Pacfic Gardens

Recently we were asked in class to pick a project or community that displayed characteristics of community engagement and participation. The project my group chose was a cohousing project in Nanaimo. It is called Pacific Gardens.

The concept of cohousing is more common in Europe than in North America but it is growing in popularity in both Canada and the US. Principles of cohousing include participatory planning, non-hierarchical organization, management controlled by residents, and extensive common facilities that were designed by the residents. Cohousing is not a commune nor a shared economic community. Cohousing residents do not necessarily have a common economic, educational or religious background. What they do have in common is a shared life philosophy that includes sustainable living.

The pacific Gardens cohousing project is almost complete. Specific features of this project include:

• using "green" building methods to try to attain LEED certification (I don't know whether it has been accomplished or not)
• energy efficiency standards to control long term energy and environmental costs (such as architectural designs that allow for efficient use of heat, insulation and natural light)
• a common area that includes a kitchen and dining area, shared workshop, craft room, laundry facility and community gardens
• car-share program

Cohousing also brings together a lot of people from different backgrounds and skills. By its very nature, the ensuing community is capital rich with creativity, skills and common goals. The cohousing community forms a network that can build both horizantally and vertically. Also by its nature, cohousing communities are highly engaged and participatory. Issues and decisions related to the community are done on a consensus basis or are dealt with using predefined policies that were initially agreed upon by the community.

Although the concept of a cohousing community looks good on paper, it is not ideal for everyone. People like to have a sense of community but the prevailing attitude of society is still on the side of personal space and property. This attitude is changing but in my opinion, it is slow going.