Vancouver Cohousing

What you should know about Vancouver Cohousing

What’s cohousing The site defines cohousing as resident‑designed neighbourhoods combining privately owned homes with extensive shared spaces. Residents self‑manage the community, share maintenance and social responsibilities, prepare common meals, and meet regularly to develop policies and organize activities. The page situates cohousing within local and international contexts, noting examples across Metro Vancouver and referencing the Canadian Cohousing Network; it also traces cohousing origins to Denmark and notes broader uptake in the United States and Europe. The project at a glance Vancouver Cohousing is presented as a completed, occupied development at 1733 East 33rd Avenue (between Victoria Drive and Knight Street) in the Kensington–Cedar Cottage neighbourhood. The community moved in on March 1, 2016, and the site notes residents had been living there for almost seven years as of February 2023. The development comprises 29 privately owned, fully equipped homes plus two rental units, all with private kitchens, and a central common house of approximately 6,500 sq ft. The homes range from studios to four‑bedroom units; there are currently no units for sale listed on the site. Common house and shared amenities The common house is described as the social and operational hub, containing a community kitchen and dining room, lounge, activity rooms for children and teens, office areas, two guest rooms, a yoga studio, and rooftop gardens. Outdoor shared spaces include ground‑level gardens, workshops, a central courtyard, and a play area intended to support year‑round interaction. All parking is located underground. The project emphasizes shared amenities as a means to reduce private dwelling size while supporting family needs, senior friendliness, and energy efficiency. Design and development process Design responsibilities were led by community members with facilitation by Ankenman Marchand Architects, building on principles from the Vancouver Cohousing “Getting It Built” workshop with architect Chuck Durrett. The façade strategy presents the development as two large houses from the street to better integrate with the surrounding single‑family context. Interior planning—such as many kitchens facing the central courtyard—is highlighted as intentional to support visibility and informal social connection among residents. Community life, vision and neighbourhood The community’s stated vision is to serve as an inspirational model of cohousing. Its mission focuses on creating a multi‑generational environment that fosters meaningful connection, authentic expression, personal growth, safety, and belonging. The neighbourhood is presented as walkable to Victoria Drive’s local amenities (restaurants, cafés, grocers), reinforcing the project’s urban context and access to services. Contact details and tour booking are referenced on the site.