Reflections on the Canadian Cohousing Network’s Latest Research
Canada is facing dual challenges: a worsening affordable housing crisis and a growing epidemic of social isolation. In this context, cohousing — a form of community-led housing (CLH) that combines private dwellings with shared spaces and collective governance — offers a compelling solution. Yet, despite its social and environmental benefits, affordability remains a major barrier.
The Canadian Cohousing Network (CCN) recently released Building Connections for Affordable Cohousing, a research report that highlights how partnerships and network-building could help scale cohousing across Canada. The report draws from successful models abroad and provides a roadmap for adapting these strategies to Canada’s unique housing and policy landscape.
Why Cohousing?
Cohousing communities typically feature private homes clustered around shared amenities like kitchens, gardens, and workshops. Residents co-design and co-govern these spaces, ensuring developments reflect their actual needs and values. The result: stronger social ties, lower environmental impact, and a more inclusive housing model.
Where it’s working:
- Denmark: Over 700 communities
- United States: 186 complete, 100+ in development
- United Kingdom: 19 complete, 60+ emerging
- Canada: ~20 complete, with more forming
Despite this global growth, cohousing in Canada is still largely limited to middle- and upper-middle-income households. The primary obstacle? Financing.
The Funding Wall
Cohousing is difficult to finance for several reasons:
- Common facilities like kitchens and workshops add significant upfront costs
- Grassroots-led development lacks the backing of major real estate firms
- CMHC programs do not currently support resident-led groups
- Private lenders often view cohousing as a risky and unfamiliar asset class
In contrast, countries like Denmark offer government-backed loans, and the UK has a structured Community-Led Housing (CLH) movement with grant programs, technical support, and streamlined development pathways.
What Canada Can Learn (and Build On)
The CCN report is informed by 16 expert interviews, including cohousing consultants, non-profit developers, land trust leaders, and researchers. It outlines multiple ways to improve access to affordable co-living and community housing models in Canada:
- Developer-assisted models: Professionals like Alan Carpenter and Yonas Jongkind are refining streamlined cohousing processes to reduce risk and costs.
- Non-profit partnerships: Groups like Cahdco, Catalyst, and New Commons Development are open to working with cohousing communities—if supported by clearer cost structures and timelines.
- Community land trusts: Initiatives in Ottawa and Northern B.C. are demonstrating how trusts can lower land acquisition costs and ensure long-term affordability.
- Innovative financing tools: Models like community wealth funds, Tapestry community bonds, and support from impact-focused credit unions like Vancity and Desjardins are being explored.
A National Opportunity for Collective Housing
The report ultimately calls for a coordinated national framework to support community-led housing in Canada, much like the UK’s CLH movement. Key recommendations include:
- Creating a national support hub
- Developing shared tools and training for professionals
- Advocating for government recognition and funding of cohousing
At ResponsibleLiving Communities, we believe this work is critical. As we build affordable co-living homes in Squamish and the Sea to Sky region, we see firsthand how much potential exists for scalable, community-led housing models that serve both social and economic goals.
Cohousing is not a fringe idea. It’s a viable housing alternative that offers real solutions to affordability, sustainability, and social cohesion. To make it mainstream in Canada, we need policies, partnerships, and financing models that are just as innovative as the people who live in them.
