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Board Training Supports Good Governance
Successful co-ops maintain their business, their buildings and the environment. Part of maintaining your co-op’s business is ensuring that your board of directors understands financial responsibility, ethical conduct and the difference between the duties of board and staff. While understanding is
Refreshing our Agency Reports
The Agency is currently working on refreshing our four key reports for co-ops: the Risk Report, Compliance Report, Plain-Language Financials, and the newly renamed Performance Report (previously known as the Co-op Data Report). Our goal was to make each report more accessible and engaging. We have
Reporting and Supporting: The Rent Supplement Program
In 2017, the Agency took on the responsibility of managing Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)’s Rent Supplement Program. A few months later, we launched our brand new On-line Rent Supplement Claims System (RS System), ending the use of outdated paper forms. Almost two years in, we are
If Your Co-op is in Poor Shape, How Will You Know?
The sun is setting on your co-op’s CMHC operating agreement. Did you know that, soon after, your co‑op will no longer receive the Agency’s reports on your co-op’s health? Many Agency clients rely on our suite of reports—the Risk Report, Plain-Language Financials and Performance—to make informed
What to Look for in Your Next Risk Report
Once a year, all Agency clients get what their boards tell us is our most important report, which is now enjoying a make-over. When you receive it, you’ll see a refreshed Risk Report that is tighter, more visual and easier to read. Although it has a different look, you will find there the same
Say “No” to Directors in Arrears and Put it in Writing
Everyone agrees that housing co-ops need to eliminate member arrears—or at least keep them to a bare minimum. Uncontrolled arrears are the mark of a co-op sliding into financial difficulty, putting at risk its ability to cover day-to-day operating expenses. Arrears also take money out of the members
Federal Program Housing Co-ops: Getting Better All the Time
There’s no doubt that, as a group, the Agency’s client housing co-operatives are continuing to produce better results. We compared their performance in 2018 with their operations in the Agency’s early years—now more than a decade ago—and we are impressed with our clients’ progress. It was also good
Eileen Tallman’s New Adventure in Sustainability
Eileen Tallman Co-operative Homes is a stable housing community in Ottawa’s mid-western suburbs. Moderate and mid-range in many ways, this co-op was part of the dramatic expansion that took place in co-operative housing between 1979 and 1984. Like many co-ops of that period, it has 60 units of
Tip of the Month
Arrears Cost
Half the Agency's clients have member arrears and bad debts below $44 a unit, and half above. In 2007, the midpoint was $86. Great news in a challenging year.