“Dinner’s ready, now where the heck are my kids…?”
This was a big enough `problem’ at Windsong Cohousing in North Langley that the parents had to come up with a solution. The new rule became that the children in the close-knit community had to leave their shoes outside the door of whatever neighbour they were visiting so parents would know which home to look in.
What is Cohousing?
Cohousing communities are intentional communities. Although it sounds similar, they are not affordable housing communities, nor are they housing co-ops, and they use the same market-value strata ownership structure as any other condo or townhome in BC.
The people who live in the residential community work together with a specialized architect to design spaces that allow people to get to know each other and be included naturally and easily.
This includes families with children.
Parents likely know every single person in the living complex and the children are free to safely roam with their friends, who are also usually their neighbours. A common amenity in the Common House (clubhouse) is a good-sized playroom.
Why is Cohousing Great for Families?
The goal of cohousing is to bring together a diverse multi-generational group of people who typically develop into a robust community.
Compass Cohousing will truly be a village in the city, which is fabulous for active parents. There are:
- other parents in the community
- other children for kids to play with
- a safe physical environment
- and a multi-generational group of very caring and capable people.
An example of this is the work that Compass members put into gently supporting John F and his shy 13-year-old daughter. Even before there is a physical structure and before they are neighbours, Compass Cohousing members get together socially on a regular basis. At these events, this group of people wholeheartedly embrace inclusion and have brought John’s daughter out of her shell.
“As a dad, it has filled my heart and been amazing to watch. I struggle to imagine another residential building in Langley where that would happen. And, it’s not an accident… it’s intentional. Which is why I want to live at Compass Cohousing and why I want my children to be part of this beautiful creation.”
John F and his daughter Bea, a shy teenager who is embraced by the Compass Cohousing community.
How to Become a Compass Cohousing Family?
Compass Cohousing in Langley is located in the Southwest Gordon Estate neighbourhood in Willoughby.
Over 80% of Compass’ 40 units are spoken for. The community ranges from the youngest member, Luna, who is 1 year old, to community members in their 80s.
Luna and her parents are excited to enjoy the village lifestyle at Compass Cohousing.
To get an even better sense of what cohousing is, who the people are behind it and why it might be a great place for you and your family to live, why not join us at an online Information Session?
Life in the Heart of Community
Check out the FAQs to learn more about cohousing in general, and Compass Cohousing in particular.
Register for an Info Session to get details of floor plans and prices of available presales.
