Yarrow Ecovillage

The Ecovillage is a member-designed community that aims to achieve a more socially, ecologically and economically sustainable way of life.

The Ecovillage's master plan for the 10-hectare (25-acre) former dairy farm, foresaw three main legal entities: An 8-hectare (20-acre) organic farm, a 31-unit multigenerational cohousing community (later increased to 33 units), and a mixed-use development with just under 2800 m2 (30,000 sf) of commercial space, a 17-unit senior cohousing community and a learning centre.

"[3] In the late 1990s a group formed to consider the idea of building an ecovillage in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia.

Their "co-design" process, initiated that October, consisted of three steps: 1) brainstorming workshops within the group, 2) consultation with City officials, and 3) public meetings with the local community.

The first, approved in August, 2004, was a commercial-residential zone on a small parcel of the property on Yarrow Central road.

"[4] The ecovillage purchased its first commercial entity, the Yarrow Deli, located on a neighbouring property, in October 2006.

[8] That year, the Ecovillage group decided to divide the property between various entities or "centres of initiative."

[9] Groundswell, the first cohousing community within the ecovillage site has 33 units[5] in various housing types—duplexes, flats, townhouses.

A 362 m2 (3,900 sf) common house will be located on the east side of the property, bounded by the driveway and two pedestrian walkways.

According to architects McCamant and Durrett it will play an important part in creating the culture of the village.

This phase was described as marrying "the convenience and security of a tight-knit community with the privacy of independent home ownership."

Residents each have their own homes, but may choose to "join together for aspects of daily living, including community meals, recreation, and child care.