Dragonfly Commons is a local not-for-profit initiative to develop an innovative solution to our local workforce housing shortage. The project is for ownership of small homes in an eco-friendly development on Drake Road, walking distance to Ganges Village. This 10.5 acre property will contain up to 30 strata lots.
The co-housing style development means that there will be shared infrastructure with a common building for gathering/meeting space, laundry and tool-share. As well, the site will have a community garden and green spaces. In the site design, several acres will be undeveloped which include a pond, ravine and mature forests. Dragonfly Commons is adjacent to Mouat Park, which provides walking trails to Ganges Village and local amenities.
Tami and Fernando dos Santos have dedicated nearly a decad to planning and developing this non-profit project in partnership with the Salt Spring Island Housing Council and with the generous support of local professionals, Donald Gunn, David Gooding, Janis Gauthier, Ken Byron and Polaris Land Surveying. The project has also been greatly supported by numerous individuals on the steering committee who have generously donated their time and expertise. A seed-funding grant from CMHC provided funding for pre-development activities such as surveys, conceptual and site design.
The owners and steering committee of Dragonfly Commons are looking at different building options to provide an affordable, eco-friendly home option. An affordable housing agreement will be established to maintain long-term affordability. As well, there will be eligibility requirements to ensure that the buyers at Dragonfly Commons have low to moderate incomes. There may be an opportunity for non-profit ownership of a few units to provide affordable rental housing.
For more information on the project, go to www.dragonflycommons.com.