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CHF BC has been advancing the co-op housing option for more than 40 years. We support almost 15,000 co-op homes in thriving, successful communities.

Here is how we are doing it.

A $500-million rental-protection fund that will help non-profit groups purchase rental buildings has opened in British Columbia.

The fund aims to help First Nations and other non-profit groups buy older “affordable” rental buildings to preserve them as low-cost rental housing.

The 2023 Co-op Housing Summer BBQ was a resounding success, filled with mouthwatering food, delightful live music, creative face painting, and thrilling games.

Held in the heart of Burnaby at Central Park, this event brought together families, friends, and community members for an unforgettable day of summer festivities.

Earlier this week, our Housing Central partners at BC Non Profit Housing Association released an updated Canadian Rental Housing Index including data from the 2021 census. 

The Index is a comprehensive database that compiles rental housing statistics for cities, regions, and provinces across Canada.

This year, co-op members in Canada will have two events to celebrate or acknowledge on July 1st. In addition to being Canada Day, this year it is also the 101st International Day of Cooperatives!

"#CoopsDay" is an annual opportunity for local, national, and worldwide governments, civil society organizations, and the general public to learn more about cooperatives.

CMHC recently announced the  Canada Greener Affordable Housing program (CGAH). The program focuses on supporting deep energy retrofits for existing multi-unit residential buildings. The goal is to see buildings achieve near net zero emissions.

As with all CMHC programs, there are multiple eligibility criteria, but the most critical are the very ambitious targets for energy consumption reductions and emissions.

Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day is a significant occasion that recognizes and honors the unique heritage, cultural diversity, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. This day serves as an opportunity to deepen understanding, foster reconciliation, and promote the rights and well-being of Indigenous communities across the country.

Indigenous Peoples Day traces its roots back to the early 1980s when Indigenous organizations and leaders established National Indigenous Solidarity Day. They wanted to raise awareness about the history, culture, and struggles of Indigenous peoples.

On June 16, 2023, BC Non-Profit Housing Association, the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC, and the Aboriginal Housing Management Association submitted our Budget 2024 consultation paper.

Taken together, our proposals will ensure that British Columbians have increased access to affordable housing and that their housing is affordable, safe, and in a livable state of repair.

The first resolution members will be voting on at the 2023 CHF Canada national business meeting promotes co-op action towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Co-op 2030 Vision.

As a co-op member, you have a say. Encourage your co-op delegate to review the 2023 Resolutions package on the CHF Canada Annual Meeting event site, and be ready to vote June 17.

Housing Central and CHF Canada recently submitted recommendations on the financialization of housing to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA). 

The financialization of housing is the process where housing is increasingly treated as an investment rather than someone’s home.

The National Education Committee released a Request for Proposals for a project on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

This work has emerged as a priority. The goal is to support the co-op housing sector in implementing best EDI practices in co-op communities.

This year, CHF Canada is piloting a new, hybrid option. Co-ops who can’t attend the National Business Meeting in-person can register virtual delegates.

This is an important opportunity for BC housing co-op to share our voice on a national stage from the comfort of home. We encourage every CHF Canada member in the province to register a delegate.