OUR PROCESS

1. Future cohousing residents are asked to fill out a detailed intake form that allows us to gather pertinent data and details that we need for adequate MATCHMAKING for creating potential groups.

2. When we have identified a potential group, the selected members will be asked to attend a SEED MEETING. At this meeting members will be introduced and engage in a facilitated discussion to determine if there is enough interest and alignment to continue the process together.  A core group identified in this manner is now called an AFFINITY GROUP, and receives their Ottawa Cohousing Guidebooks.

3. The newly created AFFINITY GROUP participates in a series of group work meetings (modules as outlined in the Guidebook) in order to accomplish three parallel tasks:  

• BECOMING A COMMUNITY Ottawa Cohousing leads the group through a series of group development steps that will determine and inform their social organization, legal documentation, governance, recruitment, etc. 

• FINDING A SITE **The Affinity Group refines their site selection criteria, and reviews site options as they become available and as schematic analyses are provided by the architect, Rosaline Hill. 

• ASSEMBLING A DEVELOPMENT TEAM AND FINANCING STRUCTURE With each potential site, Ottawa Cohousing introduces a project team and financing strategy. Sometimes the project manager will be the developer who owns the site.  

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4. In order to move ahead, the Affinity Group must select a site AND agree to the proposed development team and financing structure. Ottawa Cohousing will oversee the preparation of agreements and contracts.  Papers will be signed.  Deposits will be paid. 

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5. During design, city approvals and construction phases, Ottawa Cohousing acts as a liaison between the Affinity Group and the development professionals.