LATEST
NEWS

A well-informed membership makes the co-op housing movement stronger. Keep up-to-date on the latest CHF BC, and co-op housing related, goings-on by reading our latest news below. To get this news—and more— delivered directly to your inbox subscribe to our newsletters.

  11 June 2024   

The Missing Piece: New Federal Funding Makes a Real Difference

Last week, the Canadian federal government announced the $1.5 billion Co-operative Development Program. This is the first major federal investment in co-op housing in over 30 years.

Our CEO, Thom Armstrong, discussed the significance of this historic funding in recent media appearances, highlighting its impact on co-op housing in B.C.

  11 June 2024   

See if you Qualify for a Free Portable Air Conditioner

Summer is coming! Portable AC units can help cool homes during extreme heat events.

If you live in a qualifying household, you may be eligible for a free portable air conditioner and installation.

Learn more about BC’s Free Portable Air Conditioning program.

  6 June 2024   

CHF BC Welcomes Launch of New Co-operative Housing Development Program

This Co-operative Housing Development Program is the first significant federal investment in co-op housing in over 30 years. CHF BC is delighted to see the program—promised in the 2022 federal budget—finally come to fruition.

It includes $500 million in contributions and $1 billion in loans to build housing co-ops across Canada. We are particularly excited that Indigenous-led housing co-ops will be eligible for program funding.

  1 May 2024   

In the News: Vancouver’s Urgent Need for Non-Profit Housing

A recent opinion article in the Vancouver Sun by Nancy Hannum highlights the critical need for non-profit housing in Vancouver.

The op‑ed argues that in Metro Vancouver at least 70 per cent of all new rental supply built over the next 20 years must be non-market, including housing co-ops. This is crucial to alleviate the ongoing housing crisis.

  29 April 2024   

Seize the Moment: BC Builds’ Housing Development Opportunities Await

The recently announced BC Builds’ Housing Development Opportunities initiative connects zoned land with development partners to speed up timelines, and deliver more affordable homes for British Columbians.

To promote engagement, BC Builds is hosting separate information sessions for eight new parcels of underutilized, publicly owned land spanning from the Interior of B.C. to Vancouver Island.

  4 April 2024   

Canada Rental Protection Fund Paves the Way to Housing Stability

B.C.’s housing sector celebrates the $1.5-billion Canada Rental Protection Fund, 🎉

The fund builds on the successful B.C. model, extending housing stability and affordability nationwide.

  2 April 2024   

Urgent🚨 Support WISHS Co-op During their Elevator Revamp

WISHS Housing Co-op embarking on a critical elevator modernization project and required the support of the co-op housing community.

Many of WISHS’ members face mobility challenges and have difficulty with stairs. Does your co-op have available homes for WISHS members with accessibility needs?

  12 March 2024   

A Path to Delivering More Co-op Homes in Vancouver

Vancouver City Councillor Sarah-Kirby-Yung is presenting a motion concerning co-operative housing titled The Future of Co-op Housing – A Path to Delivering More Co-op Homes in Vancouver.

Read on to view a video explainer about, learn about CHF BC’s perspective on, and see media coverage of the motion.

  21 February 2024   

$2 Billion Federal Investment Empowers Innovative BC Builds Program

On February 20, 2024, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the federal government will be adding another $2 billion in financing to BC Builds

The announcement also included BC Builds’ fourth site with 112 new co-operative homes for middle-income households in Vancouver.

  19 February 2024   

Your Co-op Could Win Big In CHF BC’s Year Of Belonging Awards!

It’s time to celebrate belonging and inspire change in your co-op!

We are excited to announce the launch of the Year of Belonging Awards. This new award is designed to recognize co-operative activities that celebrate the spirit of belonging .

Winners of a Year of Belonging Award will receive a $1,000 prize!

  13 February 2024   

Highlights of the February 7 Vancouver Island Council Meeting

Learn what happened at the February 7 Vancouver Island Council meeting.

Updates include: federal and provincial budget submissions, upcoming events and workshops enhanced resident-member benefits, national advocacy initiative, and an exciting new donation to Island members.

  12 February 2024   

Video: B.C. Premier on the importance of co-operative housing

During his announcement of the acquisition of 2 Coquitlam housing co-operatives, B.C. Premier Eby discussed the important role that co-operative housing plays in meeting the challenges of the housing crisis.

During his remarks, he noted that co-ops are a model of housing that works. It’s stable housing, it’s affordable housing, and it’s also built-in community.