FAQs

We are an eclectic group of teachers, pharmacists, computer programmers, photographers, business people, construction manager, office managers, families, singles and retirees, all looking to share our knowledge and experiences.

Yes, but we will amend our bylaws such that all members are on the strata council. In cohousing we do not elect a small group to represent us on a strata council. Everyone is effectively on the “council”, as we manage our affairs by way of consensus decision making. Learn more about consensus decision making here.

Yes. As with all strata ownership, strata fees will be required. This is necessary to allow for a contingency fund in case major repairs are required. However, cohousing communities usually have significant reserves for such occasions because a substantial amount of the regular maintenance (such as pruning, gardening, lawn mowing and minor repairs) is done by members who form work teams when required.

Most will want to participate, as we will, no doubt, take great pride in our community. However, we fully appreciate that some, due to age, health or time constraints may be less involved. But if you can’t mow a lawn or rake leaves, perhaps you can make coffee, hot chocolate or soup for those who can. We believe that there is a way for everyone to be involved.

We will have sufficiently wide doorways in all common areas, many accessible paths and an elevator, along with appropriately placed handicapped parking spaces. We plan to have some raised garden beds (probably on our roof top) that will be wheelchair accessible. Additionally, we are partnering with a local society that supports those with disabilities and they are offering input into the design process for common spaces.  (This society has expressed an interest in purchasing several of our units.) We are not able to design individual units to accommodate a person’s particular disability. That would have to be done at the owner’s expense. We want, as much as possible, for our community to reflect the diversity that exists in the greater community.  Another of our goals is to build a development that gives people the greatest possibility of aging in place.

The common house is truly the heart of the community. It is where people gather to eat meals together, chat, plan, do crafts, exercise, dance, do photography, play bridge, build things, play cards, make music or just hang out in the rooftop lounge. It will also be where you can access quiet office space so that you can work very close to home. The common house is effectively an extension of your home. It’s where community happens.

Shared meals in the common house are really the glue of the community. (Metaphorically speaking. The meals taste much better.) It’s a chance for everyone who wants to join in to get together and catch up with neighbours or make plans. Many activities are planned during the meals without the need for organizing a committee. People will also often find it most convenient to come home at the end of the day, wander over to the common house and have their evening meal with friends. Each household is responsible for preparing the shared meal approximately one day each month. That means, if you attend all the shared meals, you hardly ever have to cook dinner.

We have many avid gardeners in our community. As a result, we are planning community gardens both at the ground level and on the rooftop of our Common House.  In addition, we will be incorporating fruit bearing trees and shrubs into our landscape and there will be an abundance of herbs in our courtyard level community planters.  We will even have planters designated for children interested in gardening.  So, yes, there will be plenty of opportunities to garden and an edible landscaping for all to enjoy.

Elementary, Middle and Secondary schools are located with 2.5 kms of our location. Kwantlen Polytechnic University is located 3 kms away.

We have two levels of membership.

Associate Membership: This is an entry level membership ($150 for two months) that allows you to join in all membership meetings, participate in the conversation and ask all the questions you may have and have access to all our financial records. The idea is to allow you a period to get to know us and learn more about the project before you decide whether you would like to make a commitment.

Equity Membership: If you have decided that cohousing is for you and you like the group, you can step up to an equity position whereby you contribute $30,000 toward the purchase of your unit. This makes you a shareholder in the development company and as well as a director. As we move closer to the construction date, we will all be contributing additional funds totaling 15 to 20 percent of the value of the unit we have selected to purchase. All funds go toward building the project.

No member of Compass Cohousing earns a fee, stipend nor pittance. We do this because we know how and where we want to live are we are willing to put in the time and energy to make it happen.