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.

  12 June 2024   

Make a Difference in BC’s Housing Landscape as CLT’s Controller

Join the Community Land Trust (CLT) as a Controller and be a key player in advocating for permanently affordable housing in British Columbia!

With a CPA and over 5 years of progressive accounting experience, you’ll lead our accounting team, ensuring sound financial management and supporting various organizational functions.

  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.

  7 June 2024   

Energy Efficiency Upgrade Rebates for Co-op Homes

Is your co-op looking at upgrades to improve energy efficiency?

The CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program provides rebates for improving your home’s energy efficiency through select upgrades.

Qualifying co-op homes can access rebates for heat pumps, water heaters, insulation and window upgrades, and more.

  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.

  27 May 2024   

Empower Co-op Members with BC Rebates for Accessible Home Adaptations

The BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) offers financial assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income households to make needed home adaptations, enabling residents to live independently longer in their homes. Co-op eligibility has been a little ambiguous in the past, but we are happy to report some good news.

Members who meet the program criteria and income requirements that belong to a co-op with an FCHI-2 agreement may be eligible for funding for adaptations.

  24 May 2024   

Go Green and Save! Free Co-op Energy Benchmarking and $500 Incentive

Is your housing co-op interested in environmental sustainability and energy efficiency? If so, CHF BC may be able to help – check out our FREE Energy Benchmarking Program!

Co-ops that sign up for benchmarking with the help of CHF BC and are Vancity members may be eligible for an incentive of up to $500!

  7 May 2024   

CLT’s Commitment to Affordable Passive House Communities in BC

Discover how Community Land Trust (CLT) is revolutionizing affordable housing in BC through their commitment to building passive house communities.

  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.

  25 April 2024   

Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) Ending: Act Now!

Since 2010, ECAP has provided opportunities for non-profit housing co-ops (and others) to save money and improve sustainability.

The program is set to end this year. If your co-op has never made use of the program—or only saw a few households participate—there’s still a chance to take part!

  16 April 2024   

2024 Federal budget highlights urgency of the housing crisis

Today, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled the 2024 federal budget, which largely focuses on the housing needs of renters and younger generations.

Many of the housing commitments outlined in the budget were announced as part of the federal government’s new housing plan, unveiled last week.

The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada strongly supports the government’s sharp focus on housing.