Polyamory, a relationship structure involving three or more committed adults, is becoming increasingly visible and accepted in Canada. Recent legal rulings in Newfoundland and Labrador and British Columbia have recognized polyamorous triads as legal parents, signaling how family structures are evolving alongside societal norms.
Surveys reveal a growing interest in non-monogamous relationships. A 2019 study found that one in ten Canadian adults have been or want to be in an open relationship, while one in five have practiced consensual non-monogamy, including polyamory, swinging, or open marriages. The concept has permeated pop culture, appearing in books, films, and TV shows such as Couple to Throuple.
Polyamorous relationships are diverse in structure and terminology, with configurations like triads, quads, and polycules. Some follow hierarchical arrangements prioritizing “primary partners,” while others adopt non-hierarchical or relationship anarchy models. Regardless of structure, polyamory is rooted in fluidity, negotiation, and open communication, but it also comes with challenges like navigating jealousy and time management.
Here are five stories of Canadians embracing polyamory, sharing how they manage love, family, and logistics in their unique relationships:
1. The Long-Distance Lovers
Tara Lynne Franco and André Turcotte have been primary partners since 2017, living separately in Toronto and Montreal. Their journey into polyamory began with curiosity and openness, evolving into a lifestyle built on trust and communication. As relationship coaches and podcast hosts, they now help others navigate polyamory, showing how love can flourish beyond traditional boundaries.
2. The Co-Parents
Warren Baird, Blue, and Jbash live as a polyamorous family in Montreal, raising their daughter Kaia together since 2007. Their arrangement provides practical benefits, such as shared financial responsibilities and parenting duties, and emotional stability. With a meticulously planned schedule, the trio balances family, work, and personal relationships while offering Kaia a supportive and unique upbringing.
3. The Full House
Sarah Jean Stewart and her partners share a Victorian home near Ottawa with their children and close friends. This “kitchen-table polyamory” setup fosters a strong sense of community and shared resources, creating an environment where everyone supports one another emotionally and financially. Despite the logistical challenges of managing a large household, the family thrives on love and collaboration.
4. The No-Secrets Polycule
Silver Olatunde and Christopher Rogers, based in Montreal, expanded their relationship to include partners Acintya and Pierre-Yves, along with others in their polycule. Their approach emphasizes transparency and prioritizing the primary relationship. By fostering trust and communication, they’ve built a loving and interconnected network of partners and friends.
5. The Reformed Monogamists
After trying monogamy, Kristie Courtnell and her partner Denis reopened their relationship, embracing polyamory to nurture their individuality and emotional needs. Now in a throuple with Heather, the trio enjoys a dynamic that values honesty and personal growth. Kristie’s journey highlights how security comes not from exclusivity but from self-awareness and open dialogue.
Polyamory is reshaping traditional notions of love and commitment, offering new pathways to build relationships based on trust, communication, and mutual respect. These Canadian stories showcase how polyamorous families navigate their unique journeys, illustrating that love, in its many forms, can adapt to meet modern needs.
