What's a Housing Co-op?

The people who live in the co-op are its members. From the beginning, they decide on the planning, design, and day-to-day management of the co-op.

Membership means control. Each year members elect from among themselves a Board of Directors to run the co-op. They serve on committees with various responsibilities such as new member selection, maintenance, finance and newsletters. Sometimes they hire staff, but the final decisions and responsibility rest with the members.

The units in a co-op are not individually owned. They are owned by the co-operative and cannot be bought or sold for profit.

Instead of rent, members pay a monthly housing charge to cover all costs. Charges rise only as costs increase.

Affordability

Non-profit co-op housing is design to be affordable. Unlike rents, co-op housing charges rise only with increase in operating costs. Co-ops provide housing at cost to low and moderate income earners.

Security

Members have the right to continue to live in the co-op for as long as they choose, providing they respect the obligations of membership.

Democracy

Each member has one vote in making decisions on important matters such as housing charges, the election of directors and the regulations members will be expected to follow.

Good Quality, Modest Housing

Co-ops seek to provide the highest quality housing possible within cost guidelines, both in initial construction and through continuing maintenance. Most are newly constructed but many groups have restored and updated existing housing and other buildings.

Building Communities

Co-ops are communities within larger communities. Members share common goals and a sense of identity and pride from working together... Co-ops make good neighbours, and can revitalize decaying neighbourhoods. Many set up recreational, social, educational and mutual help programs.

Co-ops accommodate all kinds of people. In some, units are reserved for householders with special needs. For seniors and many families, co-ops are often just the right combination of security and affordability. Some groups such as new immigrants, women, Aboriginal people, the psychiatrically disabled, physically disabled, and single parents have developed their own co-ops.

Want to live in a Co-operative?

If you want to become a member of a housing co-operative, contact a co-op in the area you want to live in. To apply for a subsidized unit in some co-ops, you must apply through the Ottawa Social Housing Registry. All CHASEO member housing co-ops are listed in a directory on this website. Each co-op will provide membership information. Check out our vacancy report. for more information on housing co-ops and how to apply.