Non-profit co-ops usually need a government partner. Without it, equity contributions from members can provide the resources the co-op needs. The wishes (and capacity) of the core members matter a lot here.
Between the mid-1970s and the early 1990s, the federal government offered supports for non-profit co-op housing (both in terms of development and promises of long-term subsidies to make the housing more affordable). That kind of assistance is less available, so the financial capability of potential members matters more now that it did in the past. Combine that with large increases in land and construction costs: creating new co-ops is challenging for new and small groups. In 2024, CMHC introduced its Co-op Housing Development Program which promises new support but with significant eligibility requirements.
Photo credit: “Mann zieht Bauer nach vorne” by Marco Verch used by CC BY 2.0. Original image was straightened, cropped and toned with text added.