Highlights of the February 7 Vancouver Island Council Meeting
13 February 2024 CHF BC is excited to share some highlights from our recent Vancouver Island Council (VIC) meeting. It was held on February 7, 2024, at Victoria’s Ocean Pointe Resort. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity for our Island members to connect with CHF BC directors and staff and contribute their insights.
Leading the meeting were Vancouver Island Council chair Noreen Taylor from Oak Bay Housing Co-operative and co-chair Alysha Bisgrove from Tyee Housing Co-operative. CHF BC Island directors Shannon Sanger from Tyee Housing Co-operative and David Maier from Greenway Housing Co-operative presented an informative overview of the federation’s recent news and activities.
February 7 VIC Summary
Here’s a glimpse at the key areas of discussion:
💰 Budget Updates
Attendees learned the key points of Housing Central’s provincial budget consultation paper and CHF Canada’s 2024 federal budget recommendations. Both submissions feature strategic budget allocations to enhance access to affordable, safe, and well-maintained housing across British Columbia.
🧑🏻🤝🧑🏽 Year of Belonging Initiative
Membership Director Jarrett Hagglund introduced CHF BC’s exciting Year of Belonging Awards. This new initiative recognizes co-op-led initiatives that champion equity, inclusion, and belonging within our communities. Awards winners receive $1,000 for their co-op. Stay tuned for more details and the official launch later this month!
📆 Upcoming Events and Workshops
Attendees learned about CHF BC’s busy spring education schedule brimming with informative presentations and workshops tailored for all co-op members. From workshops for new board members to insights from BC Assessment, there’s something for everyone. More details are available our website.
👍🏽 Resident Member Benefits
Attendees learned about two enhanced resident member discount programs:
- CHF BC’s partnership with TELUS, offering HDTV and high-speed internet services at 40% off the retail rates.
- Our long-time group buying partner, RONA is extending their member discounts to residents of housing co-ops. Now resident-members of housing co-ops receive the same discounts as their co-op receive. These include impressive discounts on many items used in our co-op homes.
🌸 2024 Spring Forum Preview
Save the date for our 2024 Spring Forum on May 26, 2024, in Richmond and online. Meeting attendees were canvassed for engaging themes and speakers to enrich the co-op community experience. Please let us know if you have an idea to contribute.
📣 CHF Canada Advocacy
CHF Canada president Cassia Cantrow from Trout Lake Housing Co-operative and Pace Accouning delved into CHF Canada’s new advocacy campaign. The video campaign underscores the importance of Co-op Housing for All across the country. The first video features two innovative housing co-ops right here in BC.
💡 Island Donation Utilization
Attendees brainstormed innovative ways to leverage a generous $100,000 donation from Nanaimo-based Coastal Community Credit Union to support Vancouver Island co-ops. Some ideas include:
- Researching land on Vancouver Island available for co-op development. (This was the top choice)
- Creating an online app for managing housing co-op waiting lists to streamline the application process.
- Enhancing financial training for housing co-op members to ensure fiscal sustainability and growth.
- Organizing more Vancouver Island meetings and meet-ups to foster a stronger community bond among Island members.
Next Vancouver Island Council Meeting
⏰ Mark your calendars for our next Vancouver Island Council meeting on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, from 7-9 p.m. Save the date and join us for another insightful session.
Stay Connected
📧 Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to continuing our journey together! In the meantime, keep abreast of all CHF BC news, updates, and workshops by subscribing to our popular newsletters.