Atlantic Canada’s first cohousing community slated for completion in early 2023

A “seed of an idea” planted more than four years ago has come to fruition. Atlantic Canada’s first cohousing community – Treehouse Village Ecohousing – announced today that all units are pre-sold. The development is well underway at its location in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, with construction slated for completion in early 2023.

The 30-unit, eco-friendly condominium community is building to Passive House standards with energy-efficient units and solar photovoltaic panels on rooftops. Homes range in size from one to three bedrooms.

Treehouse Village Ecohousing is a “cohousing” community, which means it is collectively planned and financed by its members – the future residents – who are shareholders in the development corporation. All households will have their own private home, clustered around shared space to facilitate social interaction, with a Common House and many shared amenities. 

The 30 founding households – who hail from Nova Scotia, across Canada, and internationally – are dedicated to creating a multi-generational, environmentally responsible community. Members currently range in age from four months to 80+. Languages spoken (besides English!) include Spanish, French, German, Dutch, and Portuguese.

Co-founders Cate and Leon de Vreede are long-time Bridgewater residents. At Treehouse Village’s groundbreaking celebration in August 2021, Leon spoke of his excitement at introducing a new form of housing to the region. “We believe deeply that sustainable, community-oriented housing can exist anywhere,” he said. 

Cate thanked the other households who had come on board with “this little seed of an idea” that she and Leon had germinated more than four years earlier. “We’re brimming with pride at this accomplishment,” said Cate, who noted the project had successfully moved forward even during a global pandemic.

Treehouse Village Ecohousing is being built in Sin So’sepe’katik, also known as Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, in the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq peoples. Treehouse members researched and wrote an expanded land acknowledgment to express our promise to be good stewards and seek means of reconciliation with all whose families have walked this land.