Co-operative Housing Development Program launched

Published June 18, 2024

On June 6, the highly-anticipated $1.5-billion Co-operative Housing Development Program was launched.

At a press conference held at Westboine Park Housing Co-op in Winnipeg, the federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser and the Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal made the announcement, alongside CHF Canada President Cassia Kantrow and Executive Director Tim Ross.

Watch a video of highlights from the press conference. 

First mentioned in the 2022 federal budget, the Co-operative Housing Development Program is the first dedicated federal investment in the construction of co-op housing in over 30 years. Delivered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the program will consist of approximately $500 million in contributions and $1 billion in loans for new development.

Canada’s housing co-ops have advocated for many years for a return to dedicated federal funding for co-op housing development. Over the past year, many co-ops and sector leaders participated in an online advocacy campaign seeking the immediate launch of the program in order to address Canada’s worsening housing crisis, culminating in today’s announcement.

“The launch of the Co-operative Housing Development Program is a milestone moment, in line with our sector’s desire to achieve Co-op Housing For All,” stated CHF Canada’s Executive Director, Tim Ross. “It will kickstart the development of the next generation of co-operative housing. More individuals and families will be able to access the security, affordability and inclusion that co-operative housing offers.”

“Having a secure home in a supportive community made all the difference for me when I was a young single parent,” added Cassia Kantrow, CHF Canada’s Board President. “Co-operative housing changes lives, and I am overjoyed that more people will be able to have what I had, thanks to the Co-operative Housing Development Program.”

“By focusing on people over profits, co-operative housing is able to keep housing affordable for the long term. This is the largest investment in co-op housing in 30 years. It will help build thousands of new homes and create a new generation of co-operative housing across Canada,” stated the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.More information on the program can be found by visiting CMHC’s program portal. The first round of applications will open on July 15. 

• Visit CMHC’s program portal for upcoming information sessions
• Read CHF Canada’s press release
• Read Infrastructure Canada’s press release

CHF Canada is dedicated to supporting its members in considering growth opportunities, in line with the Co-op Housing for All Vision. We envision the new program as the first step in establishing ongoing development of co-operative housing. 

• Check out the new Build section of our website to learn more about our development support.
• Consider completing the intake form if your co-op is thinking about or already pursuing a development project.

“We look forward to engaging with members and partners to best leverage these funds towards new development and in support of Co-op Housing for All,” said CHF Canada’s Manager, Co-operative Housing Development, Karen Brodeur.