FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about Harbourside and cohousing in general.
Cohousing is an intentional neighbourhood design and lifestyle that combines the autonomy of private ownership of self-contained homes with the advantages of shared amenities and resources. Common spaces not only make it possible to live in a smaller home, but also function as the heart of the community, supporting connection, collaboration, and interdependence.
Cohousing differs from cooperatives and conventional strata-title condominiums in some distinct ways. Differences and similarities in ownership structure, purpose and design, financing and development, and resale are explained at the following link.
No. We most value your willingness to learn. However, if you do have experience, there will certainly be opportunities to make use of it. Regardless, at Harbourside we manifest cooperation in daily community functioning in our own unique style. Most importantly, living and thriving here involves curiosity, listening skills, working gracefully with disagreement and conflict, being willing to learn our always evolving consensus process, and letting go of being “right” in favour of the greater good for the community. And a sense of humour always comes in handy!
Strata fees cover hot water in each building, the operational budget including funds for teams’ use, equipment service contracts (sewer, elevator, etc), and contributions to the Reserve Fund.
Strata fees do not cover individual household electricity, homeowner/tenant insurance, District of Sooke property taxes, and special levies. Harbourside makes careful use of our depreciation report, so we have only had these added-value extra expenses:
- 2016: Purchase of land next door for green space by special levy
- 2022: Installation of solar panels by minimal special levy
Strata fees also do not cover contributions for guest room use, boat moorage or occasional community meals, plus a few other miscellaneous occasions (e.g. Christmas party).
Guest room use and boat moorage are by donation.
Harbourside is a 5-10 minute walk to the commercial centre of Sooke.