About Co-ops
There are many kinds of co-operatives: food, daycare, credit unions, retail, worker, and housing. Any group of people can form a co-operative. The members own the co-operative and the co-operative provides a service they need. Housing co-operatives provide housing.
Since the 1930’s, Canadians have been building and living in housing co-ops. The people who live in the housing are the co-op members. They elect, from among themselves, a Board of Directors to manage the business of the co-op. Each member has one vote. Members work together to keep their housing well-managed and affordable.
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 more than 255 non-profit housing co-ops comprising 14,300 units in British Columbia.
As a co-op member, you have security of tenure. This means that you can live in your home for as long as you wish if you follow the rules of the co-op and pay your housing charge (rent). As a co-op member you have a say in decisions that affect your home. You and your neighbours own your homes co-operatively.
Members form a community that works together to manage the co-op. Co-op communities are made up of all kinds of people – people with different backgrounds and incomes and special needs. These diverse and vibrant communities are the unique strength of the co-op housing movement.
Members Rights
Members of a housing co-op have rights to:
1 – Voting
Vote on the annual budget, which sets the monthly housing charges
2 – Board of Directors
Elect a board of directors made up of people who live in your co-op
3 – Run for the Board
Run for the board of directors yourself
4 – Financial Statements
Receive audited financial statements that show how the co-op spent your money
5 – Housing Payment
Pay only a limited portion of your income for your housing, if you meet eligibility rules
6 – Stay as Long as You Like
Live there for as long as you like, if you keep to the by-laws agreed on by the co-op membership
Our Memberships
The Co-operative Housing Federation of BC
The Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC), is a co-operative association whose members are housing co-ops and related organizations in BC.
Members provide direction through their delegates at Federation meetings, through the Board of directors elected at the annual general meeting, and by serving on CHF BC committees. This member direction helps CHF BC focus on meeting the needs of housing co-ops.
Members are also able to take advantage of the Telus & CHF BC program.
Co-operating Federation of Canada
The mission of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) is to inspire, represent and serve our members in a united co-operative housing movement.
Their members are housing co-ops as well as the organizations and people who support them.
Salal Co-op 