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Last week, the Canadian federal government announced the $1.5 billion Co-operative Development Program. This is the first major federal investment in co-op housing in over 30 years.

Our CEO, Thom Armstrong, discussed the significance of this historic funding in recent media appearances, highlighting its impact on co-op housing in B.C.

This Co-operative Housing Development Program is the first significant federal investment in co-op housing in over 30 years. CHF BC is delighted to see the program—promised in the 2022 federal budget—finally come to fruition.

It includes $500 million in contributions and $1 billion in loans to build housing co-ops across Canada. We are particularly excited that Indigenous-led housing co-ops will be eligible for program funding.

A recent opinion article in the Vancouver Sun by Nancy Hannum highlights the critical need for non-profit housing in Vancouver.

The op‑ed argues that in Metro Vancouver at least 70 per cent of all new rental supply built over the next 20 years must be non-market, including housing co-ops. This is crucial to alleviate the ongoing housing crisis.

The recently announced BC Builds’ Housing Development Opportunities initiative connects zoned land with development partners to speed up timelines, and deliver more affordable homes for British Columbians.

To promote engagement, BC Builds is hosting separate information sessions for eight new parcels of underutilized, publicly owned land spanning from the Interior of B.C. to Vancouver Island.

Since 2010, ECAP has provided opportunities for non-profit housing co-ops (and others) to save money and improve sustainability.

The program is set to end this year. If your co-op has never made use of the program—or only saw a few households participate—there’s still a chance to take part!

Today, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled the 2024 federal budget, which largely focuses on the housing needs of renters and younger generations.

Many of the housing commitments outlined in the budget were announced as part of the federal government’s new housing plan, unveiled last week.

The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada strongly supports the government’s sharp focus on housing.

B.C.’s housing sector celebrates the $1.5-billion Canada Rental Protection Fund, 🎉

The fund builds on the successful B.C. model, extending housing stability and affordability nationwide.

Speak up for more co-op housing!

Use CHF Canada’s helpful tool to send an email to the Minister of Housing and you local MP urging them to launch the co-operative housing development program without delay.

On March 13, 2024, Thom Armstrong, CEO of the CHF BC and the CLT expressed support for Councillor Sarah-Kirby-Yung’s motion regarding co-operative housing in Vancouver entitled “The Future of Co-op Housing—A Path to Delivering More Co-op Homes in Vancouver.”

Vancouver City Councillor Sarah-Kirby-Yung is presenting a motion concerning co-operative housing titled The Future of Co-op Housing – A Path to Delivering More Co-op Homes in Vancouver.

Read on to view a video explainer about, learn about CHF BC’s perspective on, and see media coverage of the motion.

This insightful exploration of the housing crisis looks at why publicly owned non-market housing—aka community housing—is the best way to provide affordable homes for people in British Columbia.

Please take a few minutes to watch the video for a deeper understanding of this important topic.

BC Budget 2024 includes modest spending increases in previously announced provincial housing measures.

British Columbia continues to lead the country in housing investments to benefit low- and moderate-income households. CHF BC, CLT, and the rest of B.C.’s community housing sector is pleased to see these investments maintained and, in some cases, increased.