About Co-op Housing
A housing co-operative is more than just a place to live — it’s a community.
Co-op housing is about people coming together to create safe, affordable, and secure homes.
Unlike private rental housing, co-ops are not run for profit. Instead, we are democratically governed by the members who live here. Each household has a say in how our co-op is run, from setting budgets to shaping policies and electing our board of directors.
What Makes Co-ops Different?
Member-Owned & Controlled
In a housing co-op you’re not just a tenant, you’re a member! You don’t own your unit, but you do help govern the community and make decisions that affect your home.
Co-ops are democratically run, and we all have a vote. We elect a board of directors from among ourselves to manage the business of the co-op. As members, we approve the annual budget and vote on our by-laws. The monthly housing charges that members set are used to cover the cost of running the co-op.
Affordable & Stable Housing
Co-ops are non-profit, which helps keep housing costs more stable over time. Any surplus goes back into the community — not to landlords or investors.
Community-Focused Living
Co-op members support each other. Whether through volunteering, participating in meetings, or serving on committees, members work together to maintain and improve their shared home.
Long-Term Security
Because members can stay as long as they follow the rules and pay their housing charges, co-op housing offers more long-term stability than most rentals.
Co-ops welcome people from all walks of life. We aim to provide a mix of market-rate and subsidized units, making our units accessible to a wide range of income levels. Members are selected not just based on financial ability, but also on their willingness to participate in the life of the community.
Who Are Co-ops For?
Co-operative Living and Principles
Co-operatives are rooted in a shared commitment to self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. Guided by these values, co-op members also uphold ethical principles like honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.
As a co-operative, we adhere to the framework known as the seven co-operative principles.
The Seven Co-operative Principles
Voluntary and Open Membership
Membership in a housing co-op is open to all who can use the co-op’s services and accept the responsibilities of being a member, without discrimination.
Democratic Member Control
Housing co-ops are controlled by our members. Each member has one vote. Housing co-ops give members the information they need to make good decisions and take part in the life of the co-op.
Members’ Economic Participation
Members contribute financially to the co-op and share in the benefits of membership. The co-op does not pay a return on the members’ shares or deposits. Instead, it sets aside reserves for the future and charges the members only what it needs to operate soundly.
Autonomy and Independence
Housing co-ops are independent associations. We follow the laws that apply to us and honour our agreements with governments or other organizations, but the members control the co-op.
Education, Training, and Information
Housing co-ops offer education and training to the members, directors, and staff so that everyone can play a full role in the life of the co-op. Housing co-ops find ways to tell the public what they are and what they do.
Co-operation Among Co-operatives
By organizing together in federations, housing co-ops grow stronger and help to build a healthy co-op movement. Where they can, housing co-ops use the services of co-op businesses to meet their needs.
Concern for Community
Housing co-ops work to build strong communities inside and outside the co-op. They help to improve the quality of life for others and they take care to protect the environment.