Co-op Housing on the Rise

Published November 21, 2025

National Housing Day has us reflecting on the state of housing in Canada, and the opportunities for real and lasting solutions. 

New construction in the private housing industry is slowing down. But that’s not the case for co-op housing. This is no surprise as co-op housing is built with long-term affordability and community in mind. 

From the spark of an idea in a housing co-op, to projects being developed through the Co-operative Housing Development Program, to the ribbon-cuttings announcing new and acquired homes and neighbours moving in – growth is not just a goal, it’s happening.  Take a look at just a few of the inspiring milestones being celebrated from coast to coast. 

Sunshine Housing Co-op | British Columbia 

When a land lease was up at Sunshine Housing Co-op, the co-op worked with the city of Surrey, BC Housing and Community Land Trust to construct a new building on contributed municipal land valued at $2.8 million. The new development replaces the 39 homes of the original building and adds 30, increasing the co-op to 69 homes. The new location has quickly welcomed new families, and become home for the long-term members of Sunshine Co-op. 

Otter Creek Co-op Homes | Ontario 

Otter Creek Co-op knew more co-op homes were urgently needed in Whitby, and they made it happen. Through the federal Rapid Housing Initiative, Otter Creek secured funding to build 18 new co-op homes on municipal land sold for $2 to the co-op, along with funding from the Region of Durham. Alongside elected officials, members of Otter Creek celebrated the opening this summer. 

Sainte Josephine | Quebec 

This fall in Gatineau, members started moving into the latest project of La Cité des Outaouais co-operative. Sainte Josephine is a new building with 108 co-op homes. Located in a walkable community, the co-op encourages greener transportation with ample bike spaces and an on-site car share company. 

The Range | New Brunswick 

The Range Co-op had their grand opening in September in Saint John. The co-op acquired 180 homes with the goal of keeping them permanently affordable as a sector-led housing co-operative. The co-op then built four new accessible co-op homes, and worked with New Brunswick Power to add insulation and heat pump conversions, bringing down heating costs for members. 

Unity North | Nova Scotia 

Unity North Neighbourhood is the first new construction project for Compass Nova Scotia, a province-wide housing co-op comprised of ten neighbourhoods. Unity North adds 57 new homes to a Halifax community with strong African Nova Scotian and Indigenous cultural roots whose members have faced displacement over time. To counter this, priority was given to Black and Indigenous applicants that either live in or had previously lived in the area. They celebrated their opening in October. 

Island Unity Land Co-op | Prince Edward Island 

In PEI, a new model is rewriting what’s possible in a mostly rural province that needs more rental options. The Island Unity Land Co-op acquired 56 homes as part of a provincial pilot project to protect affordable housing. While they celebrate their first co-op homes, this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for what’s next from Island Unity.  

Groundbreakings 

Four of the first projects to receive funding from the federal Co-operative Housing Development Program celebrated with groundbreaking ceremonies. From Linden Co-op in Perth, Ontario, to The Cedars Co-op in Toronto, to the Valley Roots Highbury Road project and the Upper Hammonds Plains Co-op in Nova Scotia, shovels are in the ground and buildings are going up. 

What’s next?  

As demand for co-op housing grows, co-ops are continuing to innovate and drive forward with even more development and growth, working with partners across all orders of government and beyond. Stay tuned!