Elana Harte (she/her)

I am pleased to put my name forward for the Director-at-Large position with CHF Canada. I do so with deep respect for the organization’s mission to inspire, represent, and serve co-operative housing communities across the country.

My connection to co-operative housing is both professional and personal. I lived in a co-op for 10 years, and that experience continues to shape how I understand community, governance, and member engagement. I have also worked as a manager in both federally and provincially funded co-ops, giving me direct, practical insight into the operational realities and regulatory environments that co-ops navigate every day.

My professional and volunteer experience reflects a long-standing commitment to the values at the heart of CHF Canada’s work. As Executive Director of the Central Ontario Co-operative Housing Federation (COCHF), I work closely with co-ops of all sizes to support governance, member engagement, and sector development. This role has deepened my understanding of the diversity within our movement and of the need to balance operational realities with a clear, forward-looking vision.

In addition to my role with COCHF, I serve as a Director with Housing Services Corporation (HSC), contribute to the Encasa Advisory Committee, and sit on several boards, including Grand Valley Non-Profit Housing, the Western Ontario Community Land Trust, and Q Musicale—a non-profit dedicated to supporting and promoting 2SLGBTQIA+ artists. These roles have broadened my perspective on housing, governance, and community-building, reinforcing how interconnected and collaborative this work truly is.

I have also been actively involved in sector advocacy, including work related to end-of-mortgage and draft service agreements (EOM). I have seen firsthand the importance of strong partnerships and thoughtful policy in supporting co-ops through transition and into long-term stability.

I also bring a strong foundation in conflict resolution and community-based approaches to governance. I hold a certificate in Restorative Justice from Simon Fraser University and an Executive Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. These experiences have informed my ability to support healthy decision-making, navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, and contribute to respectful, constructive board and member processes.

I strongly support the continued expansion, development, and infill of co-operative housing across Canada, while also recognizing the importance of maintaining and strengthening the health of our existing co-ops. A balanced approach—one that invests in both growth and sustainability—is essential to the long-term success of our movement.

If elected, I will bring a collaborative spirit, a commitment to listening, and a willingness to contribute meaningfully to board discussions and decisions. I am eager to share what I have learned and equally eager to learn from others. I see this as both a responsibility and a privilege.