Esquimalt just cleared its first co-housing project. 34 homes, one shared kitchen

Council gave unanimous rezoning approval this week to Esquimalt Village Cohousing, the township's first co-housing project. The plan is a six-storey, 34-unit building near Esquimalt and Fernhill roads, financed and built by the people who'll live in it.

The design leans hard into shared living. The entire first floor is common space, including a 364-square-foot communal kitchen, lounges, a workshop, and a children's playroom, plus a gym, gardens, and a roof deck. Architect Scott Kennedy told council it's modelled on Vancouver's Little Mountain co-housing, and that smaller individual homes work when residents pool the rest.

Eleven households have committed so far, with more expressing interest. The project replaces two fourplexes at 1140 and 1148 Esquimalt Rd., and the developer has filed a relocation plan for the four households living there now. Construction is expected to begin next June.

Council had a busy housing week beyond co-housing. It also voted to cap short-term rentals at 90 nights, allowing licensed residents to rent out homes and suites where such rentals are currently banned outright. And the federal government confirmed permanent military housing is coming to CFB Esquimalt, with work on the North Naden project starting this month.