Pacific Gardens Cohousing Community

  • Community
  • 0 followers

About the Community

  • Established
  • Urban

What we do

Pacific Gardens completed construction in September, 2009.

We have 4.37 acres on the Chase River in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. With a view of Mount Benson (and sunsets), the property is a delightful piece of country in the city covered with trees, a heritage orchard, seasonal pond and wildflowers.

Our 25-unit building is designed to maximize green space and provide the best opportunities for social interaction. Our common house includes a kitchen, dining room, lounge, office, children’s playroom, craft room, woodworking shop, exercise room and soundproof room for music practice, plus two guest rooms.

Each unit is self-contained with its own kitchen and individually-owned (strata-titled condominium), and includes shared ownership of the land and common amenities. The units range in size from one-bedroom to three-bedroom-and-den.

At the moment we do not have any for sale. However, we may have others available in the future, so please contact us to find out if we have a home that’s right for you.

Pacific Gardens is a haven of serenity in the city. Down by the river in the forest of fir trees, you can imagine yourself far away from civilization; yet we are within a block of the bus and are minutes by car or cycle from downtown and local shopping. An elementary school, a high school, and Vancouver Island University are within walking distance.

Pacific Gardens Cohousing is committed to using non-toxic products, is non-smoking and scent-free, and has been built to high environmental standards.

The community is multigenerational and inclusive of all people who genuinely care about living in harmony with the Earth and each other.

Our Vision

Vision Statement:
We aspire to be a thriving, multigenerational, environmentally conscious community that celebrates connection with each other and personal growth while having fun!
Mission Statement:
At Pacific Gardens we value the energy, wisdom and voices of all members, and practice a shift from “me” to “we”. We share and steward our resources, care for each other, and work to reduce our environmental footprint for the well-being of ourselves, the wider community, and future generations.

Our Mission

Vision Statement:
We aspire to be a thriving, multigenerational, environmentally conscious community that celebrates connection with each other and personal growth while having fun!
Mission Statement:
At Pacific Gardens we value the energy, wisdom and voices of all members, and practice a shift from “me” to “we”. We share and steward our resources, care for each other, and work to reduce our environmental footprint for the well-being of ourselves, the wider community, and future generations.

  • Community type
  • Cohousing
  • 52 Total members
  • Not open to new members
  • Open to visitors
  • Open to volunteers
Total
52

How to join

Come on a tour, go to a potluck, attend a community meeting, and participate in a cohousing conversation to learn about what it’s like to live in cohousing and explore mutual expectations.

Basic expectations or agreements for members

Contact us for a tour (donations welcome), stay in one of our guest rooms, or join us at a potluck or one of many events.

Primary decision-making authority

  • Small Leadership Group

A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.

Governance structure

  • Collaborative/Horizontal

Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.

Economic model

  • Independent Finances

Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.

Economic scenarios for this community

  • Members need to pay fees, dues, or similar to live there on a per month or per year basis
  • There is a labor obligation
  • Members typically need to have their own job or other personal source of income to cover their expenses while living in the community?

Additional economic information

Monthly fees/dues: Yes (amount not specified)
Labor required: 0 hours/week
Members with pre-existing debt: Yes
Members and residents, including renters, are expected to give some form of community contribution, be it serving on a committee, helping in the kitchen, working in the garden, or doing building maintenance.

Monthly strata fees are charged, as our legal structure is that of a condominium or strata.

Shared resources and amenities that are accessible to everyone in the community

Common House, Garden(s), Vehicle Share, Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Large Scale Kitchen, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Gym or sports area, Internet, We have a river on our property where people can swim in summer.

Frequency of communal meals

  • 2-5 times per week

Substance use culture

  • Substance use occurs primarily at celebrations or ceremonies
  • Religions
  • Baha'i Faith
  • Christian
  • Buddhist
  • Wiccan, Paganism, or Earth Religions
  • Unitarian Universalist

Property status

  • Privately owned

Property owner

  • By a single individual, couple, or Family Trust

Setting

  • Urban

Within city limits with access to urban amenities and infrastructure.

Self-produced energy

  • Over 66%

Energy sources used

  • Hydro

Self-produced food

  • Up to 33%
  • Land area size
    4.37 acres

Reviews

Location

  • British Columbia, Canada

Pacific Gardens Cohousing Community

Promoted Needs and Offers

Offer
  • Real Estate For Sale
4 months ago

“Lots” of Goodness For Sale!

Are you seeking to live in a sustainable, wellness-oriented community that prioritizes nature and environmental conservation? Living Well Ecovillage offers the perfect opportunity to be part of a vibrant, self-sufficient community committed to holistic health and ecological harmony. Available lots are equipped with city utilities and fiber internet access. Located in a unique mixed-use community with a variety of land uses planned for the future, including small business/commercial spaces, tiny houses, cluster housing, and a 10-acre farm. Currently, there are still 7 lots available. The Ecovillage is home to a diverse range of homes, such as timber frame, Deltec, hempcrete, and Net-Zero energy designs—all built with green building principles in mind. This community prioritizes sustainability and wellness in every aspect of life. About the Living Well Ecovillage Spanning 126 acres, the Living Well Ecovillage is bordered by the Deep River and Sandy Creek, offering stunning natural beauty and a tranquil environment. The Ecovillage includes shared spaces like a community garden, a Greenway/Rail Trail, and a neighborhood park. Over 53 acres of natural land buffer the river and creek, preserving the area’s pristine beauty and offering residents a true connection to nature. Your Dream Home Awaits Find your ideal spot to build your sustainable home, surrounded by trees, rock outcroppings, and abundant wild edible plants. Experience breathtaking views and a peaceful setting, perfect for those seeking a slower, more connected way of life. A Community That Supports Wellness The Living Well Ecovillage is not just about space—it’s about community. With access to the Folk School, residents engage in hands-on learning, sustainable practices, and personal growth, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Perfectly Located
Offer
Offer
  • Housing For Rent + Shared
5 years ago

mini community

laundry on site no smoking off-street parking I am looking for someone (or possibly a couple) with construction skills/basic home knowledge (and likes to garden), who can help me transform my property to be more useful…look up “the self-sufficient backyard” online. My husband an I are both 60 but he is on disability-physical pain issues and legally blind the past 4 years. We have an 18 tear old nonverbal DS son, and are both Christians. We need someone who is low-key, has references, a solid work ethic and transportation…excess belongings will require storage. The house is old and needs to have a few issues fixed. There is a room available while a tiny house/livable shed you would build to stay in is done but you would have use of the house kitchen and bathroom. I will want to add more small buildings (as can fit) and greenhouses to share produce with each other, the town and for sale. I would be paying for the materials of coarse but I want to be frugal and look for stuff at re-use it centers and design to best usage. The town is within 30-40 minutes of Salina/McPherson/Hutchinson that have more employment opportunities if you are someone from out of the area. I will explain more details to a seriously interested party. This is for someone who needs to cut expenses and/or use his or her skills to barter for a place to live, possibly some food, and nothing else, (like anything sexual)…I found I needed to make that clear! Other options can be discussed such as co-ownership or???.

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