When a marriage ends, many friendships and community relationships are deeply affected. For John Frederickson, that meant losing a supportive 91原创 community of neighbours and friends where his kids were growing up.
鈥淥ur family home was in a spectacular neighbourhood with lots of social interaction. When I moved out I was just devastated. One reason was that I thought I鈥檇 never find that kind of community again,鈥� he says.
Frederickson moved in with his sister temporarily, but wasn鈥檛 sure what his next move should be. That鈥檚 when a friend brought up the idea of .
鈥淚 hadn鈥檛 thought about cohousing in 30 years! I went to a few of the planning meetings for Windsong when I was young, but I couldn鈥檛 afford to buy a home at the time. After my friend suggested it, I immediately Googled cohousing in 91原创, found Compass, and went to an information session the following week.鈥�
Cohousing means community, and choice
in 91原创 is a collection of 40 strata-titled homes where owners share generous communal spaces. The homes range from studio apartments to four-bedroom, three-level townhomes. Each home is entirely self-sufficient with full kitchens and bathrooms, but members of the community also enjoy a range of amenities including a dining hall with a gourmet kitchen, a workshop, several children鈥檚 play areas, guest rooms, work spaces and much, much more.
鈥淚 strongly believe that humans are meant to live in groups. We are social creatures; we don鈥檛 do well if we鈥檙e alone,鈥� Frederickson says. 鈥淐ompass is also vertically integrated 鈥� it鈥檚 not just young families or seniors, we have all generations present.鈥�
There are successful examples of cohousing communities across BC and around the world, but each community contains unique characteristics designed by the people who will be living there. At Compass, residents are excited to prioritize safety and sustainability, alongside community values. The roof will be solar panel ready, 40 parking stalls will be equipped for electric vehicle charging, and all parking will be separated from living space to keep everyone, especially children, safe.
Coming in spring 2024
The building has just passed its fourth and final reading at 91原创 Council, and construction is expected to be complete by spring 2024. For Frederickson, the community building has already begun. He attends Compass strategy meetings every two weeks, as well as helping host information sessions for prospective new members. Social events include potlucks and beach gatherings where equity members get to know their future neighbours, and even a weekly Zoom where everyone samples the same beer.
鈥淲hen I finally move into my unit, I鈥檒l be moving in next to friends, not just neighbours. I鈥檒l be living on the same level as the central courtyard. Life will be passing right in front of my door, and I鈥檒l be able to step out onto the grass and join whatever鈥檚 going on. When my kids visit, they鈥檒l be part of the community too.鈥�
, is well over 60 per cent sold, but there are still a good variety of units on offer. It will be built near the corner of 203rd Street and 66th Avenue in a highly walkable part of 91原创, close to many shops and services. To learn more, visit or email members@compasscohousing.com.
