2024 Greener Co-op Microgrants: Co-ops launch new projects to reduce environmental impact and build their community

Published August 08, 2024

Spring and summer are key times of the year for many co-ops undertaking projects to green their communities and improve environmental sustainability. This year, thirty-three co-ops have launched new environmental initiatives thanks to a CHF Canada Greener Co-op Microgrant.

Keegano Housing Co-operative in Edmonton, Alberta, wrapped up its 2024 microgrant project this summer and has created a successful rainwater collection program. The project team highlighted how the initiative has helped achieve the co-op’s climate resilience goals: “In preparation for worsening drought conditions, Keegano Housing Co-operative acquired and implemented 35 state-of-the-art rain barrels for ongoing water conservation. Our heartfelt gratitude to the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada for its generous funding of these timely barrels, furthering the aims of Keegano’s Co-operative Environmental Sustainability Policy to better conserve resources!”

Thank you to Keegano Housing Co-operative for sharing photos of their project team with their rain barrels.

They emphasized that the rainwater capture project “stewards the co-op’s collective resources and reduces reliance on treated municipal water, safeguards ecosystem biodiversity by capturing water and redirecting it to thirsty gardens and common grounds, and contributes to soil health and storm-water management.”

For many co-ops that received a Greener Co-op Microgrant in 2023, the impact of their projects will be felt for years to come. At Mimico Co-op in Toronto, their community garden is yielding another year of bountiful produce. The garden has been an opportunity to grow local food, improve the co-ops grounds, and engage the community.

Thank you to Mimico Co-op for sharing photos of their garden produce.

Announcing 2024 Greener Co-op Microgrant projects

With the support of generous sponsors, CHF Canada is proud to support thirty-three Greener Co-op Microgrants in 2024, totaling $129,000 in funding. This year’s projects include:

• Community gardens and rooftop gardens
• Planting to support biodiversity
• Tree planting, including fruit trees and trees for shade
• Bicycle storage
• Solar-powered lights and smart thermostats
• Rain barrels
• Pavement removal, to reduce flooding

Thank you to the sponsors of the CHF Canada Greener Co-op Microgrant Program.

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