Ontario: Speak up for co-op housing

Mayors and councillors are in charge of some of the most important decisions that can impact the future of co-op housing in your community. This year, this is truer than ever as many HSA co-ops will be looking to sign new agreements with their municipality after they have paid off their mortgage.

CHF Canada, the regional federations and Ontario co-ops worked for five years to protect HSA co-ops as they reach the end of mortgage. In March, the Ontario government announced new regulations that are a positive step forward. Now, as municipal elections approach, our attention turns to the municipalities as each HSA co-op moves to a new agreement.

This election, ask candidates if they will:

♦ Work with the HSA co-ops in their area to ensure they are offered fair agreements that support the long-term health and sustainability of the community.

• Over 250 HSA co-ops, home to 21,000 households, are nearing the end of their mortgage across Ontario.
• Making sure these co-ops are offered a fair agreement at the end of mortgage is a municipal decision. This is key to the long-term health and sustainability of these communities.

♦ Build more permanently affordable co-operative housing.

• Ontario needs to create 10,000 units a year of affordable housing over the next 10 years to meet the existing and growing need – and this is a conservative estimate.
• Co-ops are ready to partner with municipalities to build new affordable housing or convert existing private rental housing to co-op.

Why co-op housing?

• Co-ops have a strong record of building healthy, inclusive communities.
• Co-ops are mixed-income communities that remain affordable for low- and middle-income households for the long-term.
• Co-ops are not just housing – they’re home.

Want to get more involved?

• Ask your coordinator to share our flyer (also available in black and white) with members.
• Check to make sure you are registered to vote.
• Organize an event at your co-op. Reach out to CHF Canada or your local regional federation for support.
• Organize a polling station at your co-op by contacting your municipal clerk.
• For more on the elections go to Ontario’s municipal elections page.