After 15 intensive months of searching, we finally found it—our first site!
Yes! Yes! Yes! 27 coliving units will come to Toronto as early as August 1st—this year. Affordable too!
But that’s not all. What makes this even more exciting? Stunning views of the lake for all our members. Talk about striking gold! Our first location marries ingenuity with heritage: turn-of-the-last-century post-and-beam construction, modern outdoor showers (private, of course) and sleek galley kitchens. We are excited to change the fortunes of young people wanting to live downtown.
Remember our saying, “Life is better together”. This is it.
Introducing: Rainbow’s End
Yes. Toboggan Flats has acquired one of Canada’s most notorious brigantines.
Currently moored in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Rainbow’s End (yes, that’s her name!) isn’t just any ship—it’s believed to be Canada’s first, and possibly only—real pirate ship. Back in her heyday, she combed the East Coast, intercepting US ships to reclaim goods that were rightfully Canadian.
We also did our research. Turns out, pirates knew a lot about successful coliving long before we did.
Think about it.
Pirates worked as a team, shared resources and lived in close quarters—all while navigating uncharted waters. Their ship wasn’t just transportation; it was a home base, workplace and social hub rolled into one.
And now? That very same ship will become the world’s most unique coliving space.
How this all came together
The owner—a direct descendant of the great Captain Jimmy J. Buckles —has decided to part ways with his family heirloom. Let’s be real: It’s not every day you get the chance to buy a piece of maritime history. So naturally, we jumped at the opportunity.
In her prime, the ship was a 110-foot-long brigantine with a 25-foot beam, boasting two masts and sails spanning over 2,000 square feet. Below deck, she featured 27 cabins for crew, a galley and a shared mess area—spaces designed to bring people together and foster camaraderie among its 50 crew members. Life aboard was close-knit and there was a true sense of community—something that the modern world often struggles to foster.
What’s our plan?
Staying true to Toboggan Flats’ spirit, we’re transforming the vessel into affordable coliving housing for young Canadians!
Why a pirate ship works for coliving
If you strip away the cannon fire and treasure maps, a pirate ship has a lot in common with modern coliving principles:
- Shared spaces: On board, everything from meals to navigation duties happened collaboratively. Similarly, Toboggan Flats prioritizes shared kitchens, lounges and recreational areas where members can bond.
- Efficient use of space: Every inch of a pirate ship mattered—and the same goes for our designs. We’ll maximize the ship’s layout to create private bedrooms paired with communal zones, ensuring comfort without sacrificing community.
- A sense of adventure: Living aboard a converted pirate ship isn’t just housing—it’s an experience. Imagine waking up to views of the harbour, hosting game nights under the stars or even throwing themed parties. Who says affordable housing can’t be fun?
Bringing history back to life
We’re currently in the process of retrofitting the ship to meet today’s standards for safety, accessibility and sustainability. Think solar panels, energy-efficient appliances and sleek finishes that honour its storied past while looking firmly toward the future.
This project also aligns perfectly with our mission to revitalize urban cores while making use of vacant space. We plan to dock the ship in Toronto, a bustling port city. And by doing so, we’re bringing vibrancy back to waterfront neighborhoods—just like pirates once did centuries ago.
Oh, and did we mention it’s eco-friendly? The embedded carbon used to build the ship makes the whole thing inherently sustainable, and her primary power source—wind—is about as green as it gets. One requirement of the sale is that Rainbow’s End remain bird-friendly. We have no problem with that!
Join the voyage
Converting a pirate ship into a coliving space might sound unconventional, but then again, so was starting Toboggan Flats. At the end of the day, we’re here to challenge norms and reimagine what urban living can look like.
Want to be part of this bold experiment?
Sign up for updates to learn more about life aboard Rainbow’s End. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of affordable downtown living or simply love a good story, there’s room for all young Canadians on this journey.
Because if there’s one thing pirates taught us, it’s that life is always better together—even on the high seas.
P.S. Happy April Fools’ Day!
