Ecovillage

Last month we visited Damon’s friends Atef, Robyn and their daughter Fairsa at their home in Chilliwack, BC. They live in a co-housing community that is part of an eco-village co-operative. It’s on a beautiful property that has an organic farm on-site, a common house, and private residences. Everything is connected by a car-free and children-friendly road. There were two chicken coops on the farm with the most beautiful breed of chickens that I loved. It made me want more chickens so badly.

I had some knowledge of eco-villages and co-housing thanks to sustainability classes in university, but I had never seen it in application. I was very excited to find out how it looks and operates. To be honest, I did wonder if it was going to be super hippie. Like, on a scale of 1 (composting) to 10 (meditation tent) where would it land?

Atef and Robyn assured us that this was not a spiritual cult, and throughout our relaxing stay we learned a lot about what it’s like to live in a co-housing community. They have a common house with a fully stocked kitchen, dining room, lounge, kid’s room, music room, teen room, laundry room, and guest room. After dinner we walked a few steps outside their house to the common house where we made tea and talked by the fireplace. During the day Robyn uses one of the many rooms in the common house to write her PhD dissertation. The common house is also where community meals take place twice a week. Families take turns cooking for the community. Because of all of the shared facilities, each home can be smaller and less expensive.

Co-housing is not for everyone and I think it certainly takes a lot of commitment. But I’d bet that what you put into the community is what you get out of the community. I think many co-housing practices can be applied in small ways. Damon and I are moving to a new condo in two months and our suite shares the floor with two other suites. I was inspired by the community dinners and I would love to invite our new neighbors over for a co-floor dinner when we move in. And who knows, maybe one of the other suites will reciprocate.

Thanks to our friends Atef and Robyn for having us!

Outfit details

Roots parka from last season – similar parka at 40% off / gingham blanket scarf / Citizens of Humanity high-waisted skinny jeans / Hunter adjustable-calf rainboots (I recommend wearing these socks inside rubber boots to keep your feet warm) / J.Crew Betty sunglasses (on sale) / By Terry Baume de Rose