Sunnyhill Housing Co-operative

WHAT IS CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING?

Co-operative living involves group decision making, community events, and a philosophy of shared responsibility. Co-ops are run by the people living there. There is no landlord. Members are considered owners of the cooperative. Sunnyhill Co-operative is governed by a Board of Directors and its committees, which are responsible for the smooth operation of the co-op.

Housing co-operatives are incorporated, non-profit businesses organized by people who work together to provide their own housing through joint ownership. A broad spectrum of individuals and families from all age-ranges, all walks-of-life as well as all income levels have turned to housing co-ops as a way to enjoy a secure, affordable home designed to suit their needs in a strong community environment.

Co-ops are member-controlled organizations, and the people who occupy the housing owned by the co-op association are its members. Unlike tenants in a traditional rental situation, each household has one vote in the operation of the co-op. Every year the members elect, from among themselves, a Board of Directors to manage the business affairs of the co-op. Instead of rent, members pay a monthly housing charge to cover the cost of the mortgage, taxes and all operating expenses. There is no landlord, and housing charges rise only as costs increase.

Members do not individually own the units they occupy, but enter into a Shareholder’s Agreement with the cooperative, which provides security of tenure as long as the obligations of the membership are fulfilled. Membership means joint ownership and control of one’s housing. From the co-op’s inception, the members decide on design, development and policy. Later, they serve on committees responsible for activities including such things as Member Selection, Buildings, Grounds, Finance and Newsletter. All are asked to attend members’ meetings where they participate in major decisions.

Learn more about Co-operative Housing

You can find out more about Co-operative Housing by visiting websites for the Southern Alberta Housing Association (SACHA) and the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada). 

Other Co-operative Housing in Calgary