WindSong, a modern ecovillage 30 miles south of Vancouver, is the result of a decades-old vision by a group of British Columbia friends to create a close-knit and sustainable community.
Canada’s first co-housing development features 34 privately owned townhomes, a 5,000-square-foot common house with a shared kitchen and dining area, communal laundry facilities, underground parking, organic gardens, and protected green spaces.
The village’s standout feature is its greenhouse-style roof over pedestrian streets. It is designed to shield residents from bad weather while fostering year-round neighborly connections.
A Seed of an Idea: From Suburbia to Community
The journey to WindSong, a modern ecovillage, began in the early 1990s when a group of friends, disillusioned with the isolation of suburban living, sought a different way of life.
“We were looking to create some kind of a sense of community where I live,” recalls one of the founding members. Inspired by the concept of co-housing, a model emphasizing shared living and communal spaces, they embarked on a challenging yet rewarding journey.
Transforming their vision into reality required navigating bureaucratic hurdles.
“We were probably the only development that got 100% approval from all the counselors at the meeting,” he recalls, highlighting the initial skepticism from local authorities.
However, the group’s unwavering commitment to community building and innovative design, featuring a pedestrian-only street covered by a “greenhouse” roof, ultimately won the skeptics.
WindSong is more than just a collection of houses. It’s a carefully designed ecosystem where residents share living spaces, responsibilities, and a sense of belonging.
“You’re basically buying the lifestyle,” explains a current resident. The village features a variety of home sizes, from one-bedroom units to spacious three-story townhomes, catering to diverse needs and family structures.
Community at the Core: Shared Spaces and Daily Life
The heart of WindSong lies in its shared spaces. The central common house boasts a spacious kitchen, a dining area, a multi-purpose room for yoga classes and social gatherings, a playroom for children, and a workshop for residents to pursue their hobbies.
“We’ve had weddings here,” shares a long-time resident. “This kitchen gets a lot of use.”
Beyond the common house, the village encourages spontaneous interactions. The “greenhouse” street provides a sheltered space for neighbors to connect. At the same time, the raised-bed gardens foster a sense of shared stewardship and provide opportunities for residents to grow their produce.
The creation of WindSong was a genuinely collaborative effort. “We all had to sign off on the same day,” recalls one resident, describing the unique process of collective homeownership.
This shared commitment extended beyond the construction phase. “We talk until everybody’s on board,” explains another resident, highlighting the emphasis on consensus decision-making within the community.
A Legacy of Connection: Growing Up in a Modern Ecovillage
For many residents, WindSong has become more than just a place to live; it’s a place to grow and connect.
“Our first granddaughter here, we raised her quite a bit when the parents were both working,” shares one resident.
They added that one significant benefit of co-housing is how it eases childcare challenges.
Shared spaces, such as playrooms, and the presence of other children create a supportive environment for parents and grandparents.
Instead of constantly planning outings or finding ways to keep kids entertained at home, families can rely on the community’s vibrant, child-friendly setting to do much of the work.
This sense of interconnectedness, a hallmark of the modern ecovillage, has fostered a unique sense of community, where residents know their neighbors and support each other through life’s joys and challenges.
As one resident eloquently puts it, “We’re brainwashed to this idea that every man in his castle, right? You got to have your own castle and be independent. But we’re meant to be connected.”
WindSong stands as a testament to the power of community and the enduring human desire for connection.
It demonstrates that a different way of living, one that prioritizes shared experiences and sustainable living, is not only possible but deeply rewarding.
Learn more about this modern ecovillage by watching the video below:
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You can also follow WindSong Cohousing on Facebook and their website to stay updated on their sales and rentals.
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On the Greenhouse Ecovillage article, do u have a history on how the project was initiated and developed?