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Mariner Cove hosts announcement of CMHC reno-retro funding

MP for Delta-Richmond East, John Cummins came to Mariner Cove Housing Co-op in Ladner on February 9 to congratulate 13 housing co-ops on the $8 million in stimulus funding they received through Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Mariner Cove received the grant money in the first year of a two-year renovation/retrofit program that will deliver $150 million to federally funded housing co-ops across Canada.

Mariner Cove heard about this funding opportunity from its COHO coordinator. The co-op’s property committee worked to get bids and estimates and complete the paperwork needed to receive $203,544 to replace windows and sliding doors.

Mariner Cove member Bob Christofoli is excited by the announcement. “The planned renovations will not only make our complex more energy efficient, but will also provide an adequate environment for the future of our complex.”

Cummins also confirmed that the application process for the remaining $75 million of funding started February 1st and closes February 22nd.

For a complete list of the 13 co-ops involved in this announcement, see the CMHC website.

Posted on: Feb 11, 2010

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COHO Management Services Society celebrates 25 years

Two of the founding directors of COHO Management Services Society (Leo Burdak and David Lach) were honoured at a special event January 22, 2009 to celebrate COHO’s 25th anniversary. Current staff were also congratulated for their years of service.
COHO Management Services Society offers management services to co-ops across the province. Now employing 45 people and with offices in Vancouver and Victoria, COHO serves 80 clients with more than 5,000 co-op homes. COHO was started in 1984 by the members of CHF BC.

Posted on: Feb 1, 2010

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Affordable Housing Town Hall popular

About 60 people turned out for a Town Hall meeting Thursday, January 21st at Killarney Gardens Housing Co-operative in Vancouver to talk about affordable housing with Ujjal Dosanjh, MP for the Vancouver South riding.

The discussion tackled issues around the lack of affordable housing, the need for renovation of existing buildings, and the value of co-ops to help with the housing shortages. Dosangh left with a message of the need for a national affordable housing strategy.

Posted on: Jan 22, 2010

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Stimulus grant deadlines: Apply in Feb, Mar 31 for 2009 spending

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) started accepting second-year applications on February 1 for its $150-million renovation and retrofit funding program. The application deadline will be February 22. Co-ops that received funding in the first year must spend it by March 31.

CMHC is sending out packages to federal program housing co-ops right away. Watch for your co-op’s package to arrive very soon. The package will contain details of how to apply for this year’s grants.

Housing co-ops that did not receive funding in the first year of the program will be given priority this year.

If your co-op needs assistance with applications you can contact CHF BC, by email at dkitchen@chf.bc.ca or call 1.866.879.5111 or 604-879-5111.

For federal co-ops whose applications were approved for last year’s stimulus funding, the late roll-out of the funding means it may be difficult to complete construction projects by March 31, 2010.

If you believe your co-op may face a significant challenge reaching project completion in time, please contact us at CHF BC and we will try to assist you. You can email dkitchen@chf.bc.ca or call 1.866.879.5111 or 604-879-5111.

Posted on: Jan 11, 2010

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2020 Compass service launched in BC

CHF BC is pleased to announce the newest addition to the 2020 Vision tool kit and the launch of a new federation service: the 2020 Compass.

The 2020 Compass is a facilitated, step-by-step process that will help co ops chart a course for their future beyond the expiry of their operating agreements with CMHC or BC Housing.

The 2020 Compass is a key part of CHF Canada’s 2020 Vision project. CHF BC has partnered with CHF Canada to assemble an expert team of 2020 Compass facilitators.

Soon we will offer free information sessions on the 2020 Compass to show you how it can work for your co-op. Check out our website for the dates of these sessions.

For more information on how your co-op can arrange its customized 2020 Compass consultation, contact CHF BC at 604-879-5111 (1-866-879-5111 outside Greater Vancouver) or info@chf.bc.ca.

Posted on: Oct 18, 2008

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