Education and Resources
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Getting governance right
Learn about good governance and principled leadership in your housing co-operative (2010).
Model Occupancy By-law for Ontario Co-ops (2017)
This by-law sets out the rights and responsibilities of occupying a housing co-op unit (2017). CHF Canada recommends that all Ontario housing co-ops update their Occupancy by-law first, followed by their Organizational by-law. Use this model and the Guide to take you through the steps.
Your co-op’s board of directors
Know what to look for to make sure your co‑op's board of directors is on track.
Member satisfaction survey
Customize this CHF Canada survey to get feedback on how members feel about living in the co-op.
Governance or management quiz
Take the quiz to find out the difference between governance and management (2010).
Occupancy by-law: model for Ontario co-ops
Learn how this new model occupancy by-law sets out the rights and responsibilities of a housing co‑op and its members (2014).
Monthly Featured Resource
Aging in place: Member storiesMay 2017
More and more co-op members are choosing to age in place. It can have substantial benefits for older members, their families and the wider co-op community. This resource shares four stories about aging in place in co-op communities across Canada.
Excellent ElectionsApril 2017
Time to gear up for elections in your co‑op? This short tip sheet will help get you started thinking about how to make your next election the best one yet. Looking for resources to browse? This column is just for you! The monthly Featured Resources are either newer resources or ones being featured because of their usefulness. Resources could be a poster or brochure to post in your co‑op, or a video or presentation to use in a Board or Members’ meeting.
Model Environmental Sustainability PolicyMarch 2017
This model policy is shared as a word document. It then becomes a working document for your co-op as you customize it to suit your co-op’s needs. The Greener Co-op Micro Grant Program is a great success! In 2016, seventeen co-ops received grants that went to projects like: lighting (solar, interior LED); gardens (fruit trees, rain barrels, pollinator and community gardens); dual flush toilets and e-bike charging stations.
LGBTQ Inclusive Co-op CommunitiesFebruary 2017
This brochure shares some tips on how you can help your co‑op become a more inclusive community. Learn what LGBTQ stands for and how to support equal rights for LGBTQ communities by becoming an ally to ensure your co‑op is a safe space for everyone.
GST/HST rebates: is your housing co‑op at risk of losing them? January 2017
Is your housing co-op federally-funded? Do you know if your co-op is at risk of losing these rebates? This Bulletin will help federally-funded co-ops determine if and when you might lose your GST/HST rebates when your operating agreement ends.
Your Co-op. Your Community. Your Home.December 2016
This poster tells the story of housing co‑ops and our connection to the co‑op movement. Perfect for posting in your co‑ops’ common areas! Look for copies at the next education event in your region.
Tips & Tricks
An evolving collection of themed links from around the Web: Make the most of meetings!
Energize your monthly board meetings
Check out these creative strategies for making board meetings productive and fun!More
Agenda planning
Prepare an effective agenda and use your board’s time wisely.More
What is active listening?
Improve your communication with others by using this secret: active listening!More
10 Tips for Being an Effective Board Member
Share this short reminder of what it means to be a good director.More
A Recipe for Good Board Meetings
Use these ingredients to cook up a delicious meeting.More
How to develop ground rules in a group
These tips will help members agree on some ground rules before starting their meetings.More