From September 13 to 15, our CHF BC team embarked on an exciting tour of several  co-ops in the BC interior, meeting with members, sharing updates, and strengthening ties with co-op communities. Here’s a snapshot of our journey and the inspiring conversations we had along the way.

Kamloops: Propolis and Sahali Co-ops

Our first stop was Propolis Co-op, where we were thrilled to hear about their progress. Propolis recently secured the land for their co-op project at the end of March. They’ve welcomed six new board directors, a mix of members and friends of the co-op, who are committed to their vision.

The co-op has exciting plans on the horizon, including a potential meal program to support single parents, seniors aging in place, and students. In addition, they are considering the creation of a car co-op in Kamloops to enhance community mobility. We also had a great conversation about the Kamloops Land Trust, where Propolis members are actively engaged, with Lindsay from their team serving on the board.

In the evening, we attended a BBQ at Sahali Co-op, which had the best turnout in years. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with members and give out Century of Cooperation awards, which were presented to several deserving co-op members. We also took the time to share information about CHF BC’s Group Buying program and upcoming education workshops. We were delighted to see Propolis members joining in on the festivities!

Salman Arm and Vernon: Ida Vista and Blue Skies Co-ops

On September 14, the team stopped by Ida Vista Housing Co-op for a tour of the co-op, taking the opportunity to explore the facilities. There was no formal meeting with members during this visit, but we appreciated seeing the co-op’s setup firsthand. After a tour of Ida Vista Housing co-op, we met with the board of Blue Skies Co-op. It was heartening to see a board so dedicated to the well-being of their co-op. They asked insightful questions and deepened their understanding of co-op rules and policies, ensuring they can continue to guide Blue Skies with care and foresight.

Kelowna: Southgate Manor Co-op and Okanagan Co-op

The final day of our tour began with a meeting at Southgate Manor Co-op. We engaged with their board, answering questions and clarifying policies to help them better navigate governance challenges. After the meeting, we had a tour of the co-op, where we were shown their beautiful gardens that stretch along the property, as well as their well-organized compost system. It was inspiring to see their commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The tour was followed by a lively member BBQ, where we got to interact with many co-op members in a more relaxed setting. We were also pleased to welcome members from Okanagan Housing Co-op, who joined us for the BBQ.

Later in the afternoon, we joined the Okanagan Housing Co-op board at the Rutland Activity Centre for a focused conversation about board governance. It was a valuable opportunity to share insights and answer their pressing questions, helping to strengthen their leadership as they continue to serve their community.

This interior tour was a reminder of the incredible dedication and spirit within our co-op communities. We’re grateful for the warm welcome and look forward to continuing these meaningful conversations in the months to come.