Cohousing Event – Help Shape Our Community
On September 26, Kingston Cohousing (KCH) held an information session at Providence Village. It was well attended by over 35 people; there were several new faces in the audience. We heard updates on the project feasibility study, including site review, which is funded by the City of Kingston.
The facilitator for the event was Lindsay Cox, principal consultant with Connected Aging, who works with KCH on strategic development.
Opening remarks were made by Ining Chao on behalf of MPP Ted Hsu and by Councillor Jeff McLaren, Meadowbrook-Strathcona, on behalf of Mayor Paterson. They both expressed encouragement and support and emphasized the timeliness of the project.
Lesley Donald, one of the Directors of KCH, spoke to the concept of “intentional community”. She gave a progress update and reminded us of the many steps, phases, and hurdles that a cohousing project experiences. She welcomed all first-time attendees and invited them to become involved – as a Friend, Explorer, or Equity member of KCH. Read more about how to do this at Get Involved or via Zeffy
Details of the Feasibility Study and Site Review at Providence Village were presented by Nick Lorraway, Senior Project Manager, 2B Developments, which has been providing project management and development consulting services to KCH. He showed site maps of building locations and options under consideration for KCH’s project:
- a 22-unit building on the West lot
- a 44-unit building on the Northeast lot
- a 60-unit, 3-storey building on the Northeast lot
- a 60-unit, 6-storey building on the Northeast lot
- The 44- and 60-unit options include space for another non-profit housing partner.
Nick also provided data on rental rates in Kingston and explained how the government’s definition of affordable housing has evolved.
Are you interested in the possibility of joining this cohousing community? If so, get involved now. This will drive the project forward and give you the chance to have a say in the planning process.
