of friendship will exist among members. Some people, of course,
are very private individuals and may feel comfortable with only
a few, whereas others will form friendships with everyone in the
community. As in other areas of life, individuals will create their
own experience.
Do I get free day care, elder care or help if I get sick?
As among any friends and neighbours, people help each other in informal
ways and cohousing is envisioned as a community in which people
are friendly and supportive to each other, especially in times of
need. Ongoing group care arrangements will be decided by the membership
and any particular ongoing care for individuals would be arranged
privately.
How long does it take?
The timeline will vary with every development and is somewhat dependant
on municipal requirements, however the main variable is the length
of time that it takes to bring together a group of committed individuals
who are financially capable of developing the project. A small group
of households will typically start the process and continue to build
membership as the development proceeds. Ideally, all the homes will
be spoken for by the time the project has been completed. Once a
core group has formed, cohousing development does not take any longer
than traditional development when professionals are used in the
process.
What is a Common House?
Although the homes are always self contained and privately owned,
the residents have access to shared facilities. The overall intention
of the design is to create opportunities for interaction amoung
neighbours. The shared facilities and physical design have proven
to support and sustain community connection over time. The Common
House supplements the individual dwellings and is the heart of the
community. It typically includes a kitchen and dining room, lounge,
guest room, child care space, workshop, shared office space, and
laundry area. The members will decide what’s to be included
Who decides what will be included in the Common House, or the
home designs, or anything else about the community?
Members decide. The members sit on committees where they research
issues and make recommendations to the full membership.
What is the decision making process?
Decision making and responsibilities are shared by all members.
Decisions are made using consensus. This puts everyone on an equal
footing, avoids power struggles or political efforts to gain a majority,
encourages everyone to participate by communicating openly and provides
an opportunity for people to see a variety of points of view. It
is a powerful dynamic for building and sustaining community. This
model has been evolving for more than thirty years and has been
used in the creation of hundreds of successful communities. There
are systems in place which keep the process moving forward at a
pace necessary to complete a real estate development.
How much meeting time is involved?
Regular business meetings and committee meetings are scheduled as
needed for member input for decisions. This involves a good deal
of time during the development phase. Members participate in meetings
to whatever extent they are able and/or are needed.
Do I need to attend the meetings?
Someone does. The whole reason for meetings is to provide an opportunity
for the group to work together to define what it wants, and then
to find a way to make those dreams come true.
What is the legal status of a typical community?
One of the simplest methods to set up the development is to incorporate
as a standard corporation. This structure limits liability for members,
is most flexible and is the most easily recognized by lending institutions.
On completion of the development, the legal status will change to
allow for individual home ownership.
Will I own my own home?
The method of ownership can vary, but it is most common to use the
strata title ownership structure. In this ownership model each household
owns its own home together with a share of the common facilities.
As a matter of financing convenience, most cohousing communities
in the U.S. and Canada have chosen this structure.
What is it going to cost?
To date cohousing is rarely subsidized. Participants are generally
those who can afford to buy their own home and the cost is approximately
market rate. There are exceptions however, and new models for financing
and developing cohousing are constantly being explored in the attempt
to create more affordability. Some communities have effectively
created a number of "affordable" homes at a percentage
below market rate for those who can qualify for this type of assistance.
As well, investment returns can be offered to those who fund the
equity portion of the development and this can substantially reduce
the final purchase price of their home. With the help of their professional
team, members of the group establish size, quality and cost guidelines
for the project. Essentially, members determine what they want to
pay, and the project is designed to match those identified needs,
including unit prices.
What will be expected of me after the development is complete?
When the homes are built and the community is complete, members
will work together to organize upkeep duties. There will be a monthly
maintenance fee that each owner will be expected to pay and there
will continue to be periodic meetings concerning the running of
the community and further decision making.
What if I want to sell my home after completion?
Just like any other home that you may want to sell, members who
want to leave need to find a buyer. Because of the collaborative
nature of cohousing, opportunities exist for promoting cohousing
in ways other than traditional real estate marketing methods.
What is the process for getting involved in cohousing?
There are generally three ways that you can get involved:
* Purchase a home in an existing community.
* Become a member of a forming group.
* Initiate your own group in the neighbourhood of your choice.
How do I become a member of a forming community?
Typically anyone may attend a meeting as a visitor. Most groups
will have information meetings where they introduce the concept
to the public and give information about their project. Check the
website for contact names for the different communities or contact
the Canadian Cohousing Network to find out about a forming community
in your area.
Can I see an existing cohousing community?
Yes, to visit a completed cohousing community in Canada please make
arrangements through the contact person listed for each community
on the “Canadian Projects” page or call the Canadian Cohousing
Network at (604) 888-1158.
There are also many completed communities in the US.
To find out more, visit the US website at: www.cohousing.org
Are there any books about cohousing?
The book Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves
by Kathryn McCamant and Charles Durrett is an excellent book to
get an overall view of what cohousing is about. The Cohousing
Handbook by Chris Hanson is a wonderful companion to the cohousing
process of building community. Both of these books, as well as a
Cohousing Video and copies of the Cohousing Journal, are
available through the Canadian Cohousing Network or the public library.
For further information:
Canadian Cohousing Network:
Toll free telephone: (877) 980-2700
Fax line: (604) 882-9331
email: ccn@cohousing.ca
See also:
The
Main Characteristics of Cohousing
Cohousing
and Sustainability
What
is Cohousing?
