Bob Rabin, a member of CohoUS’s Seniors in Cohousing Committee, had an opportunity to visit an interesting cohousing community in Quebec, Canada. Cohabitat Neuville, established in 2019, is the second cohousing community in the province. The first, Cohabitat Quebec in Quebec City, was built in 2013.

The following report shares Bob’s impressions of Cohabitat Neuville.

I was graciously hosted by the community of Cohabitat Neuville in January 2025. The multi-generational community is located in a semi-rural area about 30 kilometers southwest of the province’s old capital, Quebec City. Just a few hundred meters from the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the homes are built in the southern part of the 20-hectare (50-acre) property, bordering a mature orchard. Vegetable gardens are located near the residences, as well as play areas for children and adults. Cohabitat Neuville is made up of 12 households (29 individuals), each with their own homes and a large shared common area.

Because the community values the legitimacy of and respect for each member’s needs, the use of nonviolent communication is a prerequisite for becoming a full-fledged member. This helps to prevent and manage conflicts. In addition, all members are trained in sociocracy, a method of decision-making by consent that instills cohesion and respect for each individual’s will in the service of the common good. Sociocracy is at the heart of the community’s mode of governance.

As we move north from the residences, the land begins with an apple orchard that opens onto a large field. Left in its natural state, this field of milkweed is a delight for monarch butterflies. It also hosts several large Saskatoon berry bushes and other wild red berries. Beyond the large field stands an extensive maple grove, from which the community produces delicious syrup. From the base of the maple forest overlooking the large field and the community buildings, there is a magnificent view of the St. Lawrence River. The view offers a peaceful tranquility and encourages contemplation.

There is a landscaped trail to explore through the maple grove, which leads to a protected wetland. In winter, snowshoes are often needed on the trail and adjacent land.

Making maple syrup

More than 2,000 trees are tapped to harvest the gifts they offer and transform the liquid into syrup, butter or maple taffy. In addition to providing tasty and nutritious food for local consumption, the products are sold to neighbors and the agricultural cooperative. The proceeds help fund projects in the community.

A productive maple harvest requires a significant commitment of labor and equipment each year. Preparation begins in the winter well before the first sap flows. There is a network of more than 200 tubes to be maintained. They carry the sap from each tree hundreds of meters under the large field to the “sugar shack,” where it is processed and transformed into syrup and other products. Maple syrup is canned on site. Products can be ordered from an online “boutique” and picked up from a roadside self-serve kiosk in front of the community houses.

The gardens

Community members have been learning together how to cultivate the land and grow their own fruits and vegetables following the principles of permaculture. The goal is to strive for food self-sufficiency, complementing what is purchased from local and organic producers. For example, fresh eggs are available from neighbors on the adjacent property.

Two minutes from Cohabitat Neuville is the Marais-Léon-Provancher Nature Reserve, a 125-hectare (300-acre) protected area that is rich in natural resources. It also provides access to a magnificent marsh and the banks of the St. Lawrence River.

The houses

Set at the front of the property is a majestic ancestral home estimated to be more than 300 year old. The home likely exhibits qualities of those built by settlers of the rural areas along the St. Lawrence River. The settlers in that era adapted the style of the Normandy region of France to withstand the relatively harsh winter climate of Quebec.

The home provides a wonderful setting for Sunday evening dinners, work committee meetings, training sessions, impromptu gatherings, game nights, band rehearsals, children’s puppet shows and simply evenings spent in front of the fireplace.

Two private dwellings are located at either end of the ancestral home, and since the summer of 2020, five two-family homes have been built around it. They are designed to optimize solar energy and are made from local and ecological materials.

A privately owned electric vehicle serves as community car that can be reserved and paid for based on the distance traveled. Although there currently are no solar panels in the community, electricity across the province is generated by hydropower from Hydro-Québec, one of the largest hydroelectic projects in the world. While it is not without environmental impacts, hydropower does not rely on fossil fuels, and the cost to consumers is the lowest in North America.

Of all the cohousing projects I have visited in the U.S. and Canada, I found Cohabitat Neuville to be one of the most welcoming communities, surrounded by natural beauty and fulfilling its aspirations of environmental stewardship.

More cohousing to come

Un Village à Lachine, the first cohousing in the greater Montreal area, is planned to open in 2026. The creation of this project is unique. Unlike the traditional cohousing model, which is solely driven by residents, a nonprofit organization, Village Urbain, manages the entire project development cycle. With the support of invested partners, Village Urbain operates with a nonprofit model to offer cost-effective housing. Residents are supported throughout the development process, from the creation of their collective living environment to its day-to-day co-management.

Upcoming events

Nov. 20 — Seniors in Cohousing Q&A, an informal facilitated conversation for those who are interested in senior cohousing and/or senior living in intergenerational cohousing; 10 a.m. MST; repeats on the 20^th of each month; register here. Once registered, you’ll receive an email before the meeting with a link to join the call on Zoom.

Dec. 10 — The Commons, a free monthly gathering for the cohousing curious and experts, too; 10 a.m. MST; repeats on the 10^th of each month; register here.

CohoUS offers many live and on-demand courses on a wide range of topic related to cohousing. Peruse them here.

The Foundation for Intentional Community (FIC) also offers a range of live, on-demand and rerun online courses. Check out some interesting live courses coming up in March 2026.

Find out about becoming a CohoUS member here. 

See the CohoUs mission and vision statement here.