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NEWS

Earlier this week, the City of Vancouver released its long awaited co-op Lease discussion paper.  This launches a period of consultation and discussion that is expected to result in a final report to Council by the summer of 2020. The discussion paper: You can download the discussion paper, read more about the City’s process, and … Continued

Fraserview Housing Co-operative took a big step forward by electing its first resident board at last week’s annual general meeting. This marks an important occasion in the life of a multi-site partnership with the Community Land Trust, the City of Vancouver and the members of Fraserview. Half a decade ago, the City sought a non-profit … Continued

IMPORTANT: if you want to preserve your right to appeal your property assessment, the deadline is January 31. If there is any chance you will want to dispute your assessment, you should contact BC Assessment before the end of the month. NOTE: AEC Property Tax Consultants is again offering CHF BC members a break (20%) … Continued

Enrolment in the FCHI-2 began last month for federally administered co-ops.  The program will provide new rent assistance to low-income members beginning April 2020 and lasting until March 31, 2028.

In earlier communication we advised all federally administered co-ops to apply for enrolment in FCHI-2 in case they are eligible.  We can now be more precise in our advice.

Thank you for joining us for the Fall 2019 Vancouver Island Council meeting at the Hotel Grand Pacific this week! There was a great crowd for the October 8 meeting in Victoria.

CHF BC and its member housing co-ops are part of a bigger community of co-operatives.

Even though many people are members of co-operatives (like credit unions, or Modo, or MEC), co-ops are still less familiar than limited companies and charities. We’ve put together a video that answers some basic questions about co-operatives and how housing co-ops have some special characteristics that makes them a great alternative to more common rental and ownership models.

CMHC has been working closely with key housing associations over the summer to finalize details for Phase 2 of the Federal Community Housing Initiative (FCHI).

This new rental assistance program for community housing providers reaching the end of their operating agreements will be available as of April 1, 2020.

The Co-op Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC) and BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA) applaud the Burnaby Mayor’s Task Force on Community Housing for its vision of Burnaby as a community with affordable housing for all citizens.

Are you an artist or do you know an artist living in a co-op who tackles issues related to housing and homelessness? We would love to hear from you! The upcoming Housing Central Conference will feature an art exhibition on Tuesday, November 19 at the Sheraton Wall Centre in downtown Vancouver. Additional opportunities to showcase artwork may be available … Continued

The following is a brief update on developments that affect co-ops in the City of Vancouver.

Vancouver City Hall has been recently active on a couple of fronts.

A number of co-ops in the City of Richmond received correspondence outlining the City’s proposal to consider rental-only zones.

Some housing co-ops would be affected by this measure if it were implemented and the City has offered a Public Open House on June 6 (from 4 pm to 8 pm).

This represents an opportunity for co-ops to learn more directly from the City.

In January and February, CHF BC held a pair of meetings for co-ops that lease land from the City of Vancouver. Members offered their views on the lease renewal framework and how the lease renewal discussion has progressed so far.

We have summarized the comments in a short document.