Pacific Gardens Events
Friday, November 30 – Land Tour at 2:30 PM
Join us for the first land tour since excavation began at the site in October – a first visit for the owners as well. It may be a little shocking for us to see the normally beautiful, peaceful property in such a state but a year from now it will be nearing completion, returning to its natural state and ready for us to call home.
We have purposely arranged this visit for the same day as the potluck so out-of-town guests can attend both events in one trip to Nanaimo. The weather forecast looks good but the site is still sure to be muddy so rubber boots or other hardy footwear is advised. Meet at 347 Seventh Street at 2:30.
Please RSVP to the Pacific Gardens Office at 250-754-3060.
Friday, November 30 – Stone Soup Potluck at 6:00 PM
We decided a Stone Soup Potluck might be fun for a change from our regular potluck event. We will be making 2 community soups – one vegetarian, one chicken – with the ingredients that everyone brings. It should be fun, interesting AND tasty! Meet the owners and find out more about Pacific Gardens at the same time.
This event takes place at 6:00 PM at the Unitarian Hall, 595 Townsite Road in Nanaimo.
Please bring soup ingredients (peeled, cut and soup-ready please) and bread or a dessert to share. We will also be collecting items for the foodbank.
Home Warranty Coverage
The Pacific Gardens Cohousing Community project has Home Warranty Coverage under Travelers Guarantee Company of Canada. The 2/5/10 year warranty covers:
- 2 Year Materials & Labour Warranty
- 5 Year Building Envelope Warranty
- 10 Year Structural Defects Warranty
For more details on this warranty, please ask for a brochure. Email judy@pacificgardens.ca or call the office at 250-754-3060.
Mortgage Package with Canadian Western Bank
Canadian Western Bank, who is providing financing for the project, is putting together an attractive mortgage package for owners of Pacific Gardens. Details of these mortgages are being finalized and will be available for review soon.
Email judy@pacificgardens.ca if you would like to receive this information.
Media Release Rouses Interest in the Project
On Tuesday, November 6, Pacific Gardens Cohousing sent out the following media release announcing the start of construction. A Channel, The Daily News, The Wave and the Nanaimo News Bulletin all covered the story generating interest in the community.
Pacific Gardens Begins Construction
The dream has become a reality. Construction has begun on Pacific Gardens Cohousing Community in Nanaimo.
The Canadian Western Bank and Tri City Equities Ltd. are providing funding for the $8 million cohousing development, the first of its kind on central Vancouver Island.
“With the funding assured, and the development and building permits in our hands, we can move ahead on creating this innovative form of housing,” says Nelson Allen, project administrator.
The award-winning construction company, Georgia View Home Builders Ltd., is building Pacific Gardens, which is located on a 4.37-acre site at 347 7th St.
Excavation on the property began in mid-October, and the 25-unit, multifamily development is expected to be completed within a year to 15 months.
Designed by local architects Jolyon Brown and Ian Niamath, Pacific Gardens is the first cohousing development on central Vancouver Island. In cohousing, residents own their own homes, but share in the common areas.
A special feature of Pacific Gardens is its inner atrium, a covered pedestrian street that will connect all units to the Common House, which is at the heart of the community.
Its extensive green space includes natural flora and fauna, a seasonal pond and heritage apple trees. The property is close to a park along the salmon-bearing Chase River with a view of Mount Benson.
Only ten of the development’s one, two-and three-bedroom units are still available, and they will go fast now that construction has started, especially given the project’s environmentally-friendly aspects, says Allen.
“With its green building, organic community garden and orchard and car-share program, Pacific Gardens is the model for a future of sustainable living in Nanaimo.”