Location: Metro Vancouver

Year: 2025

Client: Entre Nous Femme Housing Society (ENFHS)

Project type: Public Realm Planning

ENFHS is a non-profit housing organization dedicated to supporting women, gender-diverse people, families, Indigenous peoples, seniors, people with disabilities, and other underserved groups in accessing safe, secure, and affordable housing. With 13 properties across Metro Vancouver and over 500 new homes currently under construction, ENFHS plays a vital role in advancing inclusive housing solutions.

Recognizing that the design of common spaces in multi-unit housing plays a key role in fostering a sense of belonging and community, ENFHS commissioned this spatial design audit to investigate opportunities for improving and activating outdoor common areas across five selected properties: Antkiw Court, Murray Manor, Evergreen Apartments, Evelyn Estates, and Beatrice Terrace.

This report presents a comprehensive strategy that documents existing conditions, identifies key challenges and opportunities, and provides actionable recommendations to transform these open spaces into vibrant, inclusive, and healing community environments. The recommendations are aligned with ENFHS’s vision to reduce social isolation, strengthen community connection, and enhance residents’ overall well-being. Insights from ENFHS’s community engagement process further informed this work. See preview of the report below.