Our Development Journey 2016-2021
written by Fiona Chandler
In early 2016, Dr. Margaret Critchlow, a renowned advocate for cohousing, gave a community talk at Saanich Fairground to an eager crowd of over 50 people that were all interested in the concept of cohousing. This sparked the inception of Saanich Peninsula Cohousing. It ignited a passionate journey to launch a multi-generational cohousing community on Vancouver Island. The original group morphed into a much smaller group that delved into the cohousing principles, visited communities, hosted information sessions, and shaped the project's vision through walks and workshops. Members stepped up and stepped back, reflecting cohousing dynamics. By the end of 2017, the group officially became Ravens Crossing Cohousing, inspired by the clever and mishievous symbolism of ravens in Coast Salish stories.
Under the expert guidance of the professional team from Cohousing Development Consultants (CDC), the community proudly acquired a site in Sidney in June 2018, envisioning a 35 unit intentional neighbourhood with convenient access to amenities, the ocean, transit, and green spaces. Development permits were secured by March 2019, and a groundbreaking ceremony in August that year marked the exciting phase of construction. The collaborative effort continued, leading to the approval of building permits in early 2020.
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Despite the interruption by Covid-19, after 2.5 years of dedicated work, we proudly moved into our new homes in Sept. 2021, celebrating the realization of our cohousing dream and the start of a new phase of our cohousing journey of living together.
