That’s cohousing in a nutshell — a modern housing model that appeals to all ages. But it can be particularly attractive for those aged 60 or older looking for something between total independence and a traditional retirement residence. BC, as it happens, is home to nearly half of Canada’s 20+ completed or developing cohousing projects.1
Community is the focus
The idea isn’t new. In ancient societies extended families and clans would cluster together. Religious orders developed communities based on shared beliefs (convents, monasteries). In the 1840s, a co-op model for affordable housing emerged in England and in the 1930s the Antigonish Movement in Nova Scotia promoted the first co-ops in Canada. And in the 1960s communes sprang up across North America.
Cohousing focuses on intentional community living. Residents usually design, own, and manage their neighbourhood together. But unlike a commune or co-op, cohousing doesn’t merge finances or livelihoods. Legally, most are strata developments (like a condo) but with a purpose: creating strong communities rooted in regular social connections. Each household is a “typical” private home, complete with kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms, but residents share a separate, purpose-built space (often about 3000-5000 square feet) with amenities such as a large kitchen and dining area, laundry, gardens, workshops, guest suites, and activity rooms.
Small is beautiful
Cohousing communities are usually compact — 20 to 35 households — large enough for diversity but small enough for genuine connection. Homes are often located close to pedestrian walkways. Parking is placed at the periphery or underground to encourage walking and casual encounters.
Most are co-developed by future residents themselves, often with the help of professional facilitators and architects. Launching one can take several years and involves significant financing and planning responsibilities. Once built, ongoing decision-making is typically consensus-based, with residents jointly managing maintenance, budgets, and social activities. While some communities are specifically designed for retirees many are home to a wide variety of age groups.
Ownership costs
Prices normally reflect local market conditions. There are no subsidies and residents pay monthly maintenance fees. Depending on community regulations owners can rent out their units if away for an extended period. As of mid November 2025, the Canadian Cohousing Network had 10 listings for sale across Canada. Three examples: 2
Why cohousing is attracting the 60+ generation
The model can be interesting for seniors who decide that traditional housing options for aging — a retirement residence or moving in with adult children — don’t quite fit. Yet aging alone can become isolating or impractical. So the benefits of cohousing’s blend of private autonomy and built-in community are attractive:
Some BC and Alberta examples
Windsong Cohousing (Langley, BC) https://windsong.bc.ca/
One of the first in BC, Windsong opened in 1996 and is a multigenerational community of 34 households. Their website notes the diversity of the residents, including “students of all ages, teachers, retired folks, midwives, doctors, architects, actors, musicians, carpenters, retail workers, vegetarians, outdoor enthusiasts, bookworms, coaches, computer specialists, gardeners, writers, electricians, entrepreneurs, beekeepers, a police person”.
Harbourside Cohousing (Sooke, BC) http://www.harbourside.ca/
Harbourside opened in 2016 with 31 homes clustered around a waterfront common house. Its mission is “to be a sustainable senior cohousing homeowner community that promotes healthy aging in place”. The residents, most in their 60s and 70s, jointly manage the 2.7-acre property.
Creekside Commons Cohousing (Courtenay, BC) https://www.creeksidecommons.net/
Creekside, a community of 36 families spread across nine acres, prioritizes “conscious choices about how to live with each other in an ecologically and socially responsible manner”. Planning started in 2004 and the first residents moved in in late 2007. Creekside includes “singles, couples, empty nesters and families and lots of surrogate grandparents, aunties and uncles enjoying time with the community’s children”.
Yarrow Ecovillage, BC https://groundswellcohousing.ca/
Located near Chilliwack, this “multi-generational confluence of individuals and families who choose to live in community for more socially and environmentally sustainable lives” has been evolving since 2002. Set on 25 acres, of which 20 are devoted to a separate organic farm, the Yarrow community has 33 households.
Prairie Sky Cohousing (Calgary, AB) https://prairieskycohousing.wordpress.com/
Alberta’s first cohousing community, Prairie Sky opened in 2003. It’s compact and pedestrian-friendly, a model for how cohousing can work within a city. About 40 people live in 18 units on a ¾ acre site. In addition to the common house, Prairie Sky has heated underground parking, a workshop, exercise room, guest room and shared office space.
Is it a growing trend?
Cohousing remains a niche part of the housing landscape but is growing as the population ages and looks for alternatives to traditional retirement living models. Other considerations for some older Canadians include downsizing to unlock home equity and the fact that we’re living longer, healthier lives than previous generations. The evolving nature of aging and wellbeing means more people are asking “who will I live with, and how will we thrive together?” instead of “who will look after me?”
Sources
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