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About Co-ops
A housing co-operative is a democratically controlled association formed to provide housing for its members. The typical Canadian housing co-operative owns houses or apartments and rents them to members for an indefinite period of time on a non-profit basis. When a member moves out, their membership
The Movement Grows
Beginning in 1973, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) actively supported the development of housing co‑operatives under various programs. The federal programs are often identified by the section of the National Housing Act under which they were funded.
Co-operative Housing In Canada
University students were Canada’s pioneers in meeting their need for housing through the co-operative model. In 1936, Campus Co-operative Residence at the University of Toronto began to offer affordable housing for students, who were expected to move out after graduation.
Housing Partners
A co-op member speaks at CHF Canada's annual meeting (2018).
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is responsible for federal co-operative housing programs and policies. The CMHC website offers research and advice on housing for Canadians. The Agency is pleased to provide services to CMHC
Province of BC Provides $2 Million to Assist Low-Income Co-op Households
Date
5 December 2016
Up to 300 low-income co-op households will benefit from the BC government’s $2 million in assistance to make their homes more affordable. This funding will bridge the shortfall resulting from expired federal operating agreements.
The provincial funding is intended to support co-ops whose federal
Ontario Social Infrastructure Fund
Date
1 September 2016
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and the Honourable Chris Ballard, Ontario’s Minister of Housing recently announced measures that will provide Canadians with greater access to more affordable housing, support affordable housing for seniors, help
Government of Canada Announces First Ever National Housing Strategy
Date
4 December 2017
The federal government has unveiled their National Housing Strategy. This document will set forth the next generation of social housing policy for Canada and builds on the investments that were contained in the 2017 federal budget. Specifically, the strategy announced detailed plans to protect long
BC Affordable Housing Plan
Date
1 May 2017
The Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHFBC), in association with the BC Non-Profit Housing Association, Vancity Credit Union, LandlordBC and other members of the BC Rental Housing Coalition have released an Affordable Housing Plan for BC. The plan provides a 10-year roadmap to significantly
New Hope for Vancouver Co-ops on Leased Land
Date
9 March 2017
Vancouver City Council adopted a report that will lead to long-term security of tenure for up to 50 housing co-ops on City land. The recommendations – which received unanimous support from Council – gave City staff the green light to negotiate lease extensions with seven co-ops. The new leases will
Tip of the Month
Vacancy Loss
The number of Agency clients reporting vacancy losses of more than $250 per unit per year has fallen 50% since 2007. While vacancy rates are local, these numbers show good management.