A directory of belonging
Places where community is built into where you live — not another club to visit, but somewhere the people around you are part of daily life. Monasteries that welcome guests, cohousing, co-ops, ecovillages, seniors villages, and neighbourhoods that actually function. Start where you are.
Compiled with AI, checked by nobody yet. These are starting points, gathered for Ontario — real places as far as we know, but details change. Verify with a phone call before you set your heart or drive across the state.
Anishnawbe Health Toronto offers a range of health and wellness services rooted in Indigenous traditions, including a residential healing lodge. It provides a supportive community environment for individuals seeking culturally appropriate care and recovery.
Visit website →Part of the worldwide Camphill movement, offering rural life-sharing homes and day programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Residents and co-workers share gardening, crafts and the rhythms of community life near Barrie.
The first L'Arche community in North America, founded in 1969, where people with and without intellectual disabilities share homes, work and spiritual life. Author Henri Nouwen served as its pastor, and it still welcomes assistants from around the world.
Part of the federation founded by Canadian Jean Vanier, with several shared homes across the capital region. People with and without intellectual disabilities live together, welcoming volunteers into a culture of mutual care.
A L'Arche community offering shared homes and a creative day program in Canada's largest city. Members with intellectual disabilities, assistants and friends build belonging through art, celebration and everyday life together.
The Village offers supportive housing for individuals with mental health challenges, promoting recovery and community integration. It provides a safe and stable environment with access to essential services and peer support.
Visit website →The Village of Riverside Glen offers a continuum of care for seniors, including independent living, assisted living, and long-term care. It is designed to feel like a true village, promoting community and well-being among residents.
Visit website →The Village of Taunton Mills is a comprehensive senior living community offering various levels of care in a vibrant, village-like setting. Residents benefit from numerous amenities and programs designed to enhance their quality of life.
Visit website →A small retrofit cohousing community in Old Ottawa South, created by joining neighbouring homes with shared facilities and a common garden. Its households have practised urban cooperative living since the 1990s.
While primarily a microloan organization, Windmill Microlending also supports newcomers in finding community and housing solutions, sometimes including shared living arrangements. They help skilled immigrants and refugees integrate into Canadian society and their professions.
Visit website →A historic garden-court apartment complex in Riverdale, built in the 1910s and converted to a resident-owned co-operative in the 1970s. Its leafy courtyards and active membership make it one of Toronto's best-loved co-op communities.
The national voice of Canada's co-operative housing movement, representing more than two thousand housing co-ops. It supports a quarter of a million Canadians who live in secure, member-governed co-op homes.
Visit website →Dunbar Heights Co-operative Homes offers affordable housing in a community setting, fostering a sense of belonging among its residents. Members actively participate in the governance and maintenance of their homes and shared spaces.
Harbourside Co-operative Homes offers affordable housing in a vibrant waterfront community. Members actively participate in the governance and maintenance of their homes, building a strong sense of shared responsibility.
Kingston Co-operative Housing provides affordable and community-oriented housing options for its members. Residents actively participate in the governance and maintenance of their homes, fostering a strong sense of belonging and mutual support.
Visit website →Kingston Elderhome Co-operative provides affordable housing for seniors in a supportive, community-oriented environment. Members actively participate in the governance and daily life of the co-operative.
Visit website →CHF Canada is the national association for co-operative housing, representing thousands of co-op homes across the country. They advocate for and support the co-operative housing sector, promoting a strong sense of community and affordability.
Visit website →CHASEO supports and advocates for housing co-operatives across Eastern Ontario, promoting the co-operative model as a viable housing option. They provide resources and services to help member co-ops thrive and build strong communities.
Visit website →CHFH supports and connects housing co-operatives in the Hamilton area, advocating for affordable and member-controlled housing. They provide a platform for co-ops to share knowledge and work together for common goals.
CHFL represents and supports various housing co-operatives across London, advocating for affordable, community-oriented living. They provide resources and a network for member co-ops, strengthening the co-operative housing movement.
Visit website →CHFO is a non-profit organization that supports and promotes co-operative housing in the Ottawa area. They provide services and advocacy to their member co-ops, fostering strong, self-governing communities.
Visit website →CHFP represents and assists housing co-operatives within the Peel Region, fostering a network of affordable and community-oriented housing. They work to strengthen the co-operative housing sector through advocacy and support services.
CHFT is a federation of housing co-operatives in the Toronto area, providing support, education, and advocacy for its member co-ops. It strengthens the co-operative housing movement, promoting diverse and inclusive communities.
Visit website →CHFYR serves housing co-operatives in the York Region, promoting the benefits of co-operative living and providing valuable resources. They aim to create sustainable and inclusive communities where residents have a say in their housing.
While primarily a social housing provider, WECSS provides various community housing options, including co-operative models, fostering community among residents. They aim to create safe and vibrant neighbourhoods through their housing initiatives.
Visit website →While located in New York, The Ecovillage at Ithaca is a well-known model often studied and referenced by emerging ecovillage initiatives in Ontario for its sustainable living practices and strong community design. It demonstrates successful ecological design and social cohesion.
Visit website →An ecovillage and biodynamic farm on nearly 200 acres in the Caledon hills, where members share a large common residence called Greenhaven. It welcomes farm interns, visitors and prospective members interested in cooperative rural living.
Visit website →A Catholic lay community of men, women and priests founded by Catherine Doherty in rural Combermere in 1947. It welcomes working guests year-round to share its rhythm of prayer, farm work and simple communal living.
Visit website →Our Place is an intentional Christian community focused on hospitality, social justice, and simple living. Members share resources and responsibilities while engaging in outreach and support for vulnerable populations.
Visit website →Selah Place is an intentional Christian community focused on hospitality, prayer, and social justice. Residents share meals, resources, and a common life together, serving their local neighbourhood.
Visit website →The Cedars is a small, intentional Christian community living together and sharing life, resources, and faith. They are committed to hospitality, prayer, and serving their local neighbourhood.
Visit website →The Mustard Seed is a Christian intentional community committed to living simply, sharing resources, and engaging in spiritual formation. They offer hospitality and a place of belonging for those seeking a communal life.
Visit website →The Rawson Village is an emerging intentional community focused on sustainable living and shared values in a rural setting. It aims to create a close-knit environment where residents collaborate on projects and support each other.
This historic Quaker meeting house serves as a spiritual and community hub, with some residents living on-site or in close proximity. It fosters a community based on peace, equality, and simple living.
Visit website →An Anglican monastic community of women founded in 1884, based at St. John's Convent in Toronto. The sisters welcome guests for retreats, quiet days and their long-running ministry of prayer and hospitality.
St. Benedict's Monastery is a contemplative Benedictine community for monks, dedicated to prayer, work, and hospitality. They offer a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual reflection and a connection to monastic life.
Visit website →St. John's Convent is home to the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine, offering a place of spiritual retreat and community life for the sisters. It also welcomes guests for quiet stays and participates in various outreach ministries.
Visit website →The Abbey Retreat Centre, while not a traditional monastery, offers a contemplative and community-focused environment for individuals and groups seeking spiritual growth and respite. It provides a space for reflection, workshops, and shared living experiences in a natural setting.
Visit website →A community land trust that acquires land in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood to keep housing and community space permanently affordable. It is governed by local residents and welcomes neighbours into its stewardship work.
A master-planned community designed with a strong emphasis on family and community connections, featuring parks, schools, and local amenities. It encourages an active lifestyle and neighbourly interactions.
Visit website →A settlement house serving Toronto's west downtown since 1912, formerly known as St. Christopher House. It welcomes newcomers, seniors, families and neighbours of every background with programs from language classes to community meals.
This co-operative provides affordable housing for seniors, fostering a supportive and engaging community environment. Residents benefit from shared amenities and a focus on active, independent living.
Visit website →This community provides affordable housing and a supportive environment for seniors. Residents enjoy various social activities and shared amenities designed for comfortable independent living.
This community offers independent living for seniors, fostering a supportive environment. Residents enjoy various social activities and shared amenities designed for comfort and engagement.
This non-profit organization provides affordable housing and a supportive community for independent seniors. Residents benefit from shared spaces and organized social activities, fostering a sense of belonging.
Visit website →This community provides affordable housing and support services for independent seniors. Residents enjoy a vibrant social calendar and a strong sense of belonging.
This community offers affordable housing and a supportive environment for seniors. Residents enjoy various social activities and a strong sense of belonging.
This vibrant seniors' residence offers independent living with a strong sense of community, fostering social connections and active lifestyles among its residents. It provides various amenities and programs designed to support well-being and engagement.
This residence offers affordable housing for seniors, fostering a supportive and engaging community environment. Residents benefit from shared amenities and organized social activities.
This residence offers independent living for seniors within the peaceful and historic grounds of St. Peter's Seminary. Residents can enjoy a supportive community environment with access to various amenities and spiritual resources.
Visit website →Abbeyfield provides a home for independent seniors who want to live in a supportive, family-like atmosphere. Residents enjoy private rooms while sharing meals and common living spaces, fostering companionship and mutual support.
Visit website →The Cedars is a vibrant seniors' community offering independent living with a focus on active lifestyles and social engagement. Residents enjoy a range of amenities and programs designed to foster connection and well-being.
Visit website →The Cedars Retirement Community provides a range of living options for seniors, from independent to assisted living. It emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere with opportunities for social engagement and personal enrichment.
Visit website →This retirement community offers independent and assisted living options in a beautiful setting. Residents enjoy a rich array of programs and a strong sense of community.
Visit website →This seniors' village offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with various levels of care, focusing on resident comfort and community engagement. It provides a supportive environment where seniors can thrive and connect with their neighbours through shared experiences.
Visit website →The Village of Erin Meadows is a comprehensive seniors' community offering a range of care options from independent living to long-term care, all within a supportive and engaging environment. Residents benefit from numerous activities and shared spaces that promote a strong community spirit.
Visit website →Offering a range of care options, this seniors' village fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Residents benefit from various amenities and organized activities.
A comprehensive seniors' community providing different levels of care and a vibrant social calendar. It aims to create a fulfilling and comfortable living experience for its residents.
Visit website →A vibrant seniors' living community offering a range of care options and amenities. It fosters an active lifestyle with numerous programs and social opportunities.
Visit website →Sandalwood Park is a well-established seniors' community offering a range of living options and comprehensive care services within a friendly, village-like setting. It emphasizes resident well-being and fosters a vibrant community through diverse programs and amenities.
Visit website →This seniors' community provides comprehensive care and a welcoming atmosphere for its residents. It offers diverse activities and amenities to support an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Visit website →A retirement community that offers various levels of care, promoting independence and social connection among seniors. Residents enjoy a supportive environment with access to numerous amenities and programs.
Visit website →Connected to the University of Waterloo, this seniors' village offers a unique intergenerational living experience, blending senior care with academic and student life. It provides a stimulating environment with opportunities for learning and social interaction across generations.
Visit website →The Village of Waterloo provides a range of care options for seniors, from independent living to long-term care. It emphasizes a vibrant community life with numerous programs and services.
Visit website →Wentworth Heights is a welcoming seniors' community providing a continuum of care services in a beautiful setting, designed to feel like a true village. Residents enjoy a rich program of activities and communal spaces that encourage friendship and active participation.
Visit website →Offering a range of care options for seniors, this village provides a vibrant and secure living space with various programs and services. It focuses on promoting well-being and social engagement among its residents.
Visit website →Offering a range of senior living options, this community emphasizes resident engagement and quality of life. It provides a supportive atmosphere with various amenities.
Visit website →The Villages of Glancaster is an active adult lifestyle community designed for independent seniors. It offers a wide range of recreational facilities and social activities to foster a vibrant and engaging community.
Visit website →The other path
If your state's list is thin, that's not a dead end; it's the reason this project exists. Three friends on one street is already a community. The guide walks you through the whole path.
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