Agency for Co-operative Housing

Make this holiday season a safe one! The Ontario Fire Chiefs Association has created the 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety project to help prevent fires this holiday season. These include some great tips to share with co-op members.

Winter Holiday Safety | Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Participate in the 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety and Follow the Important Safety Tips below to ensure a Safe and Happy Holiday Season! While the holidays are widely considered to be the most wonderful time of the year, they can also be among the deadliest.

An up-to-date Building Condition Assessment (BCA) report provides invaluable insights into the health of your co-op's infrastructure.

A BCA helps you make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure the safety and longevity of your co-op.

A Reminder About Building Condition Assessments As your buildings age over time, it’s important to know what will need to be fixed and when. Not to mention how much it will cost. That’s where a building condition assessment (BCA) report comes in. What is a Building Condition Assessment? A BCA is a report prepared by a qualified consultant who...

Does your co-op have an AIR deadline of Dec. 31? If so, don't forget to file them before the end of the year!

Performing proper winter maintenance at your co-op helps prevent accidents. Check out this list of tips compiled by CHF BC:

Winter Safety Tips for Your Housing Co-op - CHF BC Winter brings a unique set of challenges for housing co-operatives, including a greater risk of slips and falls due to slippery and icy conditions. Co-ops can keep their members safe this winter with these winter safety tips to prevent slips and falls.

As 2023 draws to a close and we start to look ahead to the new year, it's important to remember that there are numerous funding programs that can help co-ops complete big projects. If your co-op has plans for 2024 and beyond, getting a sense of what money is out there is a great place to start.

Is your co-op taking advantage of funding programs? From new construction to sustainability upgrades, a housing co-op always has projects on its wish list. Fortunately, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and other organizations offer funding programs that your co-op can use to turn those wish-list items into reality. CMHC Seed Funding for...

Want to help expand co-op housing in Canada? CHF Canada is looking for candidates to be their next Manager, Co-operative Housing Development. Learn more about the position and apply:

JOB POSTING: Manager, Co-operative Housing Development - CHF Canada The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada is recruiting for a full time (35 hours per week), permanent position of Manager, Co-operative Housing Development. The position will be based out of any CHF Canada office (Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Truro) on a hybrid basis (with possible consideration...

We have updated our Q&A on capital replacement and asset management plans. Check out the document to learn how your co-op should plan for and pay for major repairs. https://ow.ly/flqw50QbJK7

For many people, pets are family, but they can often present a challenge when searching for housing. CHF BC has an article on the benefits and barriers for pet-friendly co-ops.

Pet-friendly Co-ops: Benefits and Barriers - CHF BC For many, pets are family, but pet-friendly housing has its challenges.

On Dec. 2, the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto is hosting a webinar on land acknowledgements for co-ops featuring former CHF Canada President Tina Stevens. At the workshop, you'll learn why land acknowledgements are important and how to develop one that is more meaningful for your co-op. Learn more:

Land acknowledgements – making them meaningful – Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto Land acknowledgements – making them meaningful Saturday December 2, 2023 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM Virtual Register This workshop will be held over Zoom. Facilitator: Tina Stevens Fee: Registration for this workshop is $75 per person for the first two people. Any additional people who register from your...

is a vital reminder of the need for safe and affordable housing.

Through our work, we have seen the success that housing co-operatives have found by offering both affordability and community to members.

Today, as advocates from across the housing sector raise their voices and offer solutions to the housing crisis, we join them in their calls for action.

Nov. 22nd is National Right To Housing Day and Agency CEO Olga Tasci will be part of an online panel discussion titled How to Make the Best of Public Money for Public Good.

Sign up to learn about methods of creating a better supply of affordable housing: https://ow.ly/Egm750Q9Cbe

Applications for the 2024 Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto Diversity Scholarships are now open! These scholarships are awarded to young co-operators who are actively promoting diversity through work within their community. Learn more and apply:

Diversity Scholarship – Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto Diversity Scholarship The 2024 Diversity Scholarship application form is open until February 13, 2024 View Program Flyer Apply Now 2023 Diversity Scholarship Winners Diversity Scholarship Recipients: Sara Alwa Parth Dave Ibrahim Ibrahim Rizwan Kazi Tobi Kamoru Dwayne Allister Matias Miriam Mesfin Ry...

We recently updated our Q&A on working with contractors. Check out the document to find tips on finding the right contractor to do the right work at your co-op. https://ow.ly/zC5y50Q7As5

Earlier this fall, CHF BC took a tour of some of the housing co-ops throughout the interior of British Columbia. Meet some of the co-ops they visited:

Exploring Cooperative Housing in the Heart of British Columbia - CHF BC At CHF BC, we're always eager to connect with our member co-operatives and learn more about the unique communities

Have you ever dreamed about starting a housing co-op?

CHF Canada has created a great guide on the steps you and your fellow co-operators would need to follow to make your dream a reality.

How-To Guide: Starting a Housing Co-operative - CHF Canada Do you or your group of co-op housing champions dream of starting a housing co-operative? There is no one-size-fits-all approach to establishing a new co-op but this guide outlines some of the key steps to turn your co-operative housing dream into a reality. Information is organized below for each m...

Housing Services Corporation is hosting a webinar tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. EST all about affordable housing success stories. Learn more: https://hscorp.ca/events/affordable-housing-development-success-stories-toolbox-by-cahdco/

CHF Canada is hiring! They're looking for a Program Manager, Co-operative and Planning Services, Atlantic based in Nova Scotia. Learn more about the position: https://ow.ly/l9R350Q53M5

Have a passion for teaching? Want to inspire more people to join the co-operative housing movement? You might be a great candidate to become a housing co-op educator!

Recruitment - CHF Canada The National Education Committee is recruiting new housing co-op educators!

Congratulations to the co-ops that completed CHF Canada's Risk Management program this year! Learn more about the program that can help minimize risks, and keep co-op communities and members safe.

Congratulations to member co-ops that completed this year’s Risk Management program - CHF Canada Last year we started an enhanced Risk Management Program for members in our commercial insurance program. Get a head start on qualifying for next year’s discount!

The Tyee recently took a deep dive into how the Community Land Trust of B.C. is working to rescue old co-ops from land eviction and reboot the development of affordable housing.

The Secret to Real Affordability? Trust in Land | The Tyee A complex experiment is saving co-ops and developing homes to be affordable. Permanently.

It's time for another question: Do you know which was the first regional co-operative housing federation formed in Canada?

The answer: The Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto was created in 1974 to help promote the development of new co-ops, as well as to educate and assist the growing number of housing co-ops in the area.

The Agency's Self-Assessment Tool helps co-ops analyze their assets and operations to help plan for the future.

Learn more:

The Self Assessment Questionnaire: Your Co-op’s Mirror When was the last time your board discussed your building’s curb appeal? How about its approach to water conservation? These are good questions to ask, and they’re good examples of what the Agency had in mind when we developed our online Self Assessment. This tool will guide you through five key...

Le Centre / The Centre's Sector Transformation Fund houses several grant programs for community housing providers across Canada. If your co-op has a project idea that could make an impact, big or small, check out this page to learn more about eligibility:

Sector Transformation Fund - Community Housing Transformation Centre - Centre de transformation du logement communautaire The Local Projects Grant is designed to improve the quantity and quality of the services you provide to your tenants and your community.

Sending a big welcome CHF Canada's newest board members!

Meet CHF Canada’s newest Board members - CHF Canada CHF Canada is a member-led co-operative, meaning we are governed by a Board of Directors elected by our members for three-year terms. Collectively, CHF Canada’s Board of Directors brings diverse individual experiences together to provide strategic direction to inspire, represent and serve our memb...

Does your housing co-op have a firm plan in place to respond quickly and effectively in an emergency or unforeseen event?

Learn more about contingency planning in this workshop on Nov. 7 with Housing Services Corporation: https://ow.ly/ufgl50PXISi

Did you know that October is Circular Economy Month? It's all about calling attention to new ways of using and reusing materials and resources to protect the planet and prioritize people.

Learn more about Circular Economy Month:

About Circular Economy Month Circular Economy Month is dedicated to educating and empowering Canadians to support an economy that protects the planet and prioritizes people.

There are lots of benefits to filing your co-op's Annual Information Return online. Learn more in our Good Practices video:

Good Practices for Filing your Annual Information Return The Agency for Co-operative Housing requires co-ops to file an Annual Information Return (AIR) each year. In this video, we talk about what this is, why it i...

Capital repairs can make a world of difference for a co-op. Check out some of these before and after photos from Stonetown Co-op in St. Marys, ON and learn how they invested in their co-op's future:

Investing in Longevity: Stonetown Co-op's Capital Repairs Pay Off It’s no secret that, like all things, buildings wear down over time and need to get fixed up. But undertaking major repairs isn't just about replacing what's broken; it's an investment in the longevity, functionality and overall appeal of our living spaces. Whether you’re revamping a tired faça...

The Co-operative Corporations Act of Ontario had some changes that came into effect earlier this month. CHF Canada has created a helpful guide to understand what has been updated:

What you need to know: Co-op Corporations Act changes, 2020 - CHF Canada The Co-operative Corporations Act (the Act) of Ontario is changing effective October 1, 2023! One of the notable changes to the Act includes how co-ops can allow members to participate electronically. Here is what you need to know: The government extended the pandemic-era permission to hold virtual....

Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada / Coopératives et mutuelles Canada is hosting a webinar tomorrow for on how co-ops of all kinds can overcome barriers to taking action against climate change.

Learn more + register:

Overcoming barriers to taking climate action? - CMC It is no longer possible to put off the realities of the climate crisis. How the co-operative movement can do about this?

Happy Co-op Week! is an opportunity for all different kinds of co-ops across Canada, to celebrate achievements, promote the co-op model, and look to a more co-operative future.

And related to that last note is this year’s theme: Co-operating on Climate Action. Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada / Coopératives et mutuelles Canada has created a great series of events to show co-ops can be leaders in climate action and make positive impacts on the environment

Check out some of the upcoming events:

Co-op Week 2023 - Canada Coop OTTAWA, Wednesday, September 13, 2023. CMC is proud to once again celebrate Co-op Week (October 15 to October 21, 2023). This year, our theme is "Co-operating on Climate Action". Recent years have shown that it's vital for Canadian co-operatives and mutuals to be leaders in climate action.  "At our...

Need help dealing with raccoons making a mess? CHF BC has put together some helpful tips to hamper them.

How to Deal with Raccoons at your Housing Co-op - CHF BC Raccoons have a bad rap for making a mess in pursuit of the perfect meal. This often gets them into trouble in and around our housing co-operatives.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2023 CHF Canada Diversity Scholarships!

Meet CHF Canada’s 2023 Diversity Scholarship recipients - CHF Canada CHF Canada is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Diversity Scholarship, which provides financial support to emerging leaders of the co‑op housing movement in their pursuit of post-secondary education.

What does the mean to you? The International Cooperative Alliance wants to know!

Learn more and have your say on the co-operative movement's values:

Cooperative Identity Consultation

CHF Canada's Northeastern Ontario Member Fall Regional Education Event is coming up on Oct. 14 in Sudbury. Our team will be there to give a presentation on FCHI-2 as well as answer all your questions related to the Rental Assistance Program. Check out the rest of the event's agenda: https://ow.ly/KtwQ50PT8JH

Today is National Truth and Reconciliation Day, a time to face our past, recognize pain, and shape a future rooted in respect and equality. Together, we journey towards healing and justice. https://ow.ly/Nxap50PRp3M

Save the date: CHF BC's Annual General Meeting is coming up on November 19 2023.

2023 Annual General Meeting - CHF BC This important gathering will bring together members, stakeholders, and industry leaders to discuss key issues, share insights, and shape the direction of our community. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details on this exciting event.

CHF Canada's Co-op Housing for All Peer Network connects people who want to see more co-op housing in Canada. Learn more and sign up:

Co-op Housing For All: Peer Network - CHF Canada The Co-op Housing for All Peer Network is a new group of members who are strengthening and growing the co-op sector with new governance solutions and constructing new co-op homes.

Reflecting on a year of growth and impact. Our 2022 annual report showcases the milestones, challenges, and strides we've made together.

The Open Road: The Agency’s 2022 Annual Report The Agency saw 2021 as a bridge year of transition from one reality to another. Once we’d made the crossing, 2022 looked like The Open Road to us. The road ahead is full of possibilities. In 2022, we began to work with co-ops that had been shut out from the Rental Assistance Program because their ...

The Aging in Place Exchange Network is a nationwide group of friends, neighbors, and organizations that share resources and success stories about helping people live safely and independently in their homes.

Aging in Place Exchange Network WELCOME! Are you passionate about Aging in Place and have information to share? Then this is the place for you! Welcome to our community platform, a platform of exchange for members by members. A perfect place to share interesting articles, upcoming webinars, useful Aging in Place related websites,....