October Member Forum takes on the future

  16 October 2012

CHF BC and CHF Canada members came together at the October Member Forum on Wednesday, October 10 to look at how co-ops are planning for the end of co-op operating agreements. They broke into groups to discuss their own experiences. Because two members at the Forum were from co-ops that are past the end of operating agreements, the other members gained from that perspective too.In brief, here are some key points that came out of the discussions:Universal concerns for the future include:lack of subsidyoverhousing/underhousinginternal move policiesBiggest realization is the need for:long term building maintenanceways to manage problems like internal conflictstarting planning early, before end of operating agreementSome big-wish ideas include:convincing government to allow co-ops to apply for rent subsidiesbuilding more one-bedroom units (finding a way to finance this) to help more members remain in co-op as they age.use scale (merging of co-op boards, for example) as a way to leverage power for smaller co-opsSuggestion for future discussions or workshops: convene a panel of co-ops already out of the operating agreements.CHF BC and CHF Canada provide opportunities for members to learn more about planning for the end of co-op operating agreements.  Check CHF BC Learn More pages for upcoming education opportunities, portable workshops and 2020 Vision and 2020 Compass information.If your co-op needs help or wants more information about planning for the end of your operating agreement, please get in touch with Michael Rodgers, CHF BC’s Co-op Viability Advisor at mrodgers@chf.bc.ca or 604-879-5111 ext. 153.Come to our November Member Forum when we’ll discuss social media!