On Sunday, April 7, I had the pleasure of meeting with Ann Knowles who is spearheading a cohousing project in Windsor. Cohousing mixes the tenets of both market and co-operative housing: residents own their own homes but the land upon which the complex sits (as well as commons buildings) are jointly owned by all the residents. Cohousing also encompasses other important principles, especially the nurturing of a vibrant, socially cohesive community (and which is promoted by the emphasis on shared common spaces). According to the Windsor Cohousing website, the organizers and supporters "are committed to facilitating an inclusive, connected, environmentally responsible, food and housing-secure community, so that we can live balancing personal and collective spaces and endeavors. We participate in a lifestyle harmonizing private and common space and activities to actualize these values."
Ann told me how her group has already begun looking at potential pieces of land in the Windsor area and have had talks with municipal planning departments and other levels of government for funding opportunities.
As both a resident of the Annapolis Valley and as the NDP candidate, I am fully supportive of this innovative approach to housing. I believe it strikes a great balance between traditional market housing and co-operative housing and holds great potential for helping to address the need for more (affordable) housing, especially among seniors.
The NDP has long been a strong advocate for alternatives to market housing. Indeed, the official policy document for the federal NDP states, "New Democrats believe in Supporting social and cooperative housing, in cooperation with all levels of government." As the MP for Kings Hants I would certainly support efforts to find funding to support cohousing in Windsor and other parts of the country.
Ann told me how her group has already begun looking at potential pieces of land in the Windsor area and have had talks with municipal planning departments and other levels of government for funding opportunities.
As both a resident of the Annapolis Valley and as the NDP candidate, I am fully supportive of this innovative approach to housing. I believe it strikes a great balance between traditional market housing and co-operative housing and holds great potential for helping to address the need for more (affordable) housing, especially among seniors.
The NDP has long been a strong advocate for alternatives to market housing. Indeed, the official policy document for the federal NDP states, "New Democrats believe in Supporting social and cooperative housing, in cooperation with all levels of government." As the MP for Kings Hants I would certainly support efforts to find funding to support cohousing in Windsor and other parts of the country.
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