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Formed: 1994 Established: 1995
Middle Road Community, The
Nelson, British Columbia,
Canada
 The Middle Road Community is a cohousing community in southeastern British Columbia. We live on 21 hectares (52 acres) of land about 11 kilometres (7 miles) from the lovely art and ski community of Nelson (population 10,000) in the Selkirk Mountains. The land, which includes a mixture of forest, wetland and fields, is situated on an open bench along the north shore of the west arm of Kootenay Lake. The natural habitat is home to a variety of birds and wildlife. Half of the land is taken up by privately owned home sites and the other half is held in common. Title for common land is tied legally to the 11 private lots.
The common land includes forested areas, streams, a two-and-a-half acre fenced area containing organic gardens and a small orchard, horse pasture, a playing field, a chicken coop, a root cellar, and a large community fire pit. The Common House, a converted hay barn, is at the heart of the community–-consisting of a large kitchen and dining area, a games area, a quiet room, an activity room, a ping-pong room, an exercise/weight room, a guest room, and bathrooms. The wood floors, fireplaces, and magnificent views make it a cozy and welcoming place. In warm weather, the large deck extending into the garden is popular. There are hikes up into the surrounding mountains, and a public beach is just a short drive (or reasonable walk) away.
Regular meetings are held once a month, with a summer break. Community decisions are made by consensus. The community is currently at capacity. We have no formal visitor or internship program.
 
Contact:
Middle Road Community, The
3136 The Middle Rd
Nelson, British Columbia V1L 6M3 Canada
Stuart McKinnon
Phone: 250-825-0012
Send an Email
Former/Other Names: The Heddle Road Community
Last Updated:8/19/2009
 
Visitors Accepted
Visitor Process: Contact in advance to explore arrangements. The Community potluck on Saturday evenings provides a good opportunity to visit. There are no facilities for accommodating visitors overnight.
Network Affiliations:
Canadian Cohousing Network
Population
Adult Members:
20
Child Members:
24
Non-member Residents:
4
Open to new adults:
Yes
(Only when a home comes up for sale.)
Open to new children:
Yes
(Only when a home comes up for sale.)
Gender Balance:
45% M 55% F
Open to which gender(s):
All genders welcome
Ethnic Diversity:
0% identify as 'non-white'
Age Focus:
No Focus
Age Restrictions:
No
Government
Decision Making:
By consensus
Identified Leader:
No
Leadership Core Group:
No
Labor and Money
Financial Style:
Members have independent finances
Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt:
Yes
Labor Contribution:
Join Fee:
No
Regular Fees:
Yes
(Monthly dues.)
Land and Buildings
Rural
Area:
52 acres (21.0 hectares)
Land Owned By:
The community
(Individual members own their own homes and lots through a strata-title structure.)
Number of Residences:
11
Cohousing:
Yes
Food, etc.
Percentage of Food Grown:
1-5%
Share Community Meals:
2-5 times/week
Dietary Choice or Restrictions:
Diet is up to each individual
Dietary Practice:
Omnivorous
Alcohol Use:
Used occasionally
Tobacco Use:
Seldom used
Social Factors
Open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members:
Yes
Restrictions on Romantic Relationships (between consenting adults):
No
Shared Spiritual Path:
No
Which Spiritual Path(s):
Ecumenical (includes "all religions")
Educational Style(s):
Public schooled
:: Private school off the property
:: Home schooling
Cohousing Details
Cohousing Status:
Completed
Year Completed:
1996
Number of Units:
11
Developer:
Founding members
 
 
Become an Editor Current editor(s): stuartmckinnon
 

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