A new cohousing model is aiming to broaden its use in Calgary and with it, bolster a sense of community.

“Cohousing communities are intentional, collaborative neighborhoods,” said Sarah Arthurs, primary consultant with Calgary-based Cohousing Connections an organization that establishes and supports partnerships between developers and individuals or groups who wish to live in co-housing.

Two such projects underway in Calgary are Kanas Corp.’s Orion and Bridgeland 515. Orion, located in southeast Calgary’s Manchester neighbourhood, will consist of three apartment buildings.

“These communities combine extensive common facilities like kitchens, dining rooms, lounges and workshop spaces with private homes to create strong and successful housing developments.”

Though traditional cohousing involves homeownership, Arthurs is applying a model called the Intentional Neighbourhood Association (INA) to create new cohousing possibilities for renters and other Calgarians outside of purpose-built cohousing communities.

“In the common model of cohousing, people must put down $80,000 or so to buy a unit that might cost $400,000 or more, so it is very much a middle-class venture,” said Arthurs. “The INA model is designed to incorporate cohousing in rental projects and make it accessible without the need to own your living space.”

More information is available at cohousingconnections.ca or by emailing Arthurs directly at arthurssarah2020@gmail.com.