About us
Long connection with founders of cohousing movement
Mission
Our mission is to create and build high functioning neighbourhoods that promote a sense of belonging in its individual and family members. Shared facilities, events and day to day interactions build relationships that make life easier and more enjoyable
Vision
Our vision is to cultivate a thriving urban landscape through the creation of high functioning neighbourhoods through a partnership with the future residents. These are places where neighbors care for each other, celebrate diversity, and have a strong sense of belonging and community.
Purpose
The purpose of our non-profit organization is to foster community and provide housing
solutions through the development of cohousing communities or other social purpose real estate. We strive to
promote sustainable living practices and facilitate social cohesion by creating intentional communities where
individuals can live in harmony with one another and the environment. Our goal is to empower individuals to
lead fulfilling lives while contributing to a greater social good through collaborative decision-making, shared
resources, and mutual support. Through our work, we aim to enhance the quality of life for our members and
the broader community while promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Creating places that enhance the human experience.
Jan Gudmand-Hoyer
Cohousing started in Denmark in the late 60s and early 70s by Architect Jan Gudmand-Hoyer. The first communities were on the outskirts of Denmark.
Photo: Jan at Windsong Cohousing
Charles Durrett
In 1991 Muir Commons opened. It was designed by young architects Charles Durrett and partner Katie McCamant and was the first cohousing in North America.
Photo: Jan, Chuck, Howard, Cam at Windsong.
Howard Staples
Windsong Cohousing was completed in 1997 and was designed by Chuck Durrett. It was Canada’s first cohousing.
Howard was instrumental in initiating that project and found the site.
Photo: Myriam, Chuck, Jan, Howard, Alan.
History of living in cohousing and working together
Cam Doré, Supporter
Cam discovered cohousing almost 20 years ago and has lived in Windsong and Vancouver Cohousing. He has traveled to over 20 cohousing communities. He has been building websites for over 20 years and has created a variety of websites to assist those wanting to learn more about cohousing and also builds and hosts Cohousing marketing websites.
Alan Carpenter, Supporter
Alan's cohousing history spans over 30 years, going back to the start of Windsong, Canada’s first Cohousing Community. As a founder of and manager of the Canadian Cohousing Network Alan has been involved in supporting many projects get off the ground through help with financing, legal models and other resources.
Susana , Supporter
Susana has helped more people get into Pacific Gardens Cohousing by being a tireless advocate for this project from the start. Today she supports us by spreading the word and answering questions.
Jennifer Mollins
Jennifer discovered cohousing in late 2019 when she moved to Pacific Gardens with her family, and is excited to help spread the word about this amazing lifestyle. Jen helps us communicate better about cohousing.
Yonas Jongkind
Yonas has lived a in three different of Cohousing Communities and was instrumental in the financial support of a variety of communities. He has always been ready with assistance around finding land and feasibility studies and setting up early workshops as he has recently done in the Lost Lake project.