Leaving Vancouver means taking the only highway there is. They're widening it but can't add more: mountains on one side, ocean on the other. Everywhere we drive, they're omnipresent. Big hills, not mountains, the locals would say. The real ones are further east, the majestic Rockies.
Back on the road to Langley this time with the group, to meet the master of Cohousing. Alan Carpenter will give a tour of the place, a strange Atrium that houses the storefronts of the little houses (or condos), common spaces that serve different functions, those desired by the cohabitants of the 33 housing units. Some will face a green space (wetlands) where construction was impossible, hence the covered roof because the size of the building had to be reduced. In doing so, they decided to create an interior space for circulation, having no possibility to do so outside. The «common house» is used for all sorts of activities; while we were there, a painting class was taking place in the dining room. The kitchen is commercially equipped, like most Cohabitat kitchens. Everything is organized for easy retrieval.
After the tour of the place, we were treated to a ‘talk’ on sociocracy. Some cohousing communities adopt it, others prefer consensus. From what we heard, nothing is black or white; sometimes a bit of both is used... Alan had gone to get us sandwiches, which we devoured (we eat when we can on the road, but often our hosts will give us little treats...). The convoy then headed to Yarrow, where Suzan Clark was waiting for us at Groundswell Cohousing, at the Yarrow EcoVillage. She was with a cohousing friend, and together we toured the premises.
Twenty-five years ago, a section was built in a rather improvised way, mainly housing those who worked the land. They could build whatever they wanted there, as long as it was ‘eco-responsible,’ hence the somewhat eclectic architecture. The second section was built more organized; they started from scratch, a muddy field and a Californian architect who knew little about the Canadian climate. The story was turbulent, but the result is that today nearly 70 people live there peacefully, from newborns to elders.
On the day of our visit, the fields were lush, the bad weather had cleared, and we were enjoying the sun warming our bodies (for us, having just emerged from a too-long winter). Our guides explained how the spaces are utilized; in short, a person who wishes to become a market gardener can rent a field and take care of making it flourish. A mother who accompanied us spoke with great pride about her organic apple trees.
The Groundswell co-housing residents we met that day also showed us their affection for this cohousing community, far from the city, in a rural setting. All of them were very touchingly sincere.
Upon returning to the ‘Common House,’ a snack awaited us (a welcome treat...). We talked at length and then resumed our journey to Vancouver. In the evening, everyone had time to attend to their own affairs. Hélène and I took the opportunity to chat with Liza Dixon of Little Mountain, where we are staying. Liza is an inexhaustible source of information about Cohousing. She knows the concept inside and out, having applied it several times; first to find housing (she was at the heart of Little Mountain's early beginnings). Her profession as a real estate agent allows her to meet people who are increasingly interested in Cohousing.
I am grateful for this opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of cohousing, which in British Columbia has lessons to offer us Quebecers who want to develop the concept.
Quick reminder: come see us regularly on www.villagevital.com, you will find photos and videos of Vancouver Mission and soon, articles will be written to help better understand the growing phenomenon of Cohousing.