Celebrating our Land Purchase and Rezoning Application
What a celebration we had on October 26th! Our cohousing community members gathered with friends and professionals at the Gorge Pavilion to mark a truly momentous occasion—we're officially closing on our land purchase at 1140 and 1148 Esquimalt Road and we’ve just submitted our application to rezone the property as a Comprehensive Development Zone for a multi-family residential building with LOTS of common space!
It was wonderful to come together to celebrate this achievement. The energy and excitement at this beautiful venue reminded us all that this moment is the culmination of almost a year of planning, collaboration, outreach, and shared vision. We have already become a strong community, one that is continuing to evolve. It has plenty of room for you!
Esquimalt Village Cohousing members assembled with our professional team in front of the Japanese pavilion at the Gorge in Esquimalt.
Building Community, Not Just Housing
We're creating a community where connection comes before profit, where neighbours choose to live together intentionally because we value relationships and shared resources.
As our project mentor Ronaye Matthew shared, we're building more than just housing. We're creating self-contained homes with extensive common facilities where we can gather regularly for shared meals, collaborate on projects, and support one another. While each of us will have our own private kitchens and living spaces, we'll also have beautiful shared areas that bring us together.
Our vision includes up to 33 units featuring a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments to welcome a diverse group of people into our community. Because this is an owner-developed project, there's no profit motive driving decisions—just our commitment to creating high-quality homes at cost, and meaningful connections.
Cohousing Development Consultant Ronaye Matthew shares a joke with community members Maggie Rogers, Paul Marchand, and Sally Hart.
Joining a National Movement
We're excited to share that we've recently joined the Canadian Cohousing Network, a national non-profit dedicated to promoting cohousing communities across the country. Being part of this network connects us with completed cohousing communities as well as projects under development, and provides valuable resources as we move forward with our project.
Our Lead Development Consultant Alastair Townsend of Township explains the top-floor roof deck to attendees.
What's Next?
We’ve submitted our rezoning application to the Township of Esquimalt, the first step in an approval process that may take up to a year.
Meanwhile, the group welcomes new members! Now is a great time to participate in the design and development process! Get to know the other members, think about which unit you want, contribute to planning the common spaces, and help develop the community agreements that will support you to you live well together. We're optimistic about beginning construction in late 2026 and welcoming our first residents in early 2028.
Get Involved—Join Us at an Upcoming Event!
Curious about cohousing? Want to learn more about our community and vision? We'd love to meet you! We regularly host information sessions, tours, and community gatherings where you can ask questions, meet our members and professionals, and discover if Esquimalt Village Cohousing is the right fit for you.
Community member Godfrey Lee spoke about his excitement of being a part of the growing community.
Visit our upcoming events page and register for a free event. Whether you're seriously considering joining our community or simply interested in learning more about the cohousing model, we welcome you to connect with us.
We're proud to be part of the growing movement that believes cohousing communities are a great way to create more diverse, vibrant and connected neighbourhoods.
