Co-op Olympians make us proud

Transcription

Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada
VOLUME 12, NUMBER 4, DECEMBER 2004
Visit us on the Web at www.chfc.coop
Newsbriefs
Newsbriefs
THE
LAST
Co-operative Housing
Federation of Canada
National Office
311-225 Metcalfe Street,
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1P9
Tel (613) 230-2201 Fax (613) 230-2231
Toll-free 1-800-465-2752
Ontario Region
313-720 Spadina Avenue,
Toronto ON M5S 2T9
Tel (416) 366-1711 Fax (416) 366-3876
Toll-free 1-800-268-2537
Vancouver Office
204-5550 Fraser Street,
Vancouver, BC V5W 2Z4
Tel (604) 879-4116 Fax (604) 879-4186
Toll-free 1-877-533-2667
Manitoba Office
Suite 192, 162-2025 Corydon Avenue,
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3P 0N5
Tel (204) 989-5963 Fax (204) 487-6407
Toll-free 1-888-591-3301
Nova Scotia Office
1099 Marginal Road, Suite 201
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4P7
Tel (902) 423-7119 Fax (902) 423-7058
Toll-free 1-866-213-2667
Editor: Merrilee Robson
Story ideas, comments or questions?
Call 1-877-533-2667 (879-4116 in
Vancouver). E-mail: [email protected]
© CHF CANADA 2004. MATERIAL MAY BE
COPIED. PLEASE CREDIT CHF CANADA.
NATIONAL EDITION
WORD
Co-ops hit hard by
subsidy cuts
“Our co-op’s subsidy allocation dropped by more than half – from $11,000
per month to $4,800,” says Anita Millar, manager of Stanley Knowles
Housing Co-op in Toronto, talking about the problem her Section 95
co-op faced when the mortgage was renewed.
“We had already reduced our subsidized units by attrition after the renewal
five years ago. Now we will have to reduce the number of subsidized units
again to approximately 15 from 25 in order to weather the shortfall in
funding. Ours is a seniors’ co-op with 10 wheelchair-accessible units so
many of our members are on fixed, low incomes. We will do our best to
maintain as many subsidized units as possible, but someone has to bear the
cost of that. Why won’t CMHC help us?”
“Five years ago, we subsidized 44 percent of our households,” says Donna
Charbonneau, manager of Ramer’s Wood Co-operative Homes in
Markham, Ontario. “Now after the latest mortgage rollover, we are at
22 percent. When members get into trouble we can’t always help them.
Without our internal subsidy, we would be facing a dire situation.”
Across Canada, co-ops funded under the Section 95 (56.1) co-op housing
program are losing subsidy each time their mortgage is renewed at a lower
interest rate. These are co-ops built between 1979 and 1985, although some
co-ops developed under an earlier federal program switched to this program
after they were developed. (see Subsidy cuts, p.15)
INSIDE
Good governance
The job of a co-op board is good
governance, establishing the overall
direction of the co-op. This article gives
some tips to help in that work.
PA G E 8
The grass above our heads
Imagine a park in the sky. That’s what
members of Hugh Garner Housing
Co-op did when it came time to
replace the building’s aging roof.
Newsbriefs, December 2004
by Scott Piatkowski
Gold medalist and
former co-op housing
member Adam Van
Koeverden shares the
moment with two
young fans.
PA G E 3
The 2005 AGM
A shorter AGM, lower delegate fees
and streamlined materials will make
it easier and more affordable for
members to attend next year’s meeting
in Edmonton, June 16-18.
PA G E 1 2
NE W S F LAS H
Don’t miss the chance to hear
Stephen Lewis at CHF Canada’s
AGM. The veteran Canadian diplomat
and UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in
Africa will be the special guest speaker.
PA G E 1 3
16
Co-op Olympians
make us proud
I
f you were following Canada’s team at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, you
couldn’t have avoided hearing about Adam Van Koeverden and Perdita
Felicien. What you probably did not know was that these two remarkable
Canadian athletes have something in common other than their uniforms:
both of them grew up in a housing co-op.
Van Koeverden, a kayaker who won gold and bronze medals and went on to
carry the Canadian flag at the closing ceremonies, grew up at Chautauqua
Co-operative Homes in Oakville, Ontario -- where his mother, Beata
Bokrossy, still lives.
Felicien, a world champion hurdler and Canada’s Female Athlete of the
Year in 2003, grew up in Duffin’s Creek Co-operative in Pickering,
Ontario. Felicien’s mother, Cathy Moe, continues to live at the co-op.
(see Olympians, p.2)
DID YOU KNOW?
continued from page 1
Olympians
Subsidy cuts
Bokrossy, who also works at Briarview Co-operative Homes in
Mississauga, is quick to give part of the credit for her son’s success to his
co-op upbringing. “It’s not just ability that wins medals. It takes a very
secure person to take the kind of personal risks and do the kind of work that
Adam did, and the community was a big part of that. I don’t think that as
a single parent raising two kids that I would have had the sense of personal
security that I had if I hadn’t lived in a co-op, and that can’t help but have
been transferred to my children. Adam is a co-op kid who understands and
appreciates the value of having grown up in a co-op.”
The problem is technical. Federal assistance to the co-op is tied to the
mortgage rate. When the co-ops’ mortgages renew at lower interest rates,
the subsidy goes down by more than the drop in the mortgage payment.
This is because of the way the subsidy is recalculated.
Creating an internal
subsidy pool
Housing co-ops are part of a broad
network of co-ops. There are retail and
financial co-ops, worker co-ops and more.
They are all guided by the International
Co-operative Principles. Here is some news
about co-ops around the world and right
here at home.
160th Anniversary of
Rochdale Pioneers
Co-ops look to Minister Fontana for help
December 21, 2004 is the 160th
anniversary of the opening of the first retail
co-op. The opening of the store in Toad
Lane, Rochdale, UK is widely regarded as
the founding of the modern co-operative
movement. A group of flannel weavers in
northern England decided to open a store
where working people could buy food and
clothing at a reasonable cost. In fact, one
of the other ideas the Rochdale Pioneers
set out in their founding documents was:
“The building, purchasing, or erecting
a number of houses, in which those
members, desiring to assist each other
in improving their domestic and social
She argues that co-ops are the best example of the old proverb, “It takes
a village to raise a child.” She recalls one incident, shortly after they had
moved in, that drove this point home. “One of the co-op teenagers came to
my door with Adam in his arms, after he’d hurt himself in the playground.
Where else but a co-op would a 13-year-old care enough about an injured
5-year-old to do that? Where else would he even know where Adam lived?”
Felicien, the first Canadian woman to win a world track and field title, was
the NCAA’s female track athlete of the year in 2002. Her mother says that
housing co-ops, while not perfect, are definitely “good for kids”. Duffin’s
Creek, says Moe, is “a lovely, lovely place – a caring place – with a good
atmosphere and good neighbours. There have been people here who didn’t
like us, but they’ve moved out and we’re still here.”
condition, may reside.” For more
information, see http://archive.co-op.ac.uk/
pioneers.htm
VanCity named best place
to work in Canada
VanCity Credit Union was named the
best place to work in Canada by Maclean’s
magazine as part of its annual Top 100
Employers list. VanCity was selected for its
benefits and its commitment to employees.
Many Vancouver-area housing co-ops are
members of VanCity and participate in
“You must never tell your children that they can’t do something. You have
to be strong and support your kids one hundred percent. Children who
know what they want in life can achieve it, whether they live in a co-op or
not.”
Both Chautauqua and Duffin’s Creek are proud of their co-op Olympians.
Van Koeverden has paid a visit to the co-op to have his picture taken with
co-op kids and sign autographs. “The kids at the co-op love Perdita,” says
Moe, “Every day, someone is asking me about her and how she’s doing.”
Moe reports that Duffin’s Creek organized a big party for members to
watch Felicien compete – and “they wouldn’t even let me help with the
cleanup”.
CHF BC’s CHIP program.
Co-operative Trust Company of Canada
and The Co-operators General Insurance
Company Ltd, also made the list of
Canada’s Top 100 Employers.
2
As a result, many co-ops are turning away applicants who need subsidy. The
number of low-income households living in these co-ops is steadily going
down all across Canada.
For more information:
CBC.ca profile of Adam Van Koeverden
http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/indepth/van_koeverden/index.html
CBC.ca profile of Perdita Felicien
http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/indepth/felicien/index.html
Many Section 95 co-ops are
experiencing a shortage of incometested assistance. Co-ops have tried
different ways to make incometested assistance go further. They
have stopped accepting lowerincome members. They have
increased the percentage of income
they charge to income-tested
members. And they have increased
the minimum housing charges
members have to pay. Some co-ops
CHF Canada members passed a resolution at the 2004 AGM, asking that
CHF Canada pursue this matter as an urgent priority. They also asked for
information to help co-ops deal with the impact of subsidy decreases. But
the main message from members was clear – the federal government needs
to make more subsidy available.
“We are doing what we can to help our members,” says Nicholas Gazzard,
CHF Canada’s acting Executive Director. “But the government must do
its share as well. We want a reinvestment by government in low-income
subsidy in the Section 95 program.”
Gazzard says that giving existing co-ops the subsidy they need is a great way
for the government to start addressing today’s critical shortage of affordable
housing. “It is a very efficient approach,” he adds, “offering fast results for
every new dollar invested. The housing is already there – let’s make sure it’s
affordable for low-income Canadians.”
Joe Fontana, the Minister Responsible for CMHC, told CHF Canada that
the loss of subsidy was not the intention of the program and that
co-ops shouldn’t have to suffer. He promised to look into the problem.
With CHF Canada, member federations are surveying co-ops to get
more details on the effect of lower subsidy on co-ops and their members.
“We’ll be keeping the pressure on government until we have a solution,”
Gazzard says. In the meantime, some co-ops are temporarily solving the
subsidy shortage. They are doing this by using the savings from their lower
mortgage payments to create an internal source of subsidy (see sidebar).
have even tried to lower their
housing charges to reduce the need
for income-tested assistance.
But lowering housing charges won’t
work for long. Modest annual
increases make good financial sense
for most co-ops. Without them,
there can be a lack of money for
maintenance and replacements, with
disastrous results over time.
There is a better way to cope
with a shortage of income-tested
assistance. Instead of lowering the
housing charges when the mortgage
payment goes down, some co-ops
use the savings to create an internal
source of subsidy. This money
can then be used to reduce the
housing charges paid by low-income
households.
Co-ops can plan for internal subsidy
by including it in their operating
budget. You can use internal subsidy
to help households who qualify for
a reduced housing charge. You can
learn more about how to do this in
Make sure you respond to the survey from your local federation or fill out
the response form on the CHF Canada website at http://members.chfc.ca/
eng/pages/section95.asp. We’ll be adding new resources and information as
the campaign continues.
a guide on CHF Canada’s Members’
Network at http://members.chfc.ca/
eng/pages/resources_coop.asp#S95.
15
11
Fewer insurance claims can
lead to lower premiums
Birthday wishes to
Jim MacDonald
C
C
HF Canada’s commercial insurance program
offers your co-op great coverage at an affordable
rate. And our commercial insurance program
continues to grow rapidly as a result, with 70 new
co-ops joining this year. In fact, 94 percent of our
members now participate in this program.
The program also gives you the information you need
to help make your co-op a safer place to live. Each
co-op insured through CHF Canada’s commercial
insurance program receives a risk management kit to
help members improve their co-op’s safety.
Risk management is also an important part of keeping
your insurance rates down. While the occasional claim
doesn’t have much of an impact on rates, large liability
claims can hurt. Poor claims experience means an
average increase of 15 percent for most co-ops in
2005. But, according to Linda Stephenson,
CHF Canada’s Manager of Commercial Services,
“working together to manage our risks and reduce
claims not only builds safer communities – it can lead
to lower premiums as well.”
For more information on risk management, read the
Commercial Insurance Update included with your
2005 renewal package or contact Linda Stephenson at
1-800-465-2752, ext. 234.
Governor General compliments
housing co-op
“As Canadians we accept that citizenship brings
with it certain duties and responsibilities to
others. Co-operative living is the ultimate
expression of this philosophy.”
Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, May 29,
2004, in a letter sent to David B. Archer Housing
Co-op for its 25th anniversary.
10
14
ongratulations to
Jim MacDonald,
who celebrated his
85th birthday on
November 7. Jim’s work
through the Canadian
Labour Congress
and the National
Labour Co-operative
Committee led
to the founding
of CHF Canada.
CHF Canada’s Jim
MacDonald award,
launched in 1988,
honours Jim’s work and
recognizes innovative
projects driven by members of housing co-ops. For
more information, see the brochure included with this
issue of Newsbriefs or contact Pat McClain, Member
Relations Officer, by phone at 1-877-533-2667,
ext. 121 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Promoting an addition
to co-op principles
The grass above our heads:
Hugh Garner Co-op’s Green Roof project
by Yolande Mennie
I
magine a park in the sky. Imagine it in the middle
“At 24,000 square feet, this will be the largest residential
of Cabbagetown, one of Toronto’s highest-density
Green Roof in Canada,” says Eleanor McDonald, a
neighbourhoods. Imagine paths, picnic tables,
member involved in the project. Part of the roof will be
benches, planters, a stream, birds and butterflies – all
used as social space. Another portion will be a service
eight stories up. This is what
area, covered only with grass. The
Hugh
Garner
Co-op’s
Green
the members of Hugh Garner
co-op recently obtained a Trillium
Roof promises to conserve
Housing Co-op decided to create
Foundation grant that will help
energy and improve air quality to cover the costs of the basic roof
when it came time to replace the
while offering members a
building’s aging roof.
installation. They are fundraising
haven in the sky.
for specific design elements they
A Green Roof is a concept that
want to see included, such as
is gaining ground, in more ways than one. It consists
making the roof garden fully accessible to wheelchairs,
of a waterproof and root-repellent membrane, a
and installing solar panels, a stream, and shade
drainage system, anywhere from two inches to three
structures.
feet of soil, and plants. Although more expensive than
conventional roofs, it lasts twice as long, and provides
“We hope to begin construction of the new roof in
many benefits, including energy savings (the building
March or April of 2005” says McDonald, “and to have a
is cooler in summer and warmer in winter), reduced
complete new Green Roof by this time next year.”
runoff from rain and snow (which are absorbed by the
roof and collected in a reservoir for use), improved
For more information on the Green Roof project, visit
air quality (a green roof filters pollutants from the
the co-op’s website at www.hughgarner.com, or write to
air), sound insulation, and a green space for use by
[email protected].
members and the community.
A
t CHF Canada’s 2002 annual meeting,
members passed a resolution to add progressive
employment practices to the International
Co-operative Principles. It also asked CHF Canada
to seek the support of its partners in the Canadian
co-operative movement. In response, a resolution
was passed at this year’s meeting of the Canadian
Co-operative Association.
Jennifer Murdoch, who presented the CHF Canada
resolution to the CCA meeting said, “Staff fit in
differently and fill different roles in each of the
sectors represented within co-operatives, but staff is
commonly well respected in all.”
3
Federations look to the future
T
he largest federations event in CHF Canada’s
history was held in Ottawa from October 14-17,
2004. Over 50 people registered for the conference,
Managing to our Strengths. The two themes were:
building a strong future for the co-op housing
movement and
strengthening management in housing co-ops
Friday opened with a plenary session on Getting
management (and governance) right in housing
co-ops. Participants talked about how to help co-ops
implement the core management standards that were
adopted as part of the AGM resolution.
Alex Munter, a former Ottawa city councillor and
long-time housing advocate, gave a dynamic and
thought-provoking speech at the Friday lunch. He
started with the quote:
“A large stock of aging and substandard
housing... with a substantial number of
households living in crowded conditions or
paying shelter costs they could ill afford.”
While Munter’s words accurately describe the housing
situation in Canada today, it is actually from a
government report that led to the creation of CMHC
and the federal government’s role in housing in 1945.
Munter pointed out that the federal government
agreed to the first co-op housing program in a
political climate very similar to today’s. Then, he said,
“from the ground up, communities got organized and
put pressure on the government.” Today, 1.7 million
Canadian households are in need of decent, safe,
affordable housing. Munter urged the co-op sector to
continue to press for new housing programs.
There were also sessions on helping co-ops in
difficulty, planning for the end of the operating
agreement, the political horizon, successful education
programs and the role of the new agency in securing
the future of housing co-ops.
4
Several federations took advantage of the networking
lunch on Saturday to present some of their current
projects. Peel/Halton Co-op Housing Federation
showed a new orientation video they had developed
and CHF BC presented information on their Opening
Doors project to help house women leaving abusive
relationships.
“The conference gave me new ideas that will help our
education program,” said Sue Moorhead, CHF BC’s
education director, “and some new approaches to
things we already have in place.”
Agency Board meets
The board of directors of the new Co-operative
Housing Programs Administration Agency met for the
second time on November 12. The national agency
was incorporated on July 28. It is a co-operative,
incorporated under the Canada Cooperatives Act with
CHF Canada as the only member. The regionally
based board of directors will meet quarterly.
CHF Canada expects a service agreement between
CMHC and the agency by January 31, 2005. For
more information and for biographies of the directors,
visit our website at http://members.chfc.ca/eng/pages/
agency.asp.
2005 priorities
CHF Canada’s Board of Directors set these priorities
for work in 2005:
Implementing the new national agency
Fixing Ontario’s Social Housing Reform Act
Solving the Section 95 subsidy problem
Helping co-ops prepare for the end of their
operating agreements
Helping leaky co-ops
Getting new funding for co-op housing
SPEC IAL
Why bother? Beyond the obvious
– attending great workshops
and activities, meeting fellow
co-operators, taking part in
the business meeting – your
involvement in the AGM reinforces
an important co-operative principle:
democratic control. CHF Canada
is a co-operative of housing co-ops.
So, just like in your own co-op,
your views as a member are critical
to our democratic functioning.
And even though we’re here for you
year-round, the AGM is your best
opportunity to have your say and
contribute to the ongoing success of
our movement.
So don’t miss a single chance to
get involved in this year’s annual
meeting. First, make sure your
co-op registers a delegate, and
perhaps an alternate too. Second,
give staff and other members
a chance to build skills to help
your co-op prosper by sending
them to the AGM as well. And
finally, get your resolutions to
us by March 11, 2005. Go to
www.chfc.coop to download a
resolutions form.
Start planning now
The 2005 AGM will be held in
Edmonton, June 16-18. Even
though it’s still several months away,
your co-op should start planning
now. By planning ahead, you can
benefit from early registration
fees and cheaper airfare, get the
workshops you want and reserve a
room in the hotel you want. Here
are a few simple steps to help you.
2005
AGM
REP ORT
1
Pick your delegate: As your
co-op’s voting representative,
the AGM delegate plays a very
important role. Make sure your
co-op has a process in place and
select your 2005 AGM delegate as
soon as possible.
2
Budget: Registration fees,
travel, accommodations and per
diems – budget now for your AGM
costs. You can find information to
help you do this at www.chfc.coop.
Special guest speaker
Stephen Lewis
Don’t miss the chance to hear the
guest speaker at this AGM. Stephen
Lewis was appointed by the UN in
2001 as Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS
in Africa. Formerly with UNICEF, he
has acted as a passionate advocate
for the rights and needs of children.
A former Canadian ambassador to
the United Nations, Lewis chaired
the first International Conference on
3
Register: Visit the AGM
information centre in the new
year to register online. We’ll also
mail a registration package to your
co-op office in January. You can
use the form to register as many
members as you can and send it
back to CHF Canada.
Climate Change, which drew up the
first comprehensive policy on global
warming.
Lewis recently created the Stephen
Lewis Foundation, which helps
African women dying of AIDS, and
supports orphans and other children
affected by AIDS.
Where to get more
information
Online: Check out www.chfc.coop
for AGM news, resources and
links to key Edmonton sites.
Newsbriefs: Look for your
“Special 2005 AGM Report” in
upcoming issues of Newsbriefs.
Mail: Watch your
co-op’s mail for
AGM materials.
Your registration
package should
be delivered
towards the end
of January.
©20
01 J
osh
u
a Be
rson
13
S PECIA L
2 0 0 5
AG M
R E PORT
Building your 2005 AGM:
Less is more
by Stephanie Ballantyne
A shorter AGM, lower delegate fees and
streamlined materials will make it easier and
more affordable for members to attend next year’s
meeting in Edmonton.
I
f you’ve ever attended
CHF Canada’s Annual General
Meeting (AGM), you already have
a good idea what it’s all about.
There’s a buzz of excitement in the
air – uniting, sharing, learning,
voting, celebrating... As the meeting
draws to a close, you bid a fond
farewell to friends, new and old.
You head home full of knowledge
to help your co-op run better, with
the sense of pride that comes from
shaping the future of our co-op
housing movement.
For those who are unfamiliar with
it, the AGM is many events in one.
It is the premier co-op housing
education event for members and
co-op staff. It includes a youth
forum for young co-operators,
ages 16 to 23. Members have the
chance to get together with others
from their region, in the meeting
12
of Ontario members or in regional
caucuses. It also includes the
business meeting – an opportunity
for members to discuss issues
and vote on the resolutions that
determine CHF Canada’s priorities
for the coming year.
Downsizing promises a
better AGM in 2005
Feedback from last year’s AGM
in Quebec City clearly shows that
members want change. We’ve
taken this into account and you
can expect a shorter AGM, lower
delegate fees and streamlined
materials for your 2005 AGM in
Edmonton.
First, with a little reorganization,
we’re reducing the length of the
annual meeting by a day, without
cutting anything out. Member
workshops will start on Thursday
instead of Wednesday and the
business meeting will be held on
Saturday only. This means a day less
in hotel and per diem costs for most
co-ops.
Second, we’re continuing to help
delegates attend the AGM by
lowering delegate registration fees
for 2005.
Finally, we’re doing our best to
streamline materials and develop
online resources. For the first time
ever, you’ll be able to register for
the AGM using the Internet. You’ll
still be sent a registration package
by mail, but it will also tell you how
to register online. And the more we
can do online, the better. It saves
paper, time and money – savings
that will help us keep the AGM as
affordable as possible in the years to
come.
Get involved:
Help shape the future
of co-op housing
We’re doing what we can to
improve the AGM and make it
easier for members to attend. But
co-ops still need to make an effort
to get involved, plan ahead and
send a delegate to Edmonton for
the 2005 AGM.
Regional update
NEWFOUNDLAND
NLHC event
Newfoundland and Labrador
Housing Corporation held a
successful event for housing co-ops
in September. NLHC, which
administers federal co-op programs
in that province, offered a full day
of workshops for co-ops. Barb
Casey, of Pathways Housing
Services, a new operational services
group in Nova Scotia, presented
one workshop. The event was
attended by 17 of the province’s 24
co-ops. There was a social in the
evening.
CHANAL meeting
CHANAL, the provincial federation
in Newfoundland and Labrador,
held its fall general membership
meeting in October to approve the
2005 budget and hear reports on
federation activities. Speaking for
CHF Canada were regional director
David Boyde and Ros Langer, who
was recently elected as the Atlantic
Representative on CHF Canada’s
Federations Committee.
P R I N C E E D WA R D I S L A N D
Westridge Estates wins
beautification award
Congratulations to Westridge
Estates in Charlottetown, which
won the City of Charlottetown’s
Make Our Hometown Beautiful
award for the second time.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Education conference
BRUNCH held its 10th annual
education conference on
October 30, in co-operation with
CHF Canada. Topics included a
two-part session on running small
co-ops and a workshop on chairing
successful meetings.
NOVA SCOTIA
CHF Canada hosts
co-op event
CHF Canada’s Nova Scotia office
hosted an event for members in
September. Members enjoyed the
chance to talk about co-op issues
in an informal setting. Discussion
topics ranged from maintenance to
good governance. The event was a
success and another one is planned
for December 4. The region has
also arranged several conference
calls for the Nova Scotia Advisory
Committee.
Co-op in Lower Sackville held its
annual Fall cleanup day. Members,
including children, worked hard
to spruce up the co-op, and then
celebrated with a corn boil, hot
dogs and Karaoke.
QUEBEC
Housing co-ops win
CMHC award
Montreal’s Couvent de St-Henri
Housing Cooperative and La
Corvée co-op in Saint-Camille,
Quebec are among 15 winners in
this year’s Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporation’s (CMHC)
Housing Awards. The awards
recognize initiatives that have
contributed to improving the
affordability of housing.
The development of Couvent de
St-Henri Housing Cooperative
involved the conversion of an
institutional building built in the
1960s. While the architectural
character of the building was
preserved, and the high ceilings
were kept, the building was changed
substantially to meet the needs of
the members.
Co-op celebrations
Nova Scotia regional director Thom
Shields and JoAnn Bidgood,
Member Services Co-ordinator,
attended Charles Court Housing
Co-op’s AGM and the reception
that followed. Crossroads Housing
La Corvée, la Coop de Solidarité
en Soins et Services of SaintCamille, Quebec began a health
services co-op in 2000 and later
developed a housing co-operative.
Thanks to financing from the
province’s AccèsLogis program, the
5
co-operative built five accessible
housing units and converted
an existing building into four
more housing units, a health
clinic, a community kitchen, a
common room and an office. The
development includes a community
garden.
O N TA R I O
High turnout for London
education day
Insurance partners HB Group
(MemberGuard, AutoGuard) and
Morneau-Sobeco presented their
programs for co-op members and
employees. St. Willibrord Credit
Union, serving 22 member co-ops
in the region, brought greetings.
Thanks to all these partners for
donating door prizes, and for
sponsoring a great lunch.
This was CHF Canada’s largest
2004 regional education event. “An
amazing education conference,”
said Mary Jo Winkler-Callighen,
from the Spirit of 1919 Housing
Co-op, who attended several
workshops. “Can’t wait for next
October!”
London-area members will host
CHF Canada’s members in just
two years, when the 2006 annual
meeting is held in London.
Riverdale celebrates 30 years
CHF Canada members from South
Western Ontario gather for the annual
education day in London.
More than 70 members from 23
co-ops in Southwestern Ontario
packed CHF Canada’s annual
training event in London on
October 23. Workshops focused
on such important issues as being
a successful board member, filling
vacant units, getting and keeping
good management, and coping with
Ontario’s Social Housing Reform
Act. Members met with Ontario
Co-op Cost Cutters partners
Home Depot Supply, Appliance
Canada, Phelps, Grand and Toy
and ICI Paint/Colour Your World.
6
regional director Heather Blake
represented CHF Canada at the
event.
CHF BC opens doors for women
leaving abusive relationships
Chord turns 10
by Jelena Putnik, Domestic Violence Education Project Director, CHF BC
O
Members volunteer at the grill for Chord
Housing Co-op’s 10th anniversary.
Chord Housing Co-operative
celebrated its ten-year anniversary
in October. The day was a huge
success. Members and their families
came out to celebrate. Guest
speakers included Ivy Tait, from
CHF Canada’s Ontario Region,
Lisa Hampton and Patrick
Newman, from the Co-operative
Housing Federation of Toronto.
The anniversary featured musical
entertainment, games, a talent show
and a potluck with many dishes
celebrating the co-op’s cultural
diversity. There was even local
media coverage by City Pulse.
Young members celebrate Riverdale Co-op’s
30th anniversary.
Congratulations to Riverdale
Co-operative Houses in Toronto.
The co-op held its 30th Anniversary
Dinner on October 23. Ontario
This event was especially important
to the co-op, as only six months
ago they were devastated by a fire.
See pictures and a news clip on
Precision Property Management’s
website, www.ppmgmt.ca, under
What’s new.
pening Doors: welcoming women leaving abusive
relationships into our co-ops is CHF BC’s
new education campaign to help women leaving
abusive relationships find safe, affordable housing.
It encourages co-ops to give these women priority to
units when they become available. For many women,
finding safe, affordable housing for themselves and
their children is the key to successfully leaving an
abusive relationship. As Lisa Rupert, manager of
Munroe second stage shelter in Vancouver put it,
”Women are caught between a rock and a hard place
… If they can’t find affordable housing, many feel
they have no option but to return to their abusive
relationship.”
Up to now, getting into co-ops has been very difficult
for many women leaving abusive relationships. Long
waiting lists and shares costs (most BC co-ops require
membership share purchase) were often a barrier. The
Opening Doors campaign with the Domestic Violence
Relief Fund* hopes to change this. The Fund offers
up to $1000 interest-free loans to low-income women
fleeing abuse. The loans go to pay the share cost
when joining a co-op. It has already been a help to a
number of new housing co-op members in BC.
When co-ops welcome women leaving abusive
relationships, everyone gains. As one co-op board
member and woman who left an abusive relationship
put it, “When women and children live in a
community that’s safe, they thrive … and give back to
their community – give lots.”
For more information about CHF BC’s Opening
Doors campaign and the Domestic Violence Relief
Fund, visit www.chf.bc.ca/openingdoors/main.html or
contact Jelena Putnik, Domestic Violence Education
Project Director at CHF BC, 604-879-5111, ext 146,
[email protected].
*The Domestic Violence Relief Fund is a program of the Community
Housing Land Trust Foundation, the charitable arm of CHF BC.
CHF BC is sending posters
about the program to BC
housing co-ops and
holding information
sessions. Brochures
for women staying in
transition houses explain
how co-ops might be a
good option for them
and give information
on how to apply.
11
MANITOBA
CHF Canada news
AFN joins as sponsoring
organization
Co-op housing locator
added to website
CHF Canada would like to
welcome the Assembly of First
Nations (AFN), which has joined
CHF Canada as a sponsoring
organization. The AFN is the
national representative organization
of the First Nations in Canada.
There are over 630 First Nations
communities in Canada.
We’ve added a new feature to our
website to help people interested in
moving into co-operative housing.
The co-op locator provides the
mailing address, e-mail and website
where available for housing co-ops,
as well as information on how
to apply. There are links to the
regional federation websites for
more information. We hope this
will be a useful resource
both for people
hoping to find co-op
housing and co-ops
wanting to fill vacant
units. Visit our website
at members.chfc.ca/
cooplocator/eng/about_
3.asp.
Strategic plan
2005- 2010
CHF Canada
mailed a copy
of our Strategic
Plan 20052010 to all
members
early in
November. It
is also available on our
website at http://members.chfc.ca/
eng/pages/resources_chfc.asp. We
hope you’ll look at this plan and
consider how it applies to your
housing co-op. We’d like to hear
your feedback. Please contact:
Merrilee Robson
Communications Officer
CHF Canada
204-5550 Fraser Street
E-mail: [email protected]
Or log on to Co-op Talk on our
website to talk about the plan with
other members.
10
Alexandra Wilson named
distinguished co-operator
Co-op housing forum to
profile housing solution
A co-op housing forum scheduled
for Dec. 2 and 3 will provide an
opportunity for Manitobans to learn
more about the advantages and
financial benefits of co-operative
housing. CHF Canada’s acting
Executive Director Nicholas Gazzard
Members get together for CHF Canada’s
and President René Daoust will
education event in Saskatoon.
participate. For more information,
visit <http://www.chfc.ca/eng/chf/
A L B E R TA
chfc_6.htm>
Agency update
CHF Canada recognizes
Linda Stephenson’s
20 years of service
Alexandra Wilson, CHF Canada’s
Executive Director, received
the Ontario Distinguished
Co-operator Award from the
Ontario Co-operative Association
(On Co-op), at the Spirit Awards
ceremony, October 20. She was
nominated by CHF Canada, the
Co-operative Trust Company of
Canada, and CS Co-op in Ottawa.
October 1 marked a special
occasion: the 20th anniversary
of Linda Stephenson’s arrival
at CHF Canada. Linda,
CHF Canada’s meeting planner
and Commercial Services Officer,
is responsible for organizing
our annual meeting and for our
successful insurance programs.
“She has the thanks of all the
CHF Canada family for everything
she has accomplished for us,” said
Nick Sidor, Director of Corporate
Affairs, “and for how professionally
and expertly she has represented us
over the years.”
Alexandra currently serves as a
director of The Co-operators
Insurance Company and Citizens
Bank, and as a member of
the Credit Committee of CS
Co-op. She also works with the
International Co-operative Alliance
as CHF Canada’s representative on
the Housing Committee. She first
became involved in co-operative
housing in 1974 when she led
a successful Toronto campaign
to thwart a landlord’s plan to
transform a historic development
into high-priced condominiums.
Goldeye brings co-ops
together to support good
management
CHF Canada’s Manitoba office
hosted two events on November 9
to update members on the newly
incorporated national agency for the
administration of federal housing
co-ops. Christopher Wilson,
CHF Canada’s government relations
consultant, attended to answer
questions. A meeting with Christine
Melnick, Manitoba Minister of
Family Services and Housing, was
scheduled for the same day, with
the future administration of the
Manitoba federal co-op housing
portfolio as the main item on the
agenda.
Kalaka barbeques for
Rooftops
Kalaka Housing Co-op in
Edmonton held a barbeque this
summer. Deryl Thompson, the
President of Rooftops Canada
– Abri International presented
information on international
development. The co-op donated
$10 per unit to support that work
One hundred percent of the co-op
members attended and everyone
had a good time.
S A S K AT C H E WA N
Saskatoon education event
CHF Canada held a successful
education event in Saskatoon on
October 2. Attendees learned more
about CHF Canada’s self-evaluation
tool that co-ops can use to improve
board performance.
Kalaka members enjoy good food and good
times at their summer barbeque while raising
money for Rooftops Canada.
The two Alberta federations got
together October 1-3 for the annual
Goldeye conference. NACHA will
host CHF Canada’s 2005 annual
meeting in Edmonton, with
support from their fellow co-op
members in Calgary.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
BC co-ops celebrate Co-op
Housing Day
Young co-op member receives certificate for
participating in Kids Art Contest at this year’s
Co-op Housing Day where members gathered
together to celebrate “Youth in Co-ops”.
CHF BC celebrated Co-op
Housing Day on October 23.
This year’s Co-op Week theme was
“Youth in Co-ops” and CHF BC
and CHF Canada sponsored a
Co-op Kids Art Contest. The art
was displayed at CHF BC’s Fall
Education conference, which was
held the same day, and the young
artists received prizes for their work
during the conference lunch hour.
7
COPY &
At the 2004 Annual General Meeting, CHF Canada’s members adopted Core
Management Standards for housing co-ops. Members also decided that these
standards, set out in Managing to Our Strengths, should be promoted across the
country. This article is the first in a series about management and governance and
what co-ops can do to improve them.
W
hat does governance mean
for housing co-operatives?
What do we mean when we
talk about good governance? Governance
is about decisions. And it’s about the
people we trust to make those decisions
wisely. Good governance means making
decisions that will protect an organization,
making sure it meets its goals and protects
its assets. In a housing co-operative, that
means meeting the affordable housing
goals the co-op has set, watching out for
the well-being of the members and looking
after the financial and physical assets of
the co-op – the money and the buildings.
Good governance is about meeting a
duty of trust to the co-op, putting its
needs before personal ones. This duty is
called a fiduciary duty, which is an ethical
responsibility. Good governance and ethics
are inseparable.
How does good
governance work in
a co-op?
It begins with the members. Members
must make decisions in the best interests
of the co-op. Members are responsible for
important decisions:
approving budgets and housing
charges that support the co-op’s
operations;
making good decisions on policy and
by-law matters;
and choosing a strong, committed
board of directors.
8
POST
Good governance in your housing co-op
Have directors sign ethical
conduct agreements
Review management
outcomes regularly
Let your members know
what the board is doing
Ethics and good governance go together.
Directors should sign ethical conduct
agreements that require a director to
Although the board doesn’t carry out the
management of the co-op, it must make
sure that the co-op gets (and keeps) good
management. Regularly review how you
are doing with:
Good communication will make your
co-op stronger. It also creates trust and
confidence between board, management,
committees, and members. Newsletters,
reports to members, and presentations at
members’ meetings are all good ways of
communicating.
declare any conflict of interest,
respect confidentiality,
follow the by-laws and policies of the
co-op,
resign if the director is in arrears, and
support board decisions.
Electing the board is one of the most
important decisions members make each
year. A strong board is one where all the
positions are filled and directors serve
their full term. That means making good
decisions at election time about which
candidates are best suited to lead the
co-op.
The less directors are drawn into the
administration of the co-op, the more
they can focus on these vitally important
governance functions. This isn’t always
easy; here are some tips:
Be clear about the board’s role
and provide training
Hold an annual planning session
for the board
Most of the responsibility for good
governance rests with the board of
directors, which provides direction to
management. But sometimes there can be
confusion about these roles.
An important governance function for the
board is the legal responsibility for money
and property that belong to the co-op. The
directors are the trustees of the co-op’s
assets. They must carry out their duties
Because good governance means setting
goals and evaluating outcomes, some
planning is needed. Hold an annual board
planning meeting, with a capable facilitator.
Set some basic operating objectives for the
year, like getting a reserve fund study done,
for example, or improving maintenance
response. The board can then use the plan
to assess the performance of management
– but make sure the manager knows what
the plan is and has input into it.
Getting the
governance and
management roles
straight
There can be uncertainty about where to
draw the line between the board’s role and
the role of management. This can lead to
inefficiency and sometimes to tension and
conflict.
Volunteers don’t need to collect housing
charges, receive work orders, organize
repairs, do the books or any of the other
day-to-day chores that are the work of
co-op management. The board’s job is
good governance:
establishing the overall direction of the
co-op,
setting goals and evaluating outcomes,
including the financial outcomes, and
evaluating the work of the co-op’s
management.
honestly,
in good faith, and
in the best interest of the co-op.
The board is also responsible for ensuring
there is good management in the co-op.
And don’t forget, authority rests only with
the board as a whole, not with individual
directors.
Make sure you provide regular training for
directors. Be sure to invite members who
are interested in running for the board to
attend the training as well. Board training
is available through local federations, at the
CHF Canada AGM and at regional events
throughout the year.
the co-op’s finances – by looking at
monthly financial reports and asking
questions about them
the repair and maintenance of the
co-op – by receiving maintenance
reports from your management
keeping the co-op full – by asking your
manager for vacancy and marketing
reports
meeting your legal responsibilities
– by asking your manager to confirm
that you are in compliance with
any provincial laws and regulations
for co-ops and with your operating
agreement
achieving any operating plans you
have set for the year – by receiving
progress reports from your managers
and any committees that have a role in
your annual plan.
Hold an annual meeting
and other members’ meetings
as needed
Legally, co-ops must hold an annual
meeting to approve the audited financial
statements. If there are important issues to
talk about or decisions to make that affect
everyone, hold a members’ meeting.
Recruit new directors
to fill vacancies and look
for new leaders
Invite members who would make good
directors to run for the board. Hold an
information session before the election
meeting to talk about what the board
does. Be realistic about how much time
you expect directors to spend on board
business. And encourage long-serving
directors to take on new tasks or challenges
to allow new leaders to step forward.
Invest in your future leaders. Provide
training for potential leaders so they are
prepared for their responsibilities.
Have a regular schedule
of board meetings
Most members lead busy lives. A regular
schedule will increase the chances of
directors attending every meeting. This
will help your co-op run efficiently and
effectively. When directors miss meetings,
the board may have to discuss the same
issues over and over again. So set the dates
of your board meetings well in advance.
The board needs to evaluate regularly how
well the co-op is running and to make any
needed changes.
To learn more about the core management
standards, visit the CHF Canada website
at http://members.chfc.ca/eng/pages/
resources_coop.asp#Coremgmt.
9
COPY &
At the 2004 Annual General Meeting, CHF Canada’s members adopted Core
Management Standards for housing co-ops. Members also decided that these
standards, set out in Managing to Our Strengths, should be promoted across the
country. This article is the first in a series about management and governance and
what co-ops can do to improve them.
W
hat does governance mean
for housing co-operatives?
What do we mean when we
talk about good governance? Governance
is about decisions. And it’s about the
people we trust to make those decisions
wisely. Good governance means making
decisions that will protect an organization,
making sure it meets its goals and protects
its assets. In a housing co-operative, that
means meeting the affordable housing
goals the co-op has set, watching out for
the well-being of the members and looking
after the financial and physical assets of
the co-op – the money and the buildings.
Good governance is about meeting a
duty of trust to the co-op, putting its
needs before personal ones. This duty is
called a fiduciary duty, which is an ethical
responsibility. Good governance and ethics
are inseparable.
How does good
governance work in
a co-op?
It begins with the members. Members
must make decisions in the best interests
of the co-op. Members are responsible for
important decisions:
approving budgets and housing
charges that support the co-op’s
operations;
making good decisions on policy and
by-law matters;
and choosing a strong, committed
board of directors.
8
POST
Good governance in your housing co-op
Have directors sign ethical
conduct agreements
Review management
outcomes regularly
Let your members know
what the board is doing
Ethics and good governance go together.
Directors should sign ethical conduct
agreements that require a director to
Although the board doesn’t carry out the
management of the co-op, it must make
sure that the co-op gets (and keeps) good
management. Regularly review how you
are doing with:
Good communication will make your
co-op stronger. It also creates trust and
confidence between board, management,
committees, and members. Newsletters,
reports to members, and presentations at
members’ meetings are all good ways of
communicating.
declare any conflict of interest,
respect confidentiality,
follow the by-laws and policies of the
co-op,
resign if the director is in arrears, and
support board decisions.
Electing the board is one of the most
important decisions members make each
year. A strong board is one where all the
positions are filled and directors serve
their full term. That means making good
decisions at election time about which
candidates are best suited to lead the
co-op.
The less directors are drawn into the
administration of the co-op, the more
they can focus on these vitally important
governance functions. This isn’t always
easy; here are some tips:
Be clear about the board’s role
and provide training
Hold an annual planning session
for the board
Most of the responsibility for good
governance rests with the board of
directors, which provides direction to
management. But sometimes there can be
confusion about these roles.
An important governance function for the
board is the legal responsibility for money
and property that belong to the co-op. The
directors are the trustees of the co-op’s
assets. They must carry out their duties
Because good governance means setting
goals and evaluating outcomes, some
planning is needed. Hold an annual board
planning meeting, with a capable facilitator.
Set some basic operating objectives for the
year, like getting a reserve fund study done,
for example, or improving maintenance
response. The board can then use the plan
to assess the performance of management
– but make sure the manager knows what
the plan is and has input into it.
Getting the
governance and
management roles
straight
There can be uncertainty about where to
draw the line between the board’s role and
the role of management. This can lead to
inefficiency and sometimes to tension and
conflict.
Volunteers don’t need to collect housing
charges, receive work orders, organize
repairs, do the books or any of the other
day-to-day chores that are the work of
co-op management. The board’s job is
good governance:
establishing the overall direction of the
co-op,
setting goals and evaluating outcomes,
including the financial outcomes, and
evaluating the work of the co-op’s
management.
honestly,
in good faith, and
in the best interest of the co-op.
The board is also responsible for ensuring
there is good management in the co-op.
And don’t forget, authority rests only with
the board as a whole, not with individual
directors.
Make sure you provide regular training for
directors. Be sure to invite members who
are interested in running for the board to
attend the training as well. Board training
is available through local federations, at the
CHF Canada AGM and at regional events
throughout the year.
the co-op’s finances – by looking at
monthly financial reports and asking
questions about them
the repair and maintenance of the
co-op – by receiving maintenance
reports from your management
keeping the co-op full – by asking your
manager for vacancy and marketing
reports
meeting your legal responsibilities
– by asking your manager to confirm
that you are in compliance with
any provincial laws and regulations
for co-ops and with your operating
agreement
achieving any operating plans you
have set for the year – by receiving
progress reports from your managers
and any committees that have a role in
your annual plan.
Hold an annual meeting
and other members’ meetings
as needed
Legally, co-ops must hold an annual
meeting to approve the audited financial
statements. If there are important issues to
talk about or decisions to make that affect
everyone, hold a members’ meeting.
Recruit new directors
to fill vacancies and look
for new leaders
Invite members who would make good
directors to run for the board. Hold an
information session before the election
meeting to talk about what the board
does. Be realistic about how much time
you expect directors to spend on board
business. And encourage long-serving
directors to take on new tasks or challenges
to allow new leaders to step forward.
Invest in your future leaders. Provide
training for potential leaders so they are
prepared for their responsibilities.
Have a regular schedule
of board meetings
Most members lead busy lives. A regular
schedule will increase the chances of
directors attending every meeting. This
will help your co-op run efficiently and
effectively. When directors miss meetings,
the board may have to discuss the same
issues over and over again. So set the dates
of your board meetings well in advance.
The board needs to evaluate regularly how
well the co-op is running and to make any
needed changes.
To learn more about the core management
standards, visit the CHF Canada website
at http://members.chfc.ca/eng/pages/
resources_coop.asp#Coremgmt.
9
MANITOBA
CHF Canada news
AFN joins as sponsoring
organization
Co-op housing locator
added to website
CHF Canada would like to
welcome the Assembly of First
Nations (AFN), which has joined
CHF Canada as a sponsoring
organization. The AFN is the
national representative organization
of the First Nations in Canada.
There are over 630 First Nations
communities in Canada.
We’ve added a new feature to our
website to help people interested in
moving into co-operative housing.
The co-op locator provides the
mailing address, e-mail and website
where available for housing co-ops,
as well as information on how
to apply. There are links to the
regional federation websites for
more information. We hope this
will be a useful resource
both for people
hoping to find co-op
housing and co-ops
wanting to fill vacant
units. Visit our website
at members.chfc.ca/
cooplocator/eng/about_
3.asp.
Strategic plan
2005- 2010
CHF Canada
mailed a copy
of our Strategic
Plan 20052010 to all
members
early in
November. It
is also available on our
website at http://members.chfc.ca/
eng/pages/resources_chfc.asp. We
hope you’ll look at this plan and
consider how it applies to your
housing co-op. We’d like to hear
your feedback. Please contact:
Merrilee Robson
Communications Officer
CHF Canada
204-5550 Fraser Street
E-mail: [email protected]
Or log on to Co-op Talk on our
website to talk about the plan with
other members.
10
Alexandra Wilson named
distinguished co-operator
Co-op housing forum to
profile housing solution
A co-op housing forum scheduled
for Dec. 2 and 3 will provide an
opportunity for Manitobans to learn
more about the advantages and
financial benefits of co-operative
housing. CHF Canada’s acting
Executive Director Nicholas Gazzard
Members get together for CHF Canada’s
and President René Daoust will
education event in Saskatoon.
participate. For more information,
visit <http://www.chfc.ca/eng/chf/
A L B E R TA
chfc_6.htm>
Agency update
CHF Canada recognizes
Linda Stephenson’s
20 years of service
Alexandra Wilson, CHF Canada’s
Executive Director, received
the Ontario Distinguished
Co-operator Award from the
Ontario Co-operative Association
(On Co-op), at the Spirit Awards
ceremony, October 20. She was
nominated by CHF Canada, the
Co-operative Trust Company of
Canada, and CS Co-op in Ottawa.
October 1 marked a special
occasion: the 20th anniversary
of Linda Stephenson’s arrival
at CHF Canada. Linda,
CHF Canada’s meeting planner
and Commercial Services Officer,
is responsible for organizing
our annual meeting and for our
successful insurance programs.
“She has the thanks of all the
CHF Canada family for everything
she has accomplished for us,” said
Nick Sidor, Director of Corporate
Affairs, “and for how professionally
and expertly she has represented us
over the years.”
Alexandra currently serves as a
director of The Co-operators
Insurance Company and Citizens
Bank, and as a member of
the Credit Committee of CS
Co-op. She also works with the
International Co-operative Alliance
as CHF Canada’s representative on
the Housing Committee. She first
became involved in co-operative
housing in 1974 when she led
a successful Toronto campaign
to thwart a landlord’s plan to
transform a historic development
into high-priced condominiums.
Goldeye brings co-ops
together to support good
management
CHF Canada’s Manitoba office
hosted two events on November 9
to update members on the newly
incorporated national agency for the
administration of federal housing
co-ops. Christopher Wilson,
CHF Canada’s government relations
consultant, attended to answer
questions. A meeting with Christine
Melnick, Manitoba Minister of
Family Services and Housing, was
scheduled for the same day, with
the future administration of the
Manitoba federal co-op housing
portfolio as the main item on the
agenda.
Kalaka barbeques for
Rooftops
Kalaka Housing Co-op in
Edmonton held a barbeque this
summer. Deryl Thompson, the
President of Rooftops Canada
– Abri International presented
information on international
development. The co-op donated
$10 per unit to support that work
One hundred percent of the co-op
members attended and everyone
had a good time.
S A S K AT C H E WA N
Saskatoon education event
CHF Canada held a successful
education event in Saskatoon on
October 2. Attendees learned more
about CHF Canada’s self-evaluation
tool that co-ops can use to improve
board performance.
Kalaka members enjoy good food and good
times at their summer barbeque while raising
money for Rooftops Canada.
The two Alberta federations got
together October 1-3 for the annual
Goldeye conference. NACHA will
host CHF Canada’s 2005 annual
meeting in Edmonton, with
support from their fellow co-op
members in Calgary.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
BC co-ops celebrate Co-op
Housing Day
Young co-op member receives certificate for
participating in Kids Art Contest at this year’s
Co-op Housing Day where members gathered
together to celebrate “Youth in Co-ops”.
CHF BC celebrated Co-op
Housing Day on October 23.
This year’s Co-op Week theme was
“Youth in Co-ops” and CHF BC
and CHF Canada sponsored a
Co-op Kids Art Contest. The art
was displayed at CHF BC’s Fall
Education conference, which was
held the same day, and the young
artists received prizes for their work
during the conference lunch hour.
7
co-operative built five accessible
housing units and converted
an existing building into four
more housing units, a health
clinic, a community kitchen, a
common room and an office. The
development includes a community
garden.
O N TA R I O
High turnout for London
education day
Insurance partners HB Group
(MemberGuard, AutoGuard) and
Morneau-Sobeco presented their
programs for co-op members and
employees. St. Willibrord Credit
Union, serving 22 member co-ops
in the region, brought greetings.
Thanks to all these partners for
donating door prizes, and for
sponsoring a great lunch.
This was CHF Canada’s largest
2004 regional education event. “An
amazing education conference,”
said Mary Jo Winkler-Callighen,
from the Spirit of 1919 Housing
Co-op, who attended several
workshops. “Can’t wait for next
October!”
London-area members will host
CHF Canada’s members in just
two years, when the 2006 annual
meeting is held in London.
Riverdale celebrates 30 years
CHF Canada members from South
Western Ontario gather for the annual
education day in London.
More than 70 members from 23
co-ops in Southwestern Ontario
packed CHF Canada’s annual
training event in London on
October 23. Workshops focused
on such important issues as being
a successful board member, filling
vacant units, getting and keeping
good management, and coping with
Ontario’s Social Housing Reform
Act. Members met with Ontario
Co-op Cost Cutters partners
Home Depot Supply, Appliance
Canada, Phelps, Grand and Toy
and ICI Paint/Colour Your World.
6
regional director Heather Blake
represented CHF Canada at the
event.
CHF BC opens doors for women
leaving abusive relationships
Chord turns 10
by Jelena Putnik, Domestic Violence Education Project Director, CHF BC
O
Members volunteer at the grill for Chord
Housing Co-op’s 10th anniversary.
Chord Housing Co-operative
celebrated its ten-year anniversary
in October. The day was a huge
success. Members and their families
came out to celebrate. Guest
speakers included Ivy Tait, from
CHF Canada’s Ontario Region,
Lisa Hampton and Patrick
Newman, from the Co-operative
Housing Federation of Toronto.
The anniversary featured musical
entertainment, games, a talent show
and a potluck with many dishes
celebrating the co-op’s cultural
diversity. There was even local
media coverage by City Pulse.
Young members celebrate Riverdale Co-op’s
30th anniversary.
Congratulations to Riverdale
Co-operative Houses in Toronto.
The co-op held its 30th Anniversary
Dinner on October 23. Ontario
This event was especially important
to the co-op, as only six months
ago they were devastated by a fire.
See pictures and a news clip on
Precision Property Management’s
website, www.ppmgmt.ca, under
What’s new.
pening Doors: welcoming women leaving abusive
relationships into our co-ops is CHF BC’s
new education campaign to help women leaving
abusive relationships find safe, affordable housing.
It encourages co-ops to give these women priority to
units when they become available. For many women,
finding safe, affordable housing for themselves and
their children is the key to successfully leaving an
abusive relationship. As Lisa Rupert, manager of
Munroe second stage shelter in Vancouver put it,
”Women are caught between a rock and a hard place
… If they can’t find affordable housing, many feel
they have no option but to return to their abusive
relationship.”
Up to now, getting into co-ops has been very difficult
for many women leaving abusive relationships. Long
waiting lists and shares costs (most BC co-ops require
membership share purchase) were often a barrier. The
Opening Doors campaign with the Domestic Violence
Relief Fund* hopes to change this. The Fund offers
up to $1000 interest-free loans to low-income women
fleeing abuse. The loans go to pay the share cost
when joining a co-op. It has already been a help to a
number of new housing co-op members in BC.
When co-ops welcome women leaving abusive
relationships, everyone gains. As one co-op board
member and woman who left an abusive relationship
put it, “When women and children live in a
community that’s safe, they thrive … and give back to
their community – give lots.”
For more information about CHF BC’s Opening
Doors campaign and the Domestic Violence Relief
Fund, visit www.chf.bc.ca/openingdoors/main.html or
contact Jelena Putnik, Domestic Violence Education
Project Director at CHF BC, 604-879-5111, ext 146,
[email protected].
*The Domestic Violence Relief Fund is a program of the Community
Housing Land Trust Foundation, the charitable arm of CHF BC.
CHF BC is sending posters
about the program to BC
housing co-ops and
holding information
sessions. Brochures
for women staying in
transition houses explain
how co-ops might be a
good option for them
and give information
on how to apply.
11
S PECIA L
2 0 0 5
AG M
R E PORT
Building your 2005 AGM:
Less is more
by Stephanie Ballantyne
A shorter AGM, lower delegate fees and
streamlined materials will make it easier and
more affordable for members to attend next year’s
meeting in Edmonton.
I
f you’ve ever attended
CHF Canada’s Annual General
Meeting (AGM), you already have
a good idea what it’s all about.
There’s a buzz of excitement in the
air – uniting, sharing, learning,
voting, celebrating... As the meeting
draws to a close, you bid a fond
farewell to friends, new and old.
You head home full of knowledge
to help your co-op run better, with
the sense of pride that comes from
shaping the future of our co-op
housing movement.
For those who are unfamiliar with
it, the AGM is many events in one.
It is the premier co-op housing
education event for members and
co-op staff. It includes a youth
forum for young co-operators,
ages 16 to 23. Members have the
chance to get together with others
from their region, in the meeting
12
of Ontario members or in regional
caucuses. It also includes the
business meeting – an opportunity
for members to discuss issues
and vote on the resolutions that
determine CHF Canada’s priorities
for the coming year.
Downsizing promises a
better AGM in 2005
Feedback from last year’s AGM
in Quebec City clearly shows that
members want change. We’ve
taken this into account and you
can expect a shorter AGM, lower
delegate fees and streamlined
materials for your 2005 AGM in
Edmonton.
First, with a little reorganization,
we’re reducing the length of the
annual meeting by a day, without
cutting anything out. Member
workshops will start on Thursday
instead of Wednesday and the
business meeting will be held on
Saturday only. This means a day less
in hotel and per diem costs for most
co-ops.
Second, we’re continuing to help
delegates attend the AGM by
lowering delegate registration fees
for 2005.
Finally, we’re doing our best to
streamline materials and develop
online resources. For the first time
ever, you’ll be able to register for
the AGM using the Internet. You’ll
still be sent a registration package
by mail, but it will also tell you how
to register online. And the more we
can do online, the better. It saves
paper, time and money – savings
that will help us keep the AGM as
affordable as possible in the years to
come.
Get involved:
Help shape the future
of co-op housing
We’re doing what we can to
improve the AGM and make it
easier for members to attend. But
co-ops still need to make an effort
to get involved, plan ahead and
send a delegate to Edmonton for
the 2005 AGM.
Regional update
NEWFOUNDLAND
NLHC event
Newfoundland and Labrador
Housing Corporation held a
successful event for housing co-ops
in September. NLHC, which
administers federal co-op programs
in that province, offered a full day
of workshops for co-ops. Barb
Casey, of Pathways Housing
Services, a new operational services
group in Nova Scotia, presented
one workshop. The event was
attended by 17 of the province’s 24
co-ops. There was a social in the
evening.
CHANAL meeting
CHANAL, the provincial federation
in Newfoundland and Labrador,
held its fall general membership
meeting in October to approve the
2005 budget and hear reports on
federation activities. Speaking for
CHF Canada were regional director
David Boyde and Ros Langer, who
was recently elected as the Atlantic
Representative on CHF Canada’s
Federations Committee.
P R I N C E E D WA R D I S L A N D
Westridge Estates wins
beautification award
Congratulations to Westridge
Estates in Charlottetown, which
won the City of Charlottetown’s
Make Our Hometown Beautiful
award for the second time.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Education conference
BRUNCH held its 10th annual
education conference on
October 30, in co-operation with
CHF Canada. Topics included a
two-part session on running small
co-ops and a workshop on chairing
successful meetings.
NOVA SCOTIA
CHF Canada hosts
co-op event
CHF Canada’s Nova Scotia office
hosted an event for members in
September. Members enjoyed the
chance to talk about co-op issues
in an informal setting. Discussion
topics ranged from maintenance to
good governance. The event was a
success and another one is planned
for December 4. The region has
also arranged several conference
calls for the Nova Scotia Advisory
Committee.
Co-op in Lower Sackville held its
annual Fall cleanup day. Members,
including children, worked hard
to spruce up the co-op, and then
celebrated with a corn boil, hot
dogs and Karaoke.
QUEBEC
Housing co-ops win
CMHC award
Montreal’s Couvent de St-Henri
Housing Cooperative and La
Corvée co-op in Saint-Camille,
Quebec are among 15 winners in
this year’s Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporation’s (CMHC)
Housing Awards. The awards
recognize initiatives that have
contributed to improving the
affordability of housing.
The development of Couvent de
St-Henri Housing Cooperative
involved the conversion of an
institutional building built in the
1960s. While the architectural
character of the building was
preserved, and the high ceilings
were kept, the building was changed
substantially to meet the needs of
the members.
Co-op celebrations
Nova Scotia regional director Thom
Shields and JoAnn Bidgood,
Member Services Co-ordinator,
attended Charles Court Housing
Co-op’s AGM and the reception
that followed. Crossroads Housing
La Corvée, la Coop de Solidarité
en Soins et Services of SaintCamille, Quebec began a health
services co-op in 2000 and later
developed a housing co-operative.
Thanks to financing from the
province’s AccèsLogis program, the
5
Federations look to the future
T
he largest federations event in CHF Canada’s
history was held in Ottawa from October 14-17,
2004. Over 50 people registered for the conference,
Managing to our Strengths. The two themes were:
building a strong future for the co-op housing
movement and
strengthening management in housing co-ops
Friday opened with a plenary session on Getting
management (and governance) right in housing
co-ops. Participants talked about how to help co-ops
implement the core management standards that were
adopted as part of the AGM resolution.
Alex Munter, a former Ottawa city councillor and
long-time housing advocate, gave a dynamic and
thought-provoking speech at the Friday lunch. He
started with the quote:
“A large stock of aging and substandard
housing... with a substantial number of
households living in crowded conditions or
paying shelter costs they could ill afford.”
While Munter’s words accurately describe the housing
situation in Canada today, it is actually from a
government report that led to the creation of CMHC
and the federal government’s role in housing in 1945.
Munter pointed out that the federal government
agreed to the first co-op housing program in a
political climate very similar to today’s. Then, he said,
“from the ground up, communities got organized and
put pressure on the government.” Today, 1.7 million
Canadian households are in need of decent, safe,
affordable housing. Munter urged the co-op sector to
continue to press for new housing programs.
There were also sessions on helping co-ops in
difficulty, planning for the end of the operating
agreement, the political horizon, successful education
programs and the role of the new agency in securing
the future of housing co-ops.
4
Several federations took advantage of the networking
lunch on Saturday to present some of their current
projects. Peel/Halton Co-op Housing Federation
showed a new orientation video they had developed
and CHF BC presented information on their Opening
Doors project to help house women leaving abusive
relationships.
“The conference gave me new ideas that will help our
education program,” said Sue Moorhead, CHF BC’s
education director, “and some new approaches to
things we already have in place.”
Agency Board meets
The board of directors of the new Co-operative
Housing Programs Administration Agency met for the
second time on November 12. The national agency
was incorporated on July 28. It is a co-operative,
incorporated under the Canada Cooperatives Act with
CHF Canada as the only member. The regionally
based board of directors will meet quarterly.
CHF Canada expects a service agreement between
CMHC and the agency by January 31, 2005. For
more information and for biographies of the directors,
visit our website at http://members.chfc.ca/eng/pages/
agency.asp.
2005 priorities
CHF Canada’s Board of Directors set these priorities
for work in 2005:
Implementing the new national agency
Fixing Ontario’s Social Housing Reform Act
Solving the Section 95 subsidy problem
Helping co-ops prepare for the end of their
operating agreements
Helping leaky co-ops
Getting new funding for co-op housing
SPEC IAL
Why bother? Beyond the obvious
– attending great workshops
and activities, meeting fellow
co-operators, taking part in
the business meeting – your
involvement in the AGM reinforces
an important co-operative principle:
democratic control. CHF Canada
is a co-operative of housing co-ops.
So, just like in your own co-op,
your views as a member are critical
to our democratic functioning.
And even though we’re here for you
year-round, the AGM is your best
opportunity to have your say and
contribute to the ongoing success of
our movement.
So don’t miss a single chance to
get involved in this year’s annual
meeting. First, make sure your
co-op registers a delegate, and
perhaps an alternate too. Second,
give staff and other members
a chance to build skills to help
your co-op prosper by sending
them to the AGM as well. And
finally, get your resolutions to
us by March 11, 2005. Go to
www.chfc.coop to download a
resolutions form.
Start planning now
The 2005 AGM will be held in
Edmonton, June 16-18. Even
though it’s still several months away,
your co-op should start planning
now. By planning ahead, you can
benefit from early registration
fees and cheaper airfare, get the
workshops you want and reserve a
room in the hotel you want. Here
are a few simple steps to help you.
2005
AGM
REP ORT
1
Pick your delegate: As your
co-op’s voting representative,
the AGM delegate plays a very
important role. Make sure your
co-op has a process in place and
select your 2005 AGM delegate as
soon as possible.
2
Budget: Registration fees,
travel, accommodations and per
diems – budget now for your AGM
costs. You can find information to
help you do this at www.chfc.coop.
Special guest speaker
Stephen Lewis
Don’t miss the chance to hear the
guest speaker at this AGM. Stephen
Lewis was appointed by the UN in
2001 as Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS
in Africa. Formerly with UNICEF, he
has acted as a passionate advocate
for the rights and needs of children.
A former Canadian ambassador to
the United Nations, Lewis chaired
the first International Conference on
3
Register: Visit the AGM
information centre in the new
year to register online. We’ll also
mail a registration package to your
co-op office in January. You can
use the form to register as many
members as you can and send it
back to CHF Canada.
Climate Change, which drew up the
first comprehensive policy on global
warming.
Lewis recently created the Stephen
Lewis Foundation, which helps
African women dying of AIDS, and
supports orphans and other children
affected by AIDS.
Where to get more
information
Online: Check out www.chfc.coop
for AGM news, resources and
links to key Edmonton sites.
Newsbriefs: Look for your
“Special 2005 AGM Report” in
upcoming issues of Newsbriefs.
Mail: Watch your
co-op’s mail for
AGM materials.
Your registration
package should
be delivered
towards the end
of January.
©20
01 J
osh
u
a Be
rson
13
Fewer insurance claims can
lead to lower premiums
Birthday wishes to
Jim MacDonald
C
C
HF Canada’s commercial insurance program
offers your co-op great coverage at an affordable
rate. And our commercial insurance program
continues to grow rapidly as a result, with 70 new
co-ops joining this year. In fact, 94 percent of our
members now participate in this program.
The program also gives you the information you need
to help make your co-op a safer place to live. Each
co-op insured through CHF Canada’s commercial
insurance program receives a risk management kit to
help members improve their co-op’s safety.
Risk management is also an important part of keeping
your insurance rates down. While the occasional claim
doesn’t have much of an impact on rates, large liability
claims can hurt. Poor claims experience means an
average increase of 15 percent for most co-ops in
2005. But, according to Linda Stephenson,
CHF Canada’s Manager of Commercial Services,
“working together to manage our risks and reduce
claims not only builds safer communities – it can lead
to lower premiums as well.”
For more information on risk management, read the
Commercial Insurance Update included with your
2005 renewal package or contact Linda Stephenson at
1-800-465-2752, ext. 234.
Governor General compliments
housing co-op
“As Canadians we accept that citizenship brings
with it certain duties and responsibilities to
others. Co-operative living is the ultimate
expression of this philosophy.”
Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, May 29,
2004, in a letter sent to David B. Archer Housing
Co-op for its 25th anniversary.
10
14
ongratulations to
Jim MacDonald,
who celebrated his
85th birthday on
November 7. Jim’s work
through the Canadian
Labour Congress
and the National
Labour Co-operative
Committee led
to the founding
of CHF Canada.
CHF Canada’s Jim
MacDonald award,
launched in 1988,
honours Jim’s work and
recognizes innovative
projects driven by members of housing co-ops. For
more information, see the brochure included with this
issue of Newsbriefs or contact Pat McClain, Member
Relations Officer, by phone at 1-877-533-2667,
ext. 121 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Promoting an addition
to co-op principles
The grass above our heads:
Hugh Garner Co-op’s Green Roof project
by Yolande Mennie
I
magine a park in the sky. Imagine it in the middle
“At 24,000 square feet, this will be the largest residential
of Cabbagetown, one of Toronto’s highest-density
Green Roof in Canada,” says Eleanor McDonald, a
neighbourhoods. Imagine paths, picnic tables,
member involved in the project. Part of the roof will be
benches, planters, a stream, birds and butterflies – all
used as social space. Another portion will be a service
eight stories up. This is what
area, covered only with grass. The
Hugh
Garner
Co-op’s
Green
the members of Hugh Garner
co-op recently obtained a Trillium
Roof promises to conserve
Housing Co-op decided to create
Foundation grant that will help
energy and improve air quality to cover the costs of the basic roof
when it came time to replace the
while offering members a
building’s aging roof.
installation. They are fundraising
haven in the sky.
for specific design elements they
A Green Roof is a concept that
want to see included, such as
is gaining ground, in more ways than one. It consists
making the roof garden fully accessible to wheelchairs,
of a waterproof and root-repellent membrane, a
and installing solar panels, a stream, and shade
drainage system, anywhere from two inches to three
structures.
feet of soil, and plants. Although more expensive than
conventional roofs, it lasts twice as long, and provides
“We hope to begin construction of the new roof in
many benefits, including energy savings (the building
March or April of 2005” says McDonald, “and to have a
is cooler in summer and warmer in winter), reduced
complete new Green Roof by this time next year.”
runoff from rain and snow (which are absorbed by the
roof and collected in a reservoir for use), improved
For more information on the Green Roof project, visit
air quality (a green roof filters pollutants from the
the co-op’s website at www.hughgarner.com, or write to
air), sound insulation, and a green space for use by
[email protected].
members and the community.
A
t CHF Canada’s 2002 annual meeting,
members passed a resolution to add progressive
employment practices to the International
Co-operative Principles. It also asked CHF Canada
to seek the support of its partners in the Canadian
co-operative movement. In response, a resolution
was passed at this year’s meeting of the Canadian
Co-operative Association.
Jennifer Murdoch, who presented the CHF Canada
resolution to the CCA meeting said, “Staff fit in
differently and fill different roles in each of the
sectors represented within co-operatives, but staff is
commonly well respected in all.”
3
DID YOU KNOW?
Olympians
Subsidy cuts
Bokrossy, who also works at Briarview Co-operative Homes in
Mississauga, is quick to give part of the credit for her son’s success to his
co-op upbringing. “It’s not just ability that wins medals. It takes a very
secure person to take the kind of personal risks and do the kind of work that
Adam did, and the community was a big part of that. I don’t think that as
a single parent raising two kids that I would have had the sense of personal
security that I had if I hadn’t lived in a co-op, and that can’t help but have
been transferred to my children. Adam is a co-op kid who understands and
appreciates the value of having grown up in a co-op.”
The problem is technical. Federal assistance to the co-op is tied to the
mortgage rate. When the co-ops’ mortgages renew at lower interest rates,
the subsidy goes down by more than the drop in the mortgage payment.
This is because of the way the subsidy is recalculated.
Creating an internal
subsidy pool
Housing co-ops are part of a broad
network of co-ops. There are retail and
financial co-ops, worker co-ops and more.
They are all guided by the International
Co-operative Principles. Here is some news
about co-ops around the world and right
here at home.
160th Anniversary of
Rochdale Pioneers
Co-ops look to Minister Fontana for help
December 21, 2004 is the 160th
anniversary of the opening of the first retail
co-op. The opening of the store in Toad
Lane, Rochdale, UK is widely regarded as
the founding of the modern co-operative
movement. A group of flannel weavers in
northern England decided to open a store
where working people could buy food and
clothing at a reasonable cost. In fact, one
of the other ideas the Rochdale Pioneers
set out in their founding documents was:
“The building, purchasing, or erecting
a number of houses, in which those
members, desiring to assist each other
in improving their domestic and social
She argues that co-ops are the best example of the old proverb, “It takes
a village to raise a child.” She recalls one incident, shortly after they had
moved in, that drove this point home. “One of the co-op teenagers came to
my door with Adam in his arms, after he’d hurt himself in the playground.
Where else but a co-op would a 13-year-old care enough about an injured
5-year-old to do that? Where else would he even know where Adam lived?”
Felicien, the first Canadian woman to win a world track and field title, was
the NCAA’s female track athlete of the year in 2002. Her mother says that
housing co-ops, while not perfect, are definitely “good for kids”. Duffin’s
Creek, says Moe, is “a lovely, lovely place – a caring place – with a good
atmosphere and good neighbours. There have been people here who didn’t
like us, but they’ve moved out and we’re still here.”
condition, may reside.” For more
information, see http://archive.co-op.ac.uk/
pioneers.htm
VanCity named best place
to work in Canada
VanCity Credit Union was named the
best place to work in Canada by Maclean’s
magazine as part of its annual Top 100
Employers list. VanCity was selected for its
benefits and its commitment to employees.
Many Vancouver-area housing co-ops are
members of VanCity and participate in
“You must never tell your children that they can’t do something. You have
to be strong and support your kids one hundred percent. Children who
know what they want in life can achieve it, whether they live in a co-op or
not.”
Both Chautauqua and Duffin’s Creek are proud of their co-op Olympians.
Van Koeverden has paid a visit to the co-op to have his picture taken with
co-op kids and sign autographs. “The kids at the co-op love Perdita,” says
Moe, “Every day, someone is asking me about her and how she’s doing.”
Moe reports that Duffin’s Creek organized a big party for members to
watch Felicien compete – and “they wouldn’t even let me help with the
cleanup”.
CHF BC’s CHIP program.
Co-operative Trust Company of Canada
and The Co-operators General Insurance
Company Ltd, also made the list of
Canada’s Top 100 Employers.
2
As a result, many co-ops are turning away applicants who need subsidy. The
number of low-income households living in these co-ops is steadily going
down all across Canada.
For more information:
CBC.ca profile of Adam Van Koeverden
http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/indepth/van_koeverden/index.html
CBC.ca profile of Perdita Felicien
http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/indepth/felicien/index.html
Many Section 95 co-ops are
experiencing a shortage of incometested assistance. Co-ops have tried
different ways to make incometested assistance go further. They
have stopped accepting lowerincome members. They have
increased the percentage of income
they charge to income-tested
members. And they have increased
the minimum housing charges
members have to pay. Some co-ops
CHF Canada members passed a resolution at the 2004 AGM, asking that
CHF Canada pursue this matter as an urgent priority. They also asked for
information to help co-ops deal with the impact of subsidy decreases. But
the main message from members was clear – the federal government needs
to make more subsidy available.
“We are doing what we can to help our members,” says Nicholas Gazzard,
CHF Canada’s acting Executive Director. “But the government must do
its share as well. We want a reinvestment by government in low-income
subsidy in the Section 95 program.”
Gazzard says that giving existing co-ops the subsidy they need is a great way
for the government to start addressing today’s critical shortage of affordable
housing. “It is a very efficient approach,” he adds, “offering fast results for
every new dollar invested. The housing is already there – let’s make sure it’s
affordable for low-income Canadians.”
Joe Fontana, the Minister Responsible for CMHC, told CHF Canada that
the loss of subsidy was not the intention of the program and that
co-ops shouldn’t have to suffer. He promised to look into the problem.
With CHF Canada, member federations are surveying co-ops to get
more details on the effect of lower subsidy on co-ops and their members.
“We’ll be keeping the pressure on government until we have a solution,”
Gazzard says. In the meantime, some co-ops are temporarily solving the
subsidy shortage. They are doing this by using the savings from their lower
mortgage payments to create an internal source of subsidy (see sidebar).
have even tried to lower their
housing charges to reduce the need
for income-tested assistance.
But lowering housing charges won’t
work for long. Modest annual
increases make good financial sense
for most co-ops. Without them,
there can be a lack of money for
maintenance and replacements, with
disastrous results over time.
There is a better way to cope
with a shortage of income-tested
assistance. Instead of lowering the
housing charges when the mortgage
payment goes down, some co-ops
use the savings to create an internal
source of subsidy. This money
can then be used to reduce the
housing charges paid by low-income
households.
Co-ops can plan for internal subsidy
by including it in their operating
budget. You can use internal subsidy
to help households who qualify for
a reduced housing charge. You can
learn more about how to do this in
Make sure you respond to the survey from your local federation or fill out
the response form on the CHF Canada website at http://members.chfc.ca/
eng/pages/section95.asp. We’ll be adding new resources and information as
the campaign continues.
a guide on CHF Canada’s Members’
Network at http://members.chfc.ca/
eng/pages/resources_coop.asp#S95.
15
11
Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada
VOLUME 12, NUMBER 4, DECEMBER 2004
Visit us on the Web at www.chfc.coop
Newsbriefs
Newsbriefs
THE
LAST
Co-operative Housing
Federation of Canada
National Office
311-225 Metcalfe Street,
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1P9
Tel (613) 230-2201 Fax (613) 230-2231
Toll-free 1-800-465-2752
Ontario Region
313-720 Spadina Avenue,
Toronto ON M5S 2T9
Tel (416) 366-1711 Fax (416) 366-3876
Toll-free 1-800-268-2537
Vancouver Office
204-5550 Fraser Street,
Tel (604) 879-4116 Fax (604) 879-4186
Toll-free 1-877-533-2667
Manitoba Office
Suite 192, 162-2025 Corydon Avenue,
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3P 0N5
Tel (204) 989-5963 Fax (204) 487-6407
Toll-free 1-888-591-3301
Nova Scotia Office
1099 Marginal Road, Suite 201
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4P7
Tel (902) 423-7119 Fax (902) 423-7058
Toll-free 1-866-213-2667
Editor: Merrilee Robson
Story ideas, comments or questions?
Call 1-877-533-2667 (879-4116 in
Vancouver). E-mail: [email protected]
© CHF CANADA 2004. MATERIAL MAY BE
COPIED. PLEASE CREDIT CHF CANADA.
NATIONAL EDITION
WORD
Co-ops hit hard by
subsidy cuts
“Our co-op’s subsidy allocation dropped by more than half – from $11,000
per month to $4,800,” says Anita Millar, manager of Stanley Knowles
Housing Co-op in Toronto, talking about the problem her Section 95
co-op faced when the mortgage was renewed.
“We had already reduced our subsidized units by attrition after the renewal
five years ago. Now we will have to reduce the number of subsidized units
again to approximately 15 from 25 in order to weather the shortfall in
funding. Ours is a seniors’ co-op with 10 wheelchair-accessible units so
many of our members are on fixed, low incomes. We will do our best to
maintain as many subsidized units as possible, but someone has to bear the
cost of that. Why won’t CMHC help us?”
“Five years ago, we subsidized 44 percent of our households,” says Donna
Charbonneau, manager of Ramer’s Wood Co-operative Homes in
Markham, Ontario. “Now after the latest mortgage rollover, we are at
22 percent. When members get into trouble we can’t always help them.
Without our internal subsidy, we would be facing a dire situation.”
Across Canada, co-ops funded under the Section 95 (56.1) co-op housing
program are losing subsidy each time their mortgage is renewed at a lower
interest rate. These are co-ops built between 1979 and 1985, although some
co-ops developed under an earlier federal program switched to this program
after they were developed. (see Subsidy cuts, p.15)
INSIDE
Good governance
The job of a co-op board is good
governance, establishing the overall
direction of the co-op. This article gives
some tips to help in that work.
PA G E 8
The grass above our heads
Imagine a park in the sky. That’s what
members of Hugh Garner Housing
Co-op did when it came time to
replace the building’s aging roof.
by Scott Piatkowski
Gold medalist and
former co-op housing
member Adam Van
Koeverden shares the
moment with two
young fans.
PA G E 3
The 2005 AGM
A shorter AGM, lower delegate fees
and streamlined materials will make
it easier and more affordable for
members to attend next year’s meeting
in Edmonton, June 16-18.
PA G E 1 2
NE W S F LAS H
Don’t miss the chance to hear
Stephen Lewis at CHF Canada’s
AGM. The veteran Canadian diplomat
and UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in
Africa will be the special guest speaker.
PA G E 1 3
16
Co-op Olympians
make us proud
I
f you were following Canada’s team at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, you
couldn’t have avoided hearing about Adam Van Koeverden and Perdita
Felicien. What you probably did not know was that these two remarkable
Canadian athletes have something in common other than their uniforms:
both of them grew up in a housing co-op.
Van Koeverden, a kayaker who won gold and bronze medals and went on to
carry the Canadian flag at the closing ceremonies, grew up at Chautauqua
Co-operative Homes in Oakville, Ontario -- where his mother, Beata
Bokrossy, still lives.
Felicien, a world champion hurdler and Canada’s Female Athlete of the
Year in 2003, grew up in Duffin’s Creek Co-operative in Pickering,
Ontario. Felicien’s mother, Cathy Moe, continues to live at the co-op.
(see Olympians, p.2)

Co-op Olympians make us proud

Transcription

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