Pacific Gardens Cohousing Community

  • Communities

About the Communities

  • Established
  • Home-sharing
  • Urban

Founding year

  • 1999

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 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.

  • Purpose
  • Home-sharing
  • Community type
  • Cohousing
  • Activities
  • Farming
  • Experiences

Commemorative dates

  • January 1, 1999
  • Started planning
  • January 1, 2009
  • Started living together
  • 40 Total members
  • Not open to new members
  • Open to visitors
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 our many events.

Primary decision-making authority

  • Small Leadership Group

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

Decision-making process

  • Modified Consensus

Generally seek agreement, but have backup methods when consensus isn’t reached.

Governance structure

  • Collaborative/Horizontal

Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.

Conflict resolution approach

Owners and renters have the same rights and responsibilities.

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

Regular fees: Yes
Labor: Yes (0 hrs/week)
Members with pre-existing debt: allowed
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

Frequency of communal meals

  • 2-5 times per week

Significant food acquisition practices

  • Locally sourced

Dietary type

  • Vegan Only

Dietary restriction

  • People can cook and eat what they want in their own residence

Community activities and engagement

  • WWOOF'ing, Guest Farming
  • Festivals, Conferences, Events

Substance use culture

  • Substance use appears in public spaces but no pressure
  • Substance use occurs primarily at celebrations or ceremonies
  • Religions
  • Baha'i Faith
  • Christian
  • Buddhist
  • Wiccan, Paganism, or Earth Religions
  • Unitarian Universalist

Gender composition

  • Roughly balanced (no group over 60%)

Age demographics

  • Family-focused (many children and parents)

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.

Community type

  • Cohousing

    Private homes with shared common facilities, designed for neighborly
    interaction while maintaining independence.

Self-produced energy

  • Over 66%

Energy sources used

  • Hydro

Self-produced food

  • Up to 33%

Local, organic, or fair trade food

  • 33 - 66%

Food systems

  • Community garden
  • Land area size
    4.37 acres

Guest Book

Written reviews are available for plus members. Click here to upgrade.

Location

  • British Columbia, Canada

Pacific Gardens Cohousing Community

Promoted Needs and Offers

Offer
  • Real Estate For Sale
2 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 Just
Offer
Offer
  • Real Estate For Sale
2 months ago

Beautiful 4-bedroom, 4-bath passive solar home in Southwest Colorado

Beautiful 4-bedroom, 4-bath passive solar home nestled within Heartwood Cohousing, a thriving multigenerational community on 360 acres of meadow, pine forest, pastureland, and farmland just outside Durango, Colorado. Offering approximately 2,600 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this stick-built home combines comfort, efficiency, and connection to nature. Enjoy radiant floor heat, wood ceilings, abundant natural light, and multiple indoor and outdoor spaces for gathering, working, gardening, and relaxing. The spacious layout includes four bedrooms plus two flexible bonus rooms, four bathrooms, and a lower-level guest suite with living area, kitchenette, bedroom, and bath. Covered front and rear porches, a balcony off the primary suite, and private and extended backyards create inviting spaces to enjoy every season. Step outside to extensive drought-tolerant landscaping, fruit trees, perennial gardens, raised vegetable beds, flagstone patios, and direct access to forested open space. Heartwood Cohousing residents enjoy shared amenities including a greenhouse, hot tub, workshop, farmland, horse pastures, playground, Common House, and more than seven miles of trails right outside the door. Located just minutes from Durango, you’ll enjoy easy access to world-class recreation, including skiing, mountain biking, hiking, rivers, desert canyons, and the vibrant cultural life of Southwest Colorado. A rare opportunity to enjoy spacious living, beautiful land, and meaningful community in one of the region’s most unique neighborhoods.

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A residential project: people live here as their primary home.

Organizations

An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).

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