In this episode of the cohousing podcast, Charles Durrett sits down with Alan Carpenter, co-creator and co-director of the Canadian Cohousing Network. Together they explore the evolution and impact of cohousing in Canada and beyond.

Alan shares his personal journey from building single-family homes to dedicating his life to creating intentional communities—sparked by a desire for deeper connection and a more meaningful way of living. Together, they discuss the origins and growth of the Canadian Cohousing Network, the success of communities like Windsong Cohousing, and what makes these neighborhoods thrive.

The conversation dives into the real-life benefits of cohousing—affordability, shared resources, reduced isolation, and stronger social bonds across generations. From children freely playing outdoors to seniors aging in place with support, cohousing offers a compelling alternative to the isolation often found in modern living.

They also tackle bigger questions:

Why is connection so essential to human well-being?

What cultural barriers make cohousing harder to adopt in North America?

How can we design communities that foster cooperation, joy, and resilience?

Whether you're curious about intentional communities, interested in sustainable housing models, or simply looking for a more connected way to live, this episode offers thoughtful insights and inspiring stories from decades of experience.

Learn more about The Canadian Cohousing Network at https://cohousing.ca/

For more info visit ⁠⁠www.cohousingco.com⁠⁠ or ⁠https://linktr.ee/CohousingCo⁠

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