On May 24, co-op members, leaders, staff, and sector partners from across British Columbia gathered for CHF BC’s Spring Forum 2026. Guided by the theme Community Starts Next Door: Where neighbourly connections build community, the day explored how everyday connections between neighbours create stronger, more resilient co-op communities.

Through educational workshops, inspiring speakers, networking opportunities, and the Semi-Annual General Meeting (SAGM), members came together to learn, share experiences, and strengthen the connections that make co-op living unique.

A Keynote That Challenged Us to Think Bigger

One of the highlights of the day was a keynote presentation by award-winning journalist and author Jessica Barrett, whose book No Place Like Home: The Missing Key to Our Housing Crisis examines the challenges and opportunities shaping housing across Canada.

Drawing on years of research and reporting, Jessica encouraged participants to think beyond individual housing issues and consider the broader systems affecting affordability, stability, and community well-being. Her presentation provided valuable context for the conversations that followed throughout the day and reinforced the important role housing co-operatives play in creating secure, affordable homes and strong communities.

Learning Through Shared Experience

The morning workshops covered a wide range of topics, from neighbourliness and community-building to aging in place, risk management, and creating safer co-op communities.

While each session focused on a different topic, a common message emerged: thriving co-ops are built through communication, empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to supporting one another.

Participants appreciated both the practical tools and the opportunity to learn from the experiences of fellow co-op members. One attendee shared that the sessions reinforced “the importance of communication, empathy, and affinity for every single member and staff person,” noting that stronger relationships help create healthier and more connected communities.

Others highlighted practical takeaways they planned to bring back to their co-ops, including preventative maintenance strategies, water leak detection systems, fire prevention measures, and approaches to supporting members as they age in community.

The workshops also encouraged members to look beyond behaviours and focus on understanding one another as neighbours. As one participant put it, one of their biggest takeaways was to “put the person before the behaviour.”

What Members Learned

Across all workshops, several key themes emerged:

Strong communities begin with strong relationships

Participants repeatedly highlighted the importance of communication, empathy, and neighbourliness in building healthy co-op communities. Members left with ideas for strengthening connections and creating opportunities for residents to engage with one another.

Prevention is better than reaction

Whether discussing building maintenance, risk management, or emergency preparedness, members learned practical ways to identify and address issues before they become larger problems.

Supporting members through all stages of life

Conversations about aging in place emphasized the importance of creating communities where members can remain connected, supported, and independent for as long as possible.

Small actions can have a big impact

From checking in on neighbours to improving communication practices, participants were reminded that community is built through everyday actions.

We are not alone

One of the most powerful themes of the day was the reminder that co-ops across British Columbia face many of the same challenges—and that sharing experiences helps everyone find solutions.

As one participant reflected:

“All co-ops are dealing with similar issues and situations as ours. We are not alone.”

Another attendee observed that many people are willing to contribute positively when given the opportunity, noting that “many people actually want to rise to the opportunity to be a good neighbour.”

Community Beyond the Workshop Room

While education was a central focus of the day, members consistently highlighted the value of connecting with peers from other co-ops.

Throughout the forum, participants exchanged ideas, shared successes and challenges, and built relationships with fellow co-op members, sector partners, exhibitors, and vendors. These conversations often spark new ideas and provide reassurance that others are navigating similar opportunities and challenges.

One participant noted that the forum offered an excellent opportunity to connect with directors from other co-ops, share experiences, and bring practical solutions back to their own communities. Another remarked that they “always come away with new and informative information” they can take back and share with fellow members.

Semi-Annual General Meeting

In addition to reviewing on and voting to approve our annual budget and dues, we also showcased recent advocacy work we’ve done. In February the Community Housing Fund was cut by the provincial government, leaving dozens of shovel-ready projects that would have brought thousands of affordable homes to communities across BC left in the lurch, including our own Aaron Webster Housing Co-op.

We’re asking our members to utilize this toolkit to show their support for the Community Housing Fund and SAGM attendees joined us for a group photo we’ll be using as we continue our advocacy work.

The business meeting also received exceptionally positive feedback from participants. According to the post-event evaluation, 100% of respondents indicated that the information presented at the SAGM was useful to them and their co-op.

A Day of Learning, Connection, and Inspiration

Feedback from participants was very positive, with attendees praising the quality of the workshops, keynote presentation, and opportunities for networking.

Many described the workshops as informative, engaging, and practical. Others appreciated the balance between addressing real challenges facing co-op communities while also focusing on solutions and opportunities.

One attendee reflected that a workshop on aging in place addressed complex issues while taking a solution-oriented approach that left participants feeling inspired and hopeful. Another participant, attending their first workshop, simply described the experience as “invaluable.”

The positive feedback extended beyond attendees. Presenters also commented on the high level of engagement and thoughtful discussion throughout the day, highlighting the willingness of members to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead to future educational opportunities, participants identified several topics they would like CHF BC to explore further, including capital planning, risk management, youth engagement, conflict resolution, and preparing co-ops for major renewal and redevelopment projects.

More than anything, Spring Forum 2026 reinforced a simple but powerful idea: great communities don’t just happen. They are built through everyday acts of participation, collaboration, and care.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, presented, sponsored, exhibited, and helped make Spring Forum 2026 a success.

We look forward to continuing the conversation and seeing you at future CHF BC events!

Until then, remember: community starts next door.