Our project is supported by committed members and a thoughtful team of experienced professionals bringing this community project to life
WHO WE ARE
Members & Professional Team
Our Members
Laurie
CoHousing will provide me and my children an opportunity to have a multi-generational community that allows me to live more fully in my values. I’m excited to co-create a healthier, more connected and sustainable way of living where neighbours know one another and care about well-being of the people around them. Cohousing is a model of intentional community which is sustainable because it meets the diverse needs of its members and allows them to thrive through different life stages. Furthermore, it balances the need for private and communal spaces, it lends itself to shared support, and it encourages participation.
I want Courtenay Cohousing to look like a vibrant, healthy neighbourhood with people outside, cozy gathering spaces, greenery, and a safe, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. I want all community members to feel welcome, respected, accepted, and known.
Terri and Kay
Having lived in a cooperative housing for over 15 years we decided several years ago to move and purchase a townhouse. Our experience living in a strata was very different than cooperative living. We recognized how community is so very important to us.
We are wanting to be part of community, where different life stages are witnessed and communal meals are shared. We are really excited to be part of the grass roots of this Courtenay CoHousing where diverse needs of our members fosters shared supports, knowledge and new perspectives.
Jodey and Jim
Jodey and Jim are a ‘cohousing romance”. They met in 2020 when Jodey moved into Prairie Sky co-housing in Calgary, where they both now live together. Jim is a retired IT professional and Jodey is still working in healthcare. Jodey has longed to get away from winters in Calgary for many years and is looking forward to the long gardening season and temperate climate in Courtney when she retires. Jim has always lived in Calgary and enjoys winter sports and is looking forward to being near the ocean and Mount Washington. They both committed to joining after meeting the co-founders of the community and the other warm, generous, talented and interesting members of the community. They are excited to be intentional neighbours with everyone and to be part of this stage of cohousing development.
Tamara and Tomas
We’re drawn to a community life rooted in generosity, mutual support, and co-creation. We think that cohousing is a great recipe for growth – learning from our neighbours (skill-shares! idea shares!), exploring new perspectives, and hopefully picking up some new skills too. We’ve always really loved neighbourhood gatherings, impromptu meet-ups, shared meals, and celebrations, and we’re excited to make these a regular part of everyday life rather than something occasional. For our daughter, we hope for a childhood shaped by a caring, connected neighbourhood – one where she is surrounded by familiar faces, a wide range of ages and perspectives, and strong values around cooperation and care for others.
Emily (Associate Member)
Sharing space, meals and collective resources have been cornerstones of my community building for over a decade, and my experiences with collective living have left me ready for more. I’m excited to be dipping my feet into the cohousing world with this project; the developer-neighbour model and reduced risk really make it more possible for me than traditional cohousing models that start from scratch.
Shawn & Kait (Associate Members)
We value cohousing because we want to move through life together rather than as individuals.
Karen (Associate Member)
I am recently divorced. I have no children, or close family. I am interested in cohousing as it is rooted in community, and its members are committed to consciously creating something beautiful and mutually beneficial together. As a healthy, active senior, I’m interested in living a healthy, engaged and useful life. I think cohousing and living in Courtenay offers this.
Lianne, Ian & Family (Associate Members)
Lianne, Ian and their two kids are enthusiastically exploring the idea of a move to the island where they would love to embrace nature and community at their best. Just-Up-The-Block seems like the perfect place from where to start this adventure and grow roots and spread wings.
Our Team
Tomas Nielsen - Development Team Lead
Builder, Designer, & Land Development Lead
Tomas Nielsen is a project developer and builder with over 25 years of experience in residential construction, design, and land development. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Geophysics and a Masters of Science in Industrial Design, bringing a systems-oriented and environmentally grounded perspective to his work. Raised in a family of architects and real estate professionals, Tomas has managed the design and construction of spec homes, and multi-lot subdivisions from concept through completion.
John Gower – Lead Designer
Co-founder, Commonhouse Design Inc.
John Gower founded John Gower Design in 1990 and more recently established Commonhouse Design Inc. in 2023. His work emphasizes sustainable, efficient home design rooted in client collaboration and environmental responsibility. A longtime advocate for thoughtful, community-oriented residential architecture, John has a deep and ongoing interest in community living and is himself a resident of a cohousing neighbourhood.
Shane Moore – Geotech
President & Managing Principal, Ryzuk Geotechnical
With over 28 years of hydro- and geotechnical experience, Shane has led Ryzuk Geotechnical since 2008. He began with Ryzuk in 2000 and has overseen a broad range of projects across BC. Shane’s leadership ensures dependable foundation/soil engineering solutions for any site.
Ian Moxon – Consulting Architect
Principal Architect, Ian Moxon Architect Inc.
Ian leads a regional architectural firm with offices in Lethbridge, Comox, Chilliwack, and Trail. He provides full architectural services across Western Canada and brings practical, context-sensitive design leadership to every project.
Logan Lapointe – Legal Lead
Attorney, Swift Datoo LLP
Logan is a practicing lawyer and partner with Swift Datoo LLP in Courtenay, BC, having joined the firm in 2019. His extensive experience with real estate law brings legal clarity and local expertise to matters of property, contracts, and development agreements.
Donna Cloutier – Accountant
CPA & Partner, Cloutier Matthews LLP
Donna is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 20 years of experience, primarily on Northern Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. She’s a partner at Cloutier Matthews LLP, the CFO for the Island Coastal Economic Trust, and Treasurer for the North Island College Foundation. Donna brings fiscal precision and strategic financial oversight to the team.
Dusty Silvester – Biologist
Principal Biologist & Partner, Current Environmental
Dusty joined Current Environmental in 2009 as a technologist and is now a principal biologist and partner. He holds a diploma in technology and a B.Sc., and is a Registered Professional Biologist. With extensive experience in environmental assessments and major infrastructure projects across various ecosystems, Dusty brings a deep understanding of ecological impacts and regulatory processes to the team.
Jake Shepherd – Logistics
Owner, Jake Shepherd Trucking
Jake operates a trucking company in Comox, BC, offering reliable construction logistics and hauling services. His dependable service and extensive local experience with dozens of development projects support site preparation and ongoing development operations. He was the prime contractor for the first phase of subdivision for this project, completed on time in challenging conditions, and on budget.
A place to root, grow, and thrive.
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This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering may be made only with a disclosure statement. Prices and specifications are subject to change. E & O.E.