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CHF Canada in 2017: Stronger Together

Published December 13, 2017

CHF Canada in 2017: Stronger Together

Just as the members of your housing co-op are stronger together, your co-op is more successful and powerful as a member of your national federation. You possess a strong voice with governments and others. And you can count on the information, advice and service you need to succeed.

Here is what you accomplished in 2017 as a CHF Canada member:

  • You contributed over 10,000 actions to the You Hold the Key campaign in 2017. The result: housing was the largest investment in budget 2017, and we are making progress to deliver on our goal to protect vulnerable co-op households.
  • CHF Canada’s Refinancing Program helped seven co-ops borrow close to $20 million to renovate and modernize in 2017. In total, this program has invested $80 million in housing co-ops.
  • You benefited from leading edge digital communications with a new website featuring an updated resource section and eNEWS system.
  • At a well-attended annual meeting in Niagara Falls featuring the inspiring music and message of fellow co-operator Domanique Grant, you made a commitment to growth so that more Canadians can call co-op housing home. Two member resolutions supporting new development received unanimous support.
  • 45 housing co-ops made use of capital planning and project management from CHF Canada’s Asset Management Services, which have scaled up with additional staff to meet demand. Our services were delivered across Canada, in all provinces and territories outside of BC and Quebec.
  • In Ontario: HSA co-ops are benefiting from millions invested by the province in green retrofits for affordable housing and the Fair Housing Plan promises to leverage surplus provincial land for affordable housing, moves we’ve recommended for years. The Ontario Region is working with partners to make affordable housing a key issue in the 2018 spring election.
  • CHF Canada’s popular Greener Co-op Microgrant helped 14 co-ops implement small projects that reduce greenhouse gases, improve air quality, adapt to climate change and inspire others.
  • Four young co-operators were awarded Diversity Scholarships in Nova Scotia, Southwestern Ontario and Manitoba, and CHF Canada contributed to scholarships offered by regional federations across the country that have helped hundreds of young members reach their academic goals.
  • CHF Canada supported co-op diversity initiatives including Bain Co-op’s Honour Canoe Project commemorating the work of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Sarcee Meadows Housing Co-op’s Women’s Circle and diversity event, which received wide media coverage and praise from Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.

Members like you received other vital CHF Canada services in 2017: regional and online education and training, Enterprise Services such as insurance and investment, and news and links to the wider co-op movement nationally and globally.

All this and much more happened because of your loyal and steady support. Thank you for keeping co-op housing strong!

Click here to download our Year In Review in PDF.


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