As the project’s designer, I’ve had the privilege of working with L’Arche’s staff and building committee members for the past four years to navigate the City of Courtenay’s approval process—rezoning, a development permit, and, finally, building permits. The committee has been tirelessly and steadfastly committed to making the facility accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of its residents. The City, too, has been very supportive of the project.
Now that all the details are worked out and the drawings are complete, construction is slated to begin.
Like L’Arche’s previous projects, The I Belong Centre and Jubilee House, The Anchorage will offer welcoming, affordable housing with varying levels of support, from around-the-clock assistance to more independent living.
A brief history of L’Arche
People with diverse intellectual and physical abilities have always been part of human society. For much of history, they were woven into their communities and found meaningful roles suited to their abilities. That began to change in the twentieth century, as society grew more mobile, less rooted in place, and more inclined to treat people with disabilities as a burden to be managed in institutions.
“L’Arche communities are not just places to live, but places to belong”
L’Arche—French for “The Ark”—was founded in the 1960s as a humane response to the often-dire conditions in those places. It began when its founder, Jean Vanier, invited two men to leave their institutions to live with him in Trosly-Breuil, France.
Vanier’s idea now flourishes in 50 countries worldwide. The concept is straightforward: people with intellectual disabilities live in close, loving proximity to other adults in a relationship of mutual support. L’Arche communities are not just places to live, but places to belong, and the benefits of this shared life go both ways, to caregivers and residents alike.
Designing for connection
Because L’Arche communities are centred around friendship and shared daily life, a central part of my design brief was to consider how the site layout and the buildings could encourage interaction among residents—spontaneous conversations as well as planned meals and celebrations. I drew inspiration from the cohousing model, since my family and I have lived in a nearby cohousing neighbourhood for the last 14 years.
Cohousing design emphasizes smaller private homes enriched by generous shared spaces created for connecting people. Similarly, the Anchorage is something like a village: a cluster of five buildings—each containing one, two, or four one-bedroom units—arranged around an internal “street” with outdoor patios, and a shared amenity building where residents can gather for a meal, a movie, a birthday party, or simply to spend time together. Kitchen windows look onto the commons, so residents can spot a neighbour and be drawn outside to visit. This also serves as a kind of informal security system: everyone can keep a watchful eye on unfamiliar visitors.
Inside the units
The units are compact—most around 450 square feet—but each is self-contained, with a complete kitchen, living and dining area, in-suite laundry, bedroom, and bathroom. Three suites, and all common spaces, meet Rick Hansen Gold accessibility standards, allowing independent living for wheelchair users. All units are energy efficient, with heat pumps and rooftop solar panels.
“The Anchorage will give people the chance to put down roots and enjoy a real sense of belonging among close neighbours”
Working with the L’Arche community and seeing the level of love and care that staff and volunteers bring to their mission has been inspiring, as has meeting some of the residents and experiencing their warm, welcoming energy. In our stressful era of rapid change and looming crises, one can’t help but feel that the world needs more of these places. This is simply a good way to live.
True to its name, The Anchorage will give people the chance to put down roots and enjoy a real sense of belonging among close neighbours. The feeling of what it will be like to live here is summed up best by Paul, who has lived at L’ Arche I Belong Centre since 2017:
“I love it here. I do a lot of stuff, like my own cooking … and I’m getting pretty good at it.” He smiles. “It’s my home, plain and simple, it’s my home.”
The Anchorage is slated for completion and first move-ins in 2027. To learn more or to donate to the project visit: larchecomoxvalley.org/what-we-do/the-anchorage/the-details/
