The RareBirds Story
The RareBirds Housing Co-operative is an inclusive intentional community.
We have a total of six equal membership shares (a member can be a single or a couple) who own the full value of the property and house. Beyond this initial investment, we share equally the other costs of living together. We live inter-dependently with ample privacy: our home includes common and private spaces. We are structured as an equity housing co-operative and our by-laws conform to the BC Co-operative Act.
We completed construction of our home in February 2014, after three years of community building, design and construction. Our home is centrally located near the downtown core of the city of Kamloops: about 20 minutes walk to the Farmers Market, several coffee shops, stores, supermarkets and Thompson Rivers University.
Our mandate is to provide community housing designed to lessen our environmental footprint, share resources and living costs, provide social enrichment and community support and showcase a new model for inter-dependent living. Our community life includes wholesome dinners with lively conversations welcoming our family and friends. We use the tools of consensus decision making, communication based on modified circles practices, conflict resolution guidelines and respectful listening.
The RareBirds are aware that our housing model is innovative. Our research indicates that we differ from the majority of housing co-op developments in that we live as a single family home with design features to allow both private and common living spaces. Our innovative model is recognized as an eco-community by the Global Ecovillage Network.
The RareBirds welcome people of all ages and backgrounds who hold values regarding ecology, sustainability and sharing of resources.
Our Partners Include:
Global Ecovillage Network
Cooperative Housing Federation of BC ( CHF BC)
Fellowship of Intentional Communities
Canadian Co-Housing Network
BlueGreen Architecture
Pache Construction
BC Sustainable Energy Association
If you are interested in exploring becoming a member of this innovative living concept please contact us for more information.
