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The federal government released its 2024 Fall Economic Statement, setting its financial priorities for the coming year. Following a sustained push by the co-operative housing sector, the Fall Economic Statement included a commitment worth $362.6 million to extend the Federal Community Housing Initiative (FCHI) by five years. The program was previously scheduled to end in … Continued

As 337 more affordable rental homes open in Vancouver, new reports are showing positive signs for renters in B.C., including thousands of renters supported through the BC Rent Bank, decreases in rents and record-high rental-home construction starts. “We are starting to head in the right direction when it comes to making progress for renters,” said … Continued

Establishing a strategic plan for an organization like ours can be a complex endeavor. There are many voices, competing priorities, and community needs to take into account. We started this process by listening to many of you – our co-op members and partners. It served as an excellent opportunity to connect with passionate co-operative housing … Continued

On November 17, CHF BC hosted the 2024 Annual General Meeting, connecting with our community, sharing our new strategic plan, and electing five at-large directors to the CHF BC board. Retiring board chair, Suzann Zimmering, opened the meeting, and was later honoured by staff and fellow board members for her many years of service to … Continued

The Co-operative Housing Federation of BC’s annual Century of Co-operation Awards were handed out on September 27, 2024. The annual luncheon recognizes the contribution of seniors as part of their co-op communities, many of whom have lived in their co-op communities for over thirty years. The theme of this year’s celebration was “belonging” – a … Continued

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?