About us
Who we are
We are the Cohousing Investment Collective (CIC), uniting individuals to effectively support and advance cohousing development across B.C.
By pooling our resources, knowledge, and passion, we create stronger opportunities for cohousing communities to thrive.
Within British Columbia's cohousing community, there exists a deep well of expertise spanning multiple decades. The pioneers at WindSong Cohousing, established in 1996, bring over 25 years of hands-on experience in project development, financial management, and community governance. Their journey has created a valuable blueprint for successful cohousing development in the region, particularly in navigating municipal processes and building sustainable communities. More recent developments, such as Vancouver Cohousing (established 2016), have added another layer of expertise, particularly in urban development and modern financial structuring. The knowledge base spans crucial areas such as project development, financial structuring, community building, and sustainable design. Many of these experienced individuals actively participate in mentoring and knowledge sharing, ensuring that their expertise benefits new cohousing initiatives. Their experience covers every aspect of cohousing development, from initial community formation through to construction management and ongoing operations, providing a robust foundation for new projects and investments in the region.
Values & Mission
Our Mission
To bring people together to effectively support the development of cohousing projects in BC’s Lower Mainland through shared learning, community building, and collective investment power.
Our Values
We Learn and Grow from Each Other’s Experience
- Share knowledge openly and generously
- Value diverse perspectives and expertise
- Learn from both successes and challenges
- Support continuous personal and collective growth
We Build a Strong Sense of Community Amongst Ourselves
- Foster meaningful connections between members
- Create space for authentic relationships
- Practice inclusive decision-making through sociocracy
- Support each other in achieving shared goals
We Become More Effective by Investing Together
- Pool resources to increase impact
- Share risks and opportunities
- Make informed decisions collectively
- Leverage combined expertise and networks
Investing together in cohousing creates a powerful pathway to developing more communities in the Lower Mainland. By pooling our resources, knowledge, and experience, we can tackle the significant challenges of land acquisition, development processes, and construction that often prevent cohousing projects from moving forward. Our collective approach reduces individual risk while increasing our capacity to support meaningful projects. Members benefit from shared learning about real estate development, financial structures, and community building, while contributing to a growing portfolio of cohousing investments.
Our process
Sociocracy
Through regular meetings using sociocratic decision-making, we carefully evaluate opportunities, conduct thorough due diligence, and make informed investment choices that align with our values. This collaborative approach not only makes cohousing development more accessible but also builds a strong sense of community among investors who share a vision of creating more sustainable, community-oriented housing solutions. Whether supporting existing projects or initiating new developments, our collective investment strategy amplifies our impact and helps bring more cohousing options to British Columbia.