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The City of Vancouver is launching a new program to help increase the number of non-profit and co-op homes in the municipality.

Using moneys from the Empty Homes Tax and the City’s own capital budget, the program offers incentives that can be paired with funding from other sources.

MEDIA RELEASE     BC Budget: Delayed Investments Will Only Make BC’s Housing Crisis Worse Housing advocates express disappointment in 2020 provincial budget VICTORIA, BC (February 18, 2020) – The lack of new investments in affordable housing, and the delay in delivering on existing commitments, will only make B.C.’s already serious housing crisis worse, say … Continued

Media are advised that Thom Armstrong, CEO of the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC), and Jill Atkey, CEO of BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA) will be available for interviews on the 2020 Provincial Budget on Tuesday, February 18.

Earlier this week, the City of Vancouver released its long awaited co-op Lease discussion paper.  This launches a period of consultation and discussion that is expected to result in a final report to Council by the summer of 2020. The discussion paper: You can download the discussion paper, read more about the City’s process, and … Continued

Fraserview Housing Co-operative took a big step forward by electing its first resident board at last week’s annual general meeting. This marks an important occasion in the life of a multi-site partnership with the Community Land Trust, the City of Vancouver and the members of Fraserview. Half a decade ago, the City sought a non-profit … Continued

IMPORTANT: if you want to preserve your right to appeal your property assessment, the deadline is January 31. If there is any chance you will want to dispute your assessment, you should contact BC Assessment before the end of the month. NOTE: AEC Property Tax Consultants is again offering CHF BC members a break (20%) … Continued

Enrolment in the FCHI-2 began last month for federally administered co-ops.  The program will provide new rent assistance to low-income members beginning April 2020 and lasting until March 31, 2028.

In earlier communication we advised all federally administered co-ops to apply for enrolment in FCHI-2 in case they are eligible.  We can now be more precise in our advice.

Thank you for joining us for the Fall 2019 Vancouver Island Council meeting at the Hotel Grand Pacific this week! There was a great crowd for the October 8 meeting in Victoria.

CHF BC and its member housing co-ops are part of a bigger community of co-operatives.

Even though many people are members of co-operatives (like credit unions, or Modo, or MEC), co-ops are still less familiar than limited companies and charities. We’ve put together a video that answers some basic questions about co-operatives and how housing co-ops have some special characteristics that makes them a great alternative to more common rental and ownership models.

CMHC has been working closely with key housing associations over the summer to finalize details for Phase 2 of the Federal Community Housing Initiative (FCHI).

This new rental assistance program for community housing providers reaching the end of their operating agreements will be available as of April 1, 2020.

The Co-op Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC) and BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA) applaud the Burnaby Mayor’s Task Force on Community Housing for its vision of Burnaby as a community with affordable housing for all citizens.

Are you an artist or do you know an artist living in a co-op who tackles issues related to housing and homelessness? We would love to hear from you! The upcoming Housing Central Conference will feature an art exhibition on Tuesday, November 19 at the Sheraton Wall Centre in downtown Vancouver. Additional opportunities to showcase artwork may be available … Continued