Since we opened our doors, the Agency for Co-operative Housing has helped housing co-operatives along the path to financial sustainability, sound governance and long-term success.
This year, we’re proud to be celebrating 20 years of championing good co-op homes across the country through superior program administration.
A New Vision for Co-operative Housing
Thirty years ago, the co-op housing movement in Canada faced its greatest challenge ever. In 1995, the federal budget announced that the government would shake off its remaining responsibilities for housing by devolving the co-op housing programs to the provinces.
Co-op organizers across Canada came together to mount the most powerful lobby of their lives. Co-ops across the nation countered with rallies, letter-writing campaigns and personal meetings with MPs. As one MP commented, “You could smell the fear.”
The smaller provinces and territories, where resistance was weakest, absorbed the programs, one by one, except for PEI.
Meanwhile, CHF Canada had put forth a third option: CMHC could delegate its work with co-operative housing programs to a risk-based, data-driven, client-focused agency at arm’s length from co-operative associations, but still part of the sector.
After many years of persistent effort, the lobby was victorious, owing to the dedication of everyone from senior leaders to grassroots members of housing co-operatives who won over the government with their persistence and sincerity.
On May 3, 2005, the Agency signed up to oversee the administration of operating agreements between the federal government and housing co-operatives in B.C., Alberta, Ontario and PEI. As CMHC’s representative, our mission was to ensure that housing coops complied with the terms of their agreements and remained or became financially viable, well-run and positioned for long-term success.
Since then, we’ve upheld the values of openness, accountability and autonomy— some of the core principles that define the co-operative movement.
Supporting Stronger Communities
Beyond the role of providing financial oversight, the Agency has built tools and programs that empower housing co-ops to take new steps forward.
We’ve provided data-driven insights, operational support and access to different resources that help co-ops navigate their challenges and take advantage of new opportunities.
We are particularly proud of the risk assessment model we developed to identify potential financial difficulties before they become crises. An early warning ensures that housing coops can take timely action to recover and grow strong and resilient.
Our commitment to innovation has inspired the development of digital tools like the Rental Assistance Online Calculator, which our co-op clients use to administer the Rental Assistance Program FCHI-2 within the Federal Community Housing Initiative and HomeRun, our benchmarking and best practice platform.
Looking Ahead
As we enter 2025, the Agency continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of our government partners and the co-operative housing sector.
The coming years will bring new challenges, from climate adaptation to expansion through co-operative housing development programs. We believe we are well-positioned to pilot housing co-ops through these uncharted waters. Services like our Annual Health Check draw on 20 years of data to offer invaluable insights to co-op boards and governments.
On this milestone anniversary, we thank the co-op movement for the support we’ve received along the way from many partners in the sector—and a special thank you to our founder and sole member, CHF Canada. Working together, we all are helping to ensure that housing co-ops can thrive for generations to come.
Here’s to 20 years of excellence—and many more ahead!