Middle Road Community, The

The Middle Road Community is a cohousing community in southeastern British Columbia founded in 1996. We live on 21 hectares (52 acres) of land about 11 kilometres (7 miles) from the lovely art and ski community of Nelson (population 11,000) in the Selkirk Mountains. Half of the land is taken up by the private home sites. The other half is held in common, with legal title to the common lands being tied to the 11 private lots through incorporation as a bare-land strata. The community is situated on an open bench overlooking the north shore of the west arm of Kootenay Lake. The land is a mixture of forest, wetland and fields. The natural habitat is home to a variety of birds and wildlife. The common land includes forested areas, streams, a 2½-acre fenced area containing organic gardens and a small orchard, a horse pasture, a playing field, a chicken coop, a root cellar, a large community fire pit, and a paved private road. The Common House, a converted hay barn, is at the heart of the community. It includes a large kitchen and dining area, a games area, a quiet room, a children’s room, a ping-pong room, an exercise/weight room, a guest room, and bathrooms. The wood floors, fireplaces, and magnificent views make it a cozy and welcoming place. In warm weather, the large deck extending into the garden is popular. There are hikes up into the surrounding mountains, and a public beach is just a short drive (or reasonable walk) away. The 11 owner families of The Middle Road Community are diverse in many ways, including age, family status, career paths, and so on, but we share common values around the benefit of community living and a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all ages. The common facilities provide ways for members to enjoy a variety of activities and social opportunities. Shared meals, seasonal festivities, work parties, sledding on the road in winter, and events for children are just a few of these. Decisions about all community matters, including the stewardship of the common land and the Common House, are made through a consensus process based on respectful listening and discussion. General community meetings are held each month (except for July and August) in a format that encourages full participation.