Finding Home and Community at Zibi’s Voda

When Ashley Radomski moved into Voda, Zibi’s first Ontario residential rental building, in September 2024, she was looking for more than just a place to live—she was seeking a true sense of community. Having lived in several places before making the move to Ottawa, Ashley, a researcher specializing in young people’s mental health and substance use health, was drawn to Zibi’s unique blend of sustainability, social impact, and connection.

A Thoughtfully Designed Living Experience

Ashley’s home is a beautifully furnished studio apartment located on a co-living floor of Voda. The co-living model provides not just a comfortable space but also access to shared amenities, including a supply bar stocked with everyday essentials. As someone who leads a meeting-heavy work life, Ashley appreciates the seamless blend of convenience and comfort.

While she spends a lot of time working from home, Ashley frequently takes advantage of the shared amenities and co-working spaces for a change of scenery. “The 25th-floor view is absolutely stunning,” she shares. “You can see Parliament, the river, and both Ottawa and Gatineau. It’s inspiring.”

Ashley also makes great use of the other amenities like the fitness center, and the many shared spaces and common areas that were designed into Voda.

A Deeply Rooted Commitment to Sustainability

Ashley’s introduction to Zibi happened years before she moved in. She had learned about the development while living in Ottawa before the pandemic and was immediately hooked. The community’s commitment to One Planet Living—a framework built around sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social connection—deeply resonated with her values.

“I try to make big decisions based on my values, and Zibi’s holistic vision aligns so well with what I believe in,” Ashley explains. “It’s not just about green spaces or energy efficiency. It’s about fostering a sense of community and a meaningful commitment to reconciliation.”

A believer in reducing her environmental footprint, Ashley takes full advantage of the neighbourhood’s sustainable transportation options. With bike paths, bus stops, the O-Train, and car-sharing services nearby, she rarely needs a car. “If it were up to me, I’d take the zipline to work!” she jokes.

Creating a True Sense of Community

Since moving in, Ashley has embraced the community spirit at Zibi. She is an active participant in resident events, from board game nights to sustainability committee meetings.

“These events have been so fun,” she says. “The more people attend, the more they understand the essence of what we’re building here—a space where people genuinely enjoy connecting.”

Ashley has also joined the sustainability committee, where she has witnessed the organic growth of ideas and collaboration among residents. “There’s this moment when people let their guard down and realize that this community is different,” she reflects. “We raise topics we care about, and there’s a willingness to take action, both from the residents and from the Zibi representatives. Brittany, one of our community leaders, has been instrumental in helping us bring our ideas to life.”

One of Ashley’s upcoming contributions is sharing her expertise in a speaker series event. The first session focused on Algonquin Culture, Reconciliation & Zibi, and this month, Ashley will be talking about Wellness Matters with the community.

“I’ve never seen a development like this, where education, sustainability, and social connection are so interwoven,” she says. “This place has the potential to inspire change across Canada and beyond.”

A Model for the Future

Ashley firmly believes that communities like Zibi offer a solution to the increasing disconnection in a digital world. “Physical spaces matter,” she says. “It’s not just about buildings; it’s about the people who fill them.”

Looking ahead, Ashley is excited to further engage with the community. She hopes to join the community garden group, help deliver free yoga classes for residents, and continue advocating for sustainability initiatives.

As Voda and the Zibi community continue to grow, Ashley looks forward to seeing a deeper sense of connection in this unique and vibrant community.

To discover city living at Voda, where luxury meets convenience, to book a tour with a leasing agent visit vodaliving.ca