Co-operative housing living is unique to all other forms of housing because it represents a community living within a community.
Democratic management is the lifeblood of a healthy co-op. The people who live in the Co-op are voting members and collectively own and run the housing co-op. Members elect a board of directors from their existing membership. They authorize the board to conduct the day to day business of the Cooperative. As representatives of the membership, directors have the legal right to run the housing co-op. They must manage or supervise the housing co-op’s business and affairs.
All members in a cooperative share in the advantages and responsibilities of cooperative living. This collective participation transforms the co-op into more than just a residence – it’s a community.
There are many kinds of co-operatives: food co-ops, co-op daycares, credit unions, retail co-ops, worker co-ops and housing co-ops. Any group of people can form a co-operative. The members own the co-operative and the co-operative provides a service they need. Housing co-operatives offer housing.
As a co-op member, you have security of tenure. This means that you can live in your home for as long as you wish if you follow the rules of the co-op and pay your housing charge (rent). As a co-op member, you have a say in decisions that affect your home. You and your neighbours own your homes cooperatively. Members form a community that works together to manage the co-op. Co-op communities are made up of all kinds of people – people with different backgrounds and incomes and special needs. These diverse and vibrant communities are the unique strength of the co-op housing movement.
Watch a video here to learn more!
Learn more about housing co-operatives through the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC.
Member Responsibilities
A co-op membership isn’t the same as owning a home, but it’s also not like regular rental unit. Co-op living is a lifestyle choice for those willing to accept the responsibilities of running a co-op and the challenge of building community.
In addition to paying monthly housing charges (like rent), the co-op also requires members to be involved with operations. Engagement is the name of the game. You may sit on a committee that deals with, say, recycling issues, or communications. Committee work involves attending meetings and sharing tasks.
Responsibilities of co-op members also include:
- prompt payment of monthly housing charges
- maintenance of units in good condition and repair
- respect for the rules of the co-op as developed by its membership
- participation in running the co-op through its decision-making meetings and committees
- respect for neighbors of the Seawalk Co-op neighborhood
Members Rights
Members of a housing co-op have a right to:
Vote on the annual budget, which sets the monthly housing charges
- Elect a board of directors made up of people who live at your co-op
- Run for the board of directors yourself
- Receive audited financial statements that show how the co-op spent your money
- Receive audited financial statements that show how the co-op spent your money
- Live there as long as you like, if you keep to the by-laws agreed on by the co-op members
Seawalk Housing Cooperative 