What’s the difference between cohousing and co-ops?
In cohousing, as in other strata developments, individual households purchase their own units or rent from owners. Units are priced at market value, except our 8 below-market units, which are priced at 25% below market value (income assessment required to qualify).

In co-ops, the cooperative owns the unit, and members purchase shares and pay fees that give them the right to occupy the unit. Co-ops normally maintain waiting lists; Driftwood Village does not keep a waiting list or pre-qualify purchasers, but encourages buyers to educate themselves about living in cohousing.

Do all residents have to participate in running the community?
Members work together to maintain the smooth running of the community, and there is an expectation of participation from all residents. Driftwood Village uses a participatory, non-hierarchical governance model called sociocracy, which involves a variety of “circles” that handle maintenance, gardening, common meals, finances, social events, and so on. Everyone finds a way to join a circle, undertake individual roles, help at common meals, or participate in community workbees.

How frequent are your common meals?
On average, we have a common meal around once a week, either in the common dining room or in the courtyard. Members can sign up to cook, help prep, or clean as time or interest permits. We can sometimes have up to 50 adults and kids attend our common meals (although it’s usually around 30), so they can be fairly large productions and are a popular feature of our community.

What common areas do you have, and who owns them?
The common areas are jointly owned. These include upper and lower courtyards, a well-equipped kitchen and dining room, a small lounge, a kids’ playroom, a laundry, two guest bedrooms, a multipurpose room, a workshop, a large rooftop garden, a basement level storage space for each unit, and bike/canoe/vehicle parking.

What if a community member wants to sell their home?
As with any other privately owned strata home, units are sold on the open market. As soon as a unit becomes available, we send the listing out via our newsletter. This allows those who are already interested in or informed about cohousing to get an early heads-ups about sales or rentals.

Does Driftwood Village have any religious or political affiliations?
We welcome members from a variety of backgrounds and seek to attract a diverse membership. Our emphasis is on creating and maintaining an environment where all residents feel accepted and comfortable, regardless of their age, origin, orientation, or beliefs.

How are strata fees determined?
Strata fees are based on a combination of unit size and equal entitlement. Fees cover a variety of expenses, including routine maintenance and some utilities (e.g. hot water and internet). Our contingency reserve fund is robust. Residents who do not have cars enjoy a reduction in their strata fees.

How many parking spaces are allotted per unit?
There is one parking space per unit, but parking is common property and spaces are not allocated to particular units. There are some EV chargers and a commitment to adding more if residents purchase electric vehicles. There are 3 visitor parking spots.

Do you allow pets?
Yes! We have a pet policy that allows up to 3 cats/dogs, and other animals per the policy.