Ronaye Matthew is recognized as Canada’s foremost cohousing development expert, having successfully guided twelve cohousing communities from initial concept through to move-in — an achievement virtually unmatched in North America.

As the founder and president of Cohousing Development Consulting (CDC), Ronaye provided comprehensive start-up, project management, marketing, administration, and community-building services across more than two decades of practice. Her background bridges human connectivity with development expertise: after earning a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Architecture and gaining experience in conventional residential development across Alberta and British Columbia, Ronaye’s path shifted in 1994 to align more directly with her interest in sustainable community.

In 1996 she was introduced to the concept of cohousing and was inspired to focus her efforts on supporting groups to translate their vision of community into reality. Her deep understanding of what it takes to move a group of aspiring neighbours through the full gauntlet of formation, governance, design, financing, and construction has been distilled in her book “Community Led Housing: A Cohousing Development Approach”, co-authored with Margaret Critchlow.

Ronaye has been a board member of the Canadian Cohousing Network since 1996 and has lived at Cranberry Commons Cohousing in British Columbia since its completion in 2001 — embodying the principles she champions professionally.

Transition:

CDC is currently transitioning and integrating services under the Township banner: https://www.township.build/

By uniting Alastair Townsend’s background in architecture and large-scale real estate development, Ronaye Matthew’s successful track record of delivering twelve completed cohousing communities across Canada, and Margaret Critchlow’s academic depth in social anthropology and hands-on community facilitation, Township offers a fully integrated cohousing development service unlike anything else available in North America.

We offer rigorous expertise across finance, legal, design, and construction — alongside the depth of experience needed to guide your group through community formation, consensus building, and member recruitment.

“Initially, one of my concerns was dealing with a large group of homeowners with their individual needs and ideas. This concern was quickly resolved working with the project manager Ronaye Matthew of CDC Cohousing Development Consulting. My respect for Ronaye’s abilities grew as the development progressed. In my 30 years of construction never have I worked with such a well-organized, skillful leader
Alan Fletcher, AFC construction
Alan Fletcher, AFC constructionGeneral Contractor, Creekside Commons Cohousing
I've been meaning to tell you for some time how impressed I am (and have been) with the really steady, well-organized and patient way you've been doing your job for RC Cohousing. I've watched and worked with a lot of managers in my time, and all things considered, I'd classify being a cohousing development manager as one of the most difficult - so I'm thoroughly impressed by the way you manage to keep everything level when we all erupt like a bunch of panicked chickens at regular intervals, not to mention some of the uncalled-for ad hominems - you just feel like a really reliable, good-humored rock in the middle of the rapids. Thank god we hired you for this job. So this is just a quick vote of confidence and thanks for all that.
Founding member, Roberts Creek Cohousing
Founding member, Roberts Creek Cohousing
We were fortunate to have the talent and experience of CDC to lead our project to completion. Though fortunate is too soft a word, more like it was critical, essential, and indispensable that they were at the helm. It really is the reason we exist.
Founding member, Ravens Crossing Cohousing
Founding member, Ravens Crossing Cohousing
I am not a particularly emotive person, but holy crap you have knocked it out of the park! THANK YOU - I feel I should name my new leather sofa after you! - you have shown, every step of the way, that you have had our back - and numerous times in the last month you’ve shown that in spades! Thank you for giving us all of your sleepless nights, tears, tenaciousness and general overall “ getter done”.
Founding member, Little Mountain Cohousing
Founding member, Little Mountain Cohousing
I thought you might appreciate hearing how happy people I’ve talked to are with the building and their suites. Personally I’m thrilled with the solid construction and attention to so many details that spell quality. I’m delighted with the whole thing. Thanks for how you have brought yourself to this work - your care and competence are a potent combination.
Founding member, West Wind Harbour Cohousing
Founding member, West Wind Harbour Cohousing
I have always meant to say how much I appreciated and admired the remarkable work you did for Belterra Cohousing. None of us would be here now if it wasn’t for you. You mention that cohousing, in its small way may contribute to a better world - but know that YOU - are certainly contributing to a better world.
Member, Belterra Cohousing
Member, Belterra Cohousing
As I thought of writing this, the image of a midwife kept coming to mind. You have cheered us, challenged us, chastised us (gently!) and companioned us as we have worked to bring Wolf Willow to birth. Your skills, your humanity, and your faith in cohousing have gifted all of us. I will miss your laughter!
Member, Wolf Willow Cohousing
Member, Wolf Willow Cohousing
For the countless hours you've put in for Harbourside, for your professionalism and extensive experience working with communities like ours, and especially for the grace and style with which you accomplish everything, we THANK-YOU! You are a class act!
Member, Harbourside Cohousing
Member, Harbourside Cohousing
Cranberry Commons is grateful for the role Ronaye played in developing our community, but even more, we are deeply appreciative of the leadership skills she continues to share with us as a valued community member and neighbour.
Founding member, Cranberry Commons Cohousing
Founding member, Cranberry Commons Cohousing
You did an amazing job of steering the good ship Creekside away from the reefs, squalls, and undesirable destinations! A steady hand on the tiller I say!
Landscape Architect, Creekside Commons
Landscape Architect, Creekside Commons