Windsong Cohousing was built in 1992 in Langley, British Columbia ( 30 miles south of Vancouver). It was started by Alan Carpenter, and his friends Howard Staples, Miriam Evers. They financed the $7 million project with a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation-insured loan.Zoned as a multifamily condominium. They spent $300 K in fees to develop the plan and get zoning permission.
The founders found buyers for the homes by ads in local eco-magazines. Most residents are old school “hippie” professionals
The structure contains 34 homes on a 6 acre lot, ranging from one bedroom to four bedroom in size.
All homes were individually owned initially, but there’s now a mix of owners and renters.
The structure contains 5000 ft2 of communal amenities: dining room, kitchen, childcare, laundry, guest rooms, “main street”, organic raised bed gardens, community workshop, dance studio, sauna, office, underground parking, etc.
Most of the residents are now elderly, there are currently not many children.
Community decisions are made by consensu.
Some members are hired to do cleaning of common areas.