7 Co-Operative Housing Principals
Submitted by Belle Auld
This is a reminder from our Member Involvement committee about our 7 co-op housing
principles:
“The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into
practice” according to The Southern Alberta Co-operative Housing Association (SACHA) –
of which Sunnyhill is a member.
The 7 Principles have been adopted nationally by all housing co-ops operating under the
Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. The Federation produced a guide on how we,
as co-ops and co-op members, need to follow the principles. They say: “It [the guide] was
written for housing co-op members, staff and anyone interested in how to use the co-op
principles to foster a sense of collective ownership, democratic governance, active
engagement and community care. [highlighting my own]
Principle 1
VOLUNTARY & 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.
Principle 2
DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL
Housing co-ops are member-controlled. 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.
Principle 3
MEMBER 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.
Principle 4
AUTONOMY & INDEPENDENCE
Housing co-ops are independent associations. They follow the laws that apply to them and
their agreements with governments or other organizations. But the members control the co-
op.
Principle 5
EDUCATION, TRAINING & 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.
Principle 6
CO-OPERATION AMONG CO-OPS
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.
Principle 7
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.
You can access the guide to following the 7 principles by going to the Co-operative Housing
Federation of Canada:
https://chfcanada.coop/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Getting-Our-Co-op-Principles-Right-2025.pdf
ELECTRICAL PANEL REPLACEMENT
Submitted by Heidi
Our new electrical panels are being installed soon — are you ready?
Later this month, the office will begin sharing the replacement schedule for our electrical
panels. The installation of the new panels is set to proceed one block at a time, and it will
require power be shut of f at the scheduled block for about nine hours, between 8am and
5pm.
Due to replacements happening block by block, there are no chances of rescheduling
once the dates are set.
To ensure that the panel replacements proceed without delay, and minimize disruption,
we’re asking members to clear the area around the electrical panel, water main shutoff
and furnace room. The technicians will need enough space to work around all. While residents don’t
have to be home for the panel installation, pets should be secured.
We’d rather not see your furry ones run loose when Sasha opens the door to your place
that morning!
Lastly, because there will be no power over an extended period of time, you should keep
your fridge and freezer closed to prevent your food spoiling.
FAQ
1. My panel looks fine, does it have to be replaced?
Yes. Installed close to five decades ago, our electrical panels are becoming unsafe.
2. What kind of panels are we getting?
We’re getting 100A Siemens 16/32 CCT residential electrical panels with built in surge
suppression. Additionally, GFCI receptacles for the mechanical room (for future water leak
sensors), 16VA doorbell transformers (powerful enough for doorbell cameras).
3. Will this panel allow for EV charging while using other appliances?
No. The capacity of the panels cannot be increased at this time. If you wish to charge an
electric-vehicle there is an upgrade that can be arranged through the office. The cost is the
responsibility of the Member.
4. Why are we being asked to ensure access to the main water shutoff ?
The copper pipe functions as a conductive surface suitable for grounding, wiring onto it
protects against electrical shock and fires.
5. The labels in my electrical panel are inaccurate, will the technician adjust them
in the new panel?
No, this is a member’s responsibility. Technicians will use existing labels, so it’s up to
members to update them before the new panel is installed.
6. Can I stay home while the technicians work?
Yes. Just keep in mind that there will be no power in your block between 8am and 5pm.
THANK YOU TO UNIT INSPECTORS
Submitted by Mollie
I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who stepped up this year to help
the Buildings Committee complete our unit inspections. Your support has made an
enormous difference. Quite simply, we could not have done it without you.
This year, especially with everything else happening around the co-op, your help has
taken a tremendous burden off my shoulders and allowed me to focus on other important
building-related projects and challenges. It has also been incredibly inspiring. It's been
wonderful to work alongside such a dedicated and effective team, and to see people step
up, take ownership, and make a real impact in our community. Our unit inspection team consisted of
Sasha, Heidi, JP, Sabine, Ximena, Dave R., Don, Eoin, Buzz, Paul, and Mia. Together, these 11
volunteers contributed at least 230 hours to the inspections themselves. That doesn't include the
many additional hours spent coordinating schedules, uploading photos, and scanning inspection
sheets. It is a tremendous amount of work, and I cannot express my gratitude enough.
Unit inspections play a critical role in maintaining the health of our buildings. They help
us identify issues early, plan repairs proactively, protect our shared assets, and ensure
that our homes remain safe and well-maintained for everyone.
I'd also like to give a special thank you to Rachel J. for spending countless hours
creating our Air table pilot project and uploading data from ever y unit inspection into the
system. Thanks to her efforts, we are now ready to move into Phase Two of the unit
inspection project: reporting and tracking. Rachel is helping ensure that all of those
volunteer hours translate into meaningful, actionable information that will benefit the co-op for years
to come.
To all eleven of you: thank you for your time, your dedication, and your willingness to
contribute to our community. The work you've done this year has had a lasting impact,
and it is deeply appreciated.
Thank you all for helping make our coop stronger.
GOODBYE SWEET MAY TREE
Submitted by Cindy
It was a cooperative effort to deal with the May Tree that fell down last Friday June 5.
Kathleen posted a photo on our Facebook Group which was what brought it to my
attention. I ran over as soon as I saw, and lo and behold, Emma was already there
and so was Kathleen. We decided it would be a good idea to put tape around it, so I
ran home to get the hazard ribbon I’ve had since David B. gave some to me to close
off the playground during COVID.
By that time Leslie was around and so was David S. Leslie and Kathleen rescued the
books from the Little Free Library and Emma, David and I strung the hazard ribbon.
Sean was there on his cell talking to 311 and apparently Debbie and Mahlah from the
Ground Committee got involved too. Great job everyone. Sorry if I missed anyone.
