Unhappy with the insecurity and expense of renting, many Canadians have turned
to housing co-ops for a secure, affordable home in a community setting. Over the
years, federal and provincial governments have funded various programs to help
Canadians create non-profit housing co-ops. The co-ops developed under these
programs provide good quality, affordable housing.
There are about a quarter of a million people living in housing co-ops across
Canada. A housing co-op is a legal association formed for the purpose of providing
homes to its members on a continuing basis. A co-op is different from other
housing associations in its ownership structure and its commitment to co-operative
principles. Co-op housing offers a home, not an investment.
Who lives in housing Co-ops?
Co-op communities are made up of all kinds of people - people with different
backgrounds and incomes and special needs. They elect, from among themselves,
a board of directors to manage the business of the co-op. It doesnt matter who you
are: if you want to live in a co-op and are ready to accept the terms of membership,
youre welcome. There is no outside landlord.
How much does it cost?
Some members pay the full housing charge, others with lower incomes pay less.
Non-Profit housing co-ops receive money from the government to help the co-op
subsidize a certain number of housing units. Housing co-ops operate as close to
cost as possible. The full monthly housing charge rises only as the co-ops costs
increase.
What are the responsibilities?
Buy shares in the co-op
Pay a monthly housing charge on time
Attend members' meetings'
Participate in running the co-op
Keep informed
Maintain your unit
In a housing co-op you have the right to
vote on the annual budget, which sets the monthly housing charges and
affects the quality of your housing for example, how much the co-op will
spend on property upkeep
elect a board of directors made up of people who live in your co-op
run for the board of directors yourself
receive audited financial statements that show how the co-op spent your
money
pay only a limited portion of your income for your housing, if you meet certain
eligibility rules
live there for as long as you like, if you follow the rules of the co-op and pay
your housing charge (rent)
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Being a SACHA member pays. Check out our Co-op
Advantage program and find out how you can benefit by being
a SACHA member.
Next Public Info Session
Please watch for upcoming dates
@ Knox Presbyterian Church Auditorium
Fall 2004 
Winter 2003
News Letter Archives
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