HOW DO CO-OPS WORK?

Co-op living is unique to all other forms of housing because it represents a community.

Democratic management is the lifeblood of a healthy co-op and the people who live in the Coop, are voting members. The members elect a board of directors from among themselves and authorize the board to conduct the day to day business of the cooperative in a manner that satisfies all of the requirements of its charter, cooperators act, bylaws, agreements, and policies.

All members in a cooperative share in the advantages and responsibilities of co-op life, which makes it more than just a place to live.

Housing co-operatives provide housing. As a co-op member, you have security of tenure. This means that you can live in your home for as long as you wish if you follow the rules of the co-op and pay your housing charge (rent). As co-op member, you have a collective say in decisions that affect your home. Members form a community that works together to manage the co-op. Co-op communities are made up with people with different backgrounds. These diverse and vibrant communities are the unique strength of the co-op housing movement.

MEMBERS RIGHTS

Members have a right to:

  • Right #1

    Vote on the annual budget, which sets the monthly housing charges

  • Right #2

    Elect a board of directors made up of people who live in your co‑op

  • Right #3

    Run for the board of directors yourself

  • Right #4

    Receive audited financial statements that show how the co‑op spent your money

  • Right #5

    Pay only a limited portion of your income for your housing, if you meet eligibility rules

  • Right #6

    Live there for as long as you like, if you keep to the by-laws agreed on by the co‑op membership

VIDEO INFO

CO-OP STRUCTURE

OUR AFFILIATION

The Co-operative Housing Association of Eastern Ontario (CHASEO) is a co-operation of co-ops. Its members are housing co-ops in the Eastern Ontario region, co-op staff associations and sector-related organizations.

Through their association, members have a collective voice in Eastern Ontario to represent their interests with government, agencies and other groups.

CHASEO also provides ongoing support to housing co-ops and is a local source of resources, expertise and training. A wide range of services are available to members and non-members alike. Members also have access to a selection of continuously expanding cost-saving programs.

CHASEO is one of 17 regional co-op housing federations in Canada. It is an active member of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada).

Click here to visit the CHASEO website.