No, cohousing is different from a housing co-operative (co-op). In a traditional co-op, you do not own real estate; instead, you buy shares in a cooperative association that owns the building, which grants you a right to occupy a unit. In Esquimalt Village Cohousing, you own the registered land title to your specific strata lot, which allows you to build equity and eventually sell your unit on the open market.

No, cohousing is not a commune. In this community, residents maintain completely separate finances and hold individual legal title to their own strata condominium units. While communes are built on shared incomes and collective living arrangements, cohousing offers a traditional neighbourhood feel where you privately own your self-contained home—complete with your own kitchen and bathroom—and simply share access to common amenities.

Legally, it is exactly the same. Cohousing communities in BC are governed by the Strata Property Act, meaning you own your individual strata lot (your condo) and a fraction of the common property, managed by a Strata Corporation.

But socially and physically, it is very different. In a standard strata, common areas are minimal (usually just hallways, an elevator, and a lobby) and neighbors rarely interact. In cohousing, the development is intentionally designed around extensive shared amenities—like a large common house, shared guest rooms, community gardens, and a large kitchen—and the owners actively participate in managing the community together rather than hiring an outside property management firm to make all the decisions.

Typical strata developments may offer common facilities such as pools and gyms, but these are typically enjoyed individually, and neighbours remain isolated. Cohousing weaves an invitation of connection into its design, and prioritizes collaborative common spaces such as communal kitchens for group meals, workshops with tool sharing, and craft rooms where residents share activities.

Cohousing can look as expensive as condos for sale today, but it’s not the same product. You’re buying a private home plus a share of high-quality common amenities that replace a lot of private square footage. We’re building for ourselves with transparent budgeting and long-term durability in mind, so it can cost more upfront but often costs less to live in over time. All costs support the quality of the build; there is no developer profit. And the biggest value is the community we create, and the mutual support it provides.

No. Residents are free to sell their unit on the open market. Additionally, cohousing communities often have a ‘waiting list’ of interested parties, allowing residents to sell privately and avoid realtor commission fees.

By becoming an Associate Member, you will meet and get to know your potential future neighbors and they will get to know you. This "dating" phase gives both sides to opportunity to explore compatibility.

This is the beauty of community-led housing: as a member, you are a co-developer of the project, and will be included in design, community, and financial decisions. Additionally, unit selection follows a chronological hierarchy, so joining early means you will have more units to choose from.

We strive to make decisions by consensus – a collaborative process where our group works to find solutions that all members actively support, or at least "can live with". In the rare cases when consensus can’t be reached, a simple majority of shareholder households decides the outcome.

No, anyone is welcome to join us. Nearly all members of Esquimalt Village Cohousing were strangers before the project began, and have gotten to know each other as development has progressed.

No. You may not be best friends with everybody but in our experience, most residents become friendly collaborators, and more than a few become close friends.

We plan to build 34 units – a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units. So we estimate that the total population will be between 50 to 60 people.

Yes! Esquimalt Village offers a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units to support residents in all phases of life. We're seeking to build a community where folks from all generations appreciate and support one another.

Yes. This will be a pet-friendly community. We have agreed to allow up to two pets for all units.

Conflict is a normal part of life in relationships. We view conflict as a process of reconciling differences and an opportunity for growth. We are creating a baseline of trust and relationship in our community so we can collaborate to resolve and de-escalate any conflict that arises after move-in.

No, cohousing isn't for everyone. Although each resident has their own unit and privacy is always available when you want it, the social nature of the community may be challenging for introverts. On the other hand, if you like the idea of borrowing a cup of sugar from your neighbour down the hall and catching up over coffee in the communal kitchen before Sunday errands, you might just be a future cohouser.

Become an Associate Member for three months to learn all about our community and find out whether cohousing is right for you!