Esquimalt approves rezoning for new type of housing project

There’s an interesting new housing project coming to Esquimalt.

The Esquimalt town council has approved rezoning for a development at 1140-1148 Esquimalt Road, clearing the way for a new type of housing project in the city.

A new 34-home community is planned for the area, thanks to the efforts of a group called Esquimalt Village Cohousing.

The idea behind the housing concept is intended to bring neighbours together through shared spaces, mutual support and sustainable living.

The rezoning approval will enable the construction of a six-storey building with 34 privately owned homes that have indoor and outdoor spaces for residents to gather for shared meals, celebrations, hobbies and everyday connection.

The project is being led by a Vancouver- and Seattle-based company that specializes in cohousing communities, called Township. It will be designed by Cornerstone Architecture, a BC Firm with experience in the space of cohousing.

“Once construction is completed, our group will be moving into the heart of Esquimalt’s evolving urban village,” said Alastair Townsend, the founder of Township.

“Based on our past projects, cohousing’s positive impacts tend to ripple out into the wider community.”

Advocates of cohousing say the idea is a growing phenomenon here in Canada and beyond, and may be a solution to some of the housing issues the country has seen in recent years.

“When people intentionally share resources instead of duplicating them, everyone benefits,” said Ronaye Matthew, a senior advisor to the project who has helped develop more than a dozen cohousing communities across Canada.

“Cohousing creates opportunities in Esquimalt to reduce costs, lower environmental impact and build the kind of supportive neighbourhoods that many people are looking for today.”

For some members of the proposed community, this decision has come after years of planning.

“This shows we’re a legitimate project that is recognized not only by its own members but also by the larger community, and it’s being supported by Esquimalt as an asset within the future development of that community,” said Deb Gaul, founding member of Esquimalt Village Cohousing.

“It feels great to be part of creating something like this. It sets an example of what can happen in Greater Victoria.”

Esquimalt Village Cohousing will be welcoming new members and holding public information sessions throughout the summer while the construction on the development gets underway.