Scoop_Summer-2016

Key Celebration Co-op TelecomLow-income co-op Members rush to signhouseholds breathe a up for deep discountssigh of relief (p. 7) with TELUS (p. 24)Summer 2016 - online The newsmagazine for housing co-operatives in BC• Fifth annual scholarships• A Key Campaign victory• Housing Central on the Drive



EDITORIALHousing Central – the future callsIn today’s fast paced and constantly changinghousing environment, everyone is beingchallenged to do more with less and to embracenew ways of doing business. The days of relyingon what has worked so well for years or evendecades are gone forever. The new buzz wordsare innovation, resilience, creativity andpartnerships.One example of a perfect partnership is our very Thom Armstrong is theimportant strategic alliance with our friends and Executive Director ofcolleagues in BC’s non-profit housing sector. At CHF BCour Annual General Meeting last November, wetold you about our plan to share offices with theBC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA).That plan is now in full swing under the brand ofHousing CENTRAL. Since January, our VancouverWe have so much in common with our non-profitfriends...new partners. It has been messy, noisy, chaotic,disruptive….and very exciting!We have so much in common with our non-profit Read a message fromfriends: a commitment to protecting and BCNPHA's Chiefexpanding affordable housing, developing and Executive Officer,delivering education and other services for Kishone Roy on page 42.members, new asset management strategies,government advocacy…and the list goes on.We already know how much value there is instrong partnerships—just look at our relationshipwith CHF Canada and the network of nationalco-op federations. This just takes it one giant stepfurther.continued...3 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 3

Housing Central is the name for the shared location and partnership of affordable housing groups in BC.We now have under one roof the We have decided to hold our New locationcombined strength of CHF BC, own AGM on the day before that for our AGM!CHF Canada, our community land conference, in part to hold it in atrusts, COHO Management, larger, more comfortable facility, On Sunday,Encasa Financial Inc., and now – but also to give you an November 20, 2016,BCNPHA. opportunity to plug into a much we'll hold our larger, thought-provoking event Annual GeneralThere’s no danger that we will that will give us all plenty of new Meeting at theweaken or dilute the co-op ideas to think and talk about. Sheraton Vancouverhousing brand under a bigger Airport Hotel inhousing umbrella. We will always Please save Sunday, November Richmond.be part of the co-op housing 20, this year in your calendar andmovement – that’s baked into plan to join us at our 2016our DNA. But there are over 600 Annual General Meeting at thenon-profit housing societies in Sheraton Vancouver AirportBC providing more than 65,000 Hotel.affordable homes, and this isone instance where bigger is Welcome to Housing CENTRAL!definitely better.This is about combining strengthwith strength and deliveringbenefits to everyone involved.Speaking of benefits, BCNPHAholds a very large, very excitingannual conference in Novemberthat draws almost 1,000 peoplefrom around the province andacross the country.4 LE MAGAZINE - JANVIER 2014 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 4

CONTENTS 7 KEY CAMPAIGN Co-operative Housing Federation of BC Federal www.chf.bc.ca announcement victory for members Vancouver 220 - 1651 Commercial Drive, 10 OPEN ARMS Vancouver, BC V5L 3Y3 Tel: 604.879.5111 Co-ops welcome Toll-free: 1.866.879.5111 Syrian refugee [email protected] families Victoria 15 LONG-TERM PLANS 330 - 1105 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, BC V8V 3P9 CHF BC's planning Tel: 250.384.9444 team helps co-ops [email protected] prepare for future CHF BC board of directors 20 ISLAND PARTY President Patty Shaw, Kailasa Island members [email protected] appreciated at Vice-President celebration Cassia Kantrow, Pace Accounting 24 DEALS FOR CO-OPS [email protected] Treasurer CHF BC's Group Larisa Gorodetsky, Granville Buying Program gives Gardens [email protected] great deals Directors 27 DIVERSITY Amanda Skillin, Delta Green [email protected] One co-op's youth Art Farquharson, Seawalk board sets example [email protected] for more Charles Sandor, Ford Road [email protected] 30 CO-OP SECTOR David Lach, Quebec Manor [email protected] First year of Eddie Sabile, Killarney Gardens Tri-Mentorship [email protected] program a big success Erin Gilchrist, Heritage [email protected] 33 INTERNATIONAL Thomas Robson, Lore Krill [email protected] Rooftops Canada gets Yuri Artibise, Athletes Village local support [email protected] SCOOP is published by CHF BC to provide a link between housing co-ops and Editor Fiona Jackson the Federation, and a forum for opinion. SCOOP’s content does not necessarily [email protected] represent CHF BC policy. Publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service. ISSN 1206-2766 5 This is our first completely digital edition of the magazine. Cover photo: 2016 CHF BC Scholarship winners - see article page 8.5 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016



NEWSKey Campaign wins Breaking itmajor victory downHousing co-ops all across will renew existing subsidies 55 co-ops whose operatingCanada got some good news in until March 2018, for co-ops agreements expire betweenApril from federal Minister of whose federal program April 2016 and March 2018Families, Children and Social operating agreements expire will continue to receiveDevelopment Hon. Jean-Yves between April 2016 and March subsidies if they maintain orDuclos. 2018. increase the number of subsidized units for low-In his newsletter, Dialogue with This marks a very successful end income households.Duclos, the Minister confirmed to our You Hold the Keythat Canada Mortgage and campaign at the federal level. The province will beHousing Corporation (CMHC) expected to provide assistance to low-income members in the 22 co-ops that have already reached the end of their federal operating agreements. The federal government has provided additional funds to B.C. to cost-share that expense.Karen Bonn and her daughter hold the key at Cougar Canyon Co-op in Surrey. After March 2018, the province will assume responsibility for all assistance to low-income members.Help us turn the final keyWe now have until March 2018 • Pass a resolution endorsing Key-maker Les Miller, in his studioto get a long-term agreement the campaign and send it to creating the final key.with our provincial government your MLA and B.C. Housingthat will keep seniors, people Minister Rich Coleman.with disabilities and other low-income co-op households • Tell us your stories: In print,secure in their co-op on video and in person.communities. We've alreadybegun discussions with BC • Thank the elected officialsHousing. who helped get us this far.We are so close to achieving all • Stay tuned: Watch theof our campaign objectives. campaign website and check ourLet’s work together to finish the Facebook page and Twitter feedjob! for updates.7 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 7

CHF BC Scholarship 2016This year's scholarship winners Yegor Konechnyy, Sophie Patel-Martin and Cameron O'Hara with friends and families.Congratulations!13 scholarships in five yearsCHF BC has reached a total of CHF BC was inspired to start the Applicants must:13 scholarships awarded since program by the example of the • Live in a CHF BC memberthe CHF BC Scholarship Fund succesful scholarship programlaunched in 2012. run by the housing co-op Co-operative Housing • Plan to attend, or alreadyThis year's scholarship winnners Federation of Toronto (CHFT).are Sophie Patel-Martin (Tidal attend (and will continue toFlats), Cameron O'Hara (La Eligible students may be just attend), a Canadian, publiclyPetite Maison) and Yegor entering post-secondary funded, accredited college,Konechnyy (Oaklands). education or returning to it university or government- after a break. approved apprenticeshipEach scholarship is worth up to program on a full-time basis$5,000: $2,000 in the first year Watch our website for next in the next academic yearof study and then $1,000 a year year's application details in • Be making a positivefor up to three more years. early 2017. contribution to their school, co-op, or community • Demonstrate financial need8 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 8



REFUGEES A home under the Rainbows A Syrian refugee family has found a home in Twin Rainbows Co-op—for now. It's only a sublet until the end of the year when they will have to move. Another sponsored family will need a home then too. Can you help? See details page 13. ---------------------------------------- by Fiona Jackson Photo: Cedar, Rami and their two- and-a half-year-old daughter at Twin Rainbows Co-op.A warm welcome for refugeesBC co-ops give shelterWhen images of the drowned body of three-year- contacted a CHF BC director.old Alan Kurdi appeared in media last summer the The Neighbourhood House hadworld was shocked—and some co-op members in shared a meal with a largeBC were moved to action. group of Syrian refugee families who were living in a local motel.A member at Pine Ridge province have long waiting lists The families expressed theirHousing Co-op in Burnaby with low turnover. The question urgent need for housing. At thestruck by the plight of Syrian became, how could a co-op end of January, CHF BC put therefugees wrote a letter to her prioritize a refugee family who word out to members throughboard asking that the co-op get would require subsidy over local its website and e-newsletter.involved. residents looking for housing? It would be a tough decision and For Pine Ridge Housing Co-op,Brenda Bedford, a director at require co-ops to do some the timing was right. Brendathe co-op, recalls the board’s collective soul searching. There called CHF BC who put her insolid support of the idea. “It just had to be a way that would have touch with Marcela Mancilla-moved us,” she said. After the the least impact on the co-op Fuller, the Settlement Servicesmeeting, she started making and the most positive outcome Coordinator at Collingwoodphone calls. for the refugees looking for a Neighbourhood House. The home. co-op invited Marcella and aWhile Brenda worked the settlement worker to theirphones, CHF BC’s board also That’s when a staff person at general meeting. Anwondered how co-ops could Collingwood Neighbourhood overwhelming majority of thehelp. Most co-ops in the House in East Vancouver members agreed to welcome a family to the co-op.10 LE MAGAZINE - JANVIER 2014 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 10

Community Alternatives Co-op in Kitsilano has a unique \"pod-style\" form of housing. Thank you!“We had this unit standing empty “First you join a committee and Pine Ridge Co-op'sbecause of a recent refurbishment attend meetings.” vendors came upproject,” said Brenda. “We decided with the money tothat we would hold it for a couple of This approach could be difficult for cover the refugeemonths.” refugees, who may have limited family's share English language or be in a difficult purchase cost (seeMeanwhile, across town in emotional state, so the co-op is page 13).Vancouver, two groups that were giving the family time to adapt andprivately sponsoring refugee speed-up their membership List of vendorsfamilies from Syria made contact approval. who donatedwith local housing co-ops. Cityscape “I’m sure they have other things to ManagementCommunity Alternatives Co-op in think about than coming to the workKitsilano offers a unique “pod-style” party,” said Siobhan. Coinamaticform of housing. Its members areoften students or individuals who Twin Rainbows Co-op, near Granville Haddock &share a pod like roommates. Island, was also set to offer a home CompanyCommunity Alternatives’ response to a privately sponsored refugeeto the refugee crisis was a decision family. The False Creek Neighbour- Interrockto offer an entire pod to a family. hood Association had identified a Landscaping Syrian family to sponsor and were“We were really touched by how looking for an apartment. A member Manning Elliottrapidly the co-op embraced this at Twin Rainbows got permissionidea,” said Siobhan Ryan, a director from the co-op to offer her unit as a Terra Assetat Community Alternatives. sublet while she travelled. The Management family would get a spacious home inThe family arrived at the co-op on a great location. The only trouble Trinity PlumbingJuly 1. “The co-op treated the family was, by spring the family hadn’tlike any other member, with the arrived and the unit was sitting VBN Enterprisesexception that we didn’t interview empty.them. And because of the communal Miscellaneousunits we normally have at least a In fact, the family was still waiting to contributorsthree-month waiting period before be processed and living in a refugeesomeone becomes a member,” said camp in northern Iraq. The latestSiobhan. word from the Ministry of Immigration is that the family's processing is delayed until 2017.11 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 11



REFUGEESFamilies still need housingCan your co-op offer a home to Cedar and Rami or with $500 each.\"the other family waiting to come to Canada? With the share purchase moneyIf so, please call Kathleen MacKinnon at the False raised, the co-op sprang intoCreek Neighbourhood Association: 604-873-6602. action. Members installed a baby-gate and donated curtainsThe False Creek Neighbourhood introduced them to the in the unit. Others bought gifts.Association turned to ISS BC and co-op community and the widerMOSAIC, local non-profit False Creek neighbourhood. On With a list of suitable food fromorganizations dedicated to their first day, a local television ISS BC they shopped to fill thehelping immigrants and newscast featured their story fridge. After the family—Riadrefugees integrate into and showed the smiling family Tbls, Lana Darwish and their twoCanadian society. Through the amid all the donated boxes of preschool-aged boys moved in,combination of contacts Twin mostly new clothing and toys. neighbours helped them get aRainbows connected with used washer and dryer installed.government-sponsored refugee Back in Burnaby, Pine Ridge still Still others showed themfamilies looking for housing. needed to raise money to cover around town. the refugees’ $2,800 shareIn April, a young Kurdish Syrian purchase. Another member When Brenda asked the dad,family of three—mom (Cedar), came up with the idea of Riad, what he liked most aboutdad (Rami) and their two-and-a- approaching the co-op’s Canada, he paused for ahalf year-old daughter—moved vendors. “Our board gave us six moment. Then he said, “Pineinto the co-op. The family is also months to raise the money,” Ridge Co-op.”expecting another baby in the said Brenda. “But the vendorsfall. The co-op extended a warm responded right away and we “The family is very happy here.welcome to the family and had the money in two weeks. But they are also very happy Half a dozen of them came up people, very nice people,” said Brenda. “Our co-op really lucked out.” The co-op was inspired to hold an international pot luck dinner to welcome the family to their community. “Members brought food from their countries of origin or ancestry and marked a big map of the world,” said Brenda. Their newest members drew a Syrian flag. Rami and Cedar's two-and-a-half year-old gives a thumbs up for their new home in Twin Rainbows Housing Co-op. 13



PLANNINGPlanning for the future with CHF BCEvery year your co-op prepares an annual budget.Taxes, utilities, maintenance, insurance… youconsider all these expenses. But what about thecost over time of renewing your buildings so theycontinue to provide safe, comfortable homes?« Long-term planning isanother area whereco-ops can benefit fromworking with professionals.»Are you really putting enough The federation can help see you by Michael Rodgersinto your reserve to ensure through the planning processthere will be money to replace from beginning to end, or from CHF BC staff can combine thefailing building components somewhere in the middle to the needs of the buildings with thewhen they need replacing? If end… depending how far along co-op's other needs.not, do you have the capacity to your co-op is in the process.borrow money? Which is the CHF BC will develop a long-termbetter strategy, anyway? Are The first step is a plan that looks at the next 30there other considerations— comprehensive look at your years to help your co-op makeoperating agreement expiries, buildings to determine what’s budget decisions now andlease issues—that you need to needed to keep them optimize capital schedules.consider? Only a long-term plan functioning well now and forcan you answer those questions decades to come. The typical We provide recommendationsand determine what next year’s foundation of a planning in a report and back them upbudget should really include. exercise is a building condition with long-term integrated cashMost co-ops look outside their assessment (BCA). If you don’t flow projections for bothmembership when confronting have a recent BCA, we can help operating and capital budgets.legal questions or preparing you get one. We also conduct a workshop ataudited statements. Long-term your co-op to explain thoseplanning is another area where The second step is to analyze recommendations and seekco-ops can benefit from working your co-op’s overall situation. additional feedback.with professionals. What is the state of its finances? What do members want? WhatCHF BC has been offering long- obligations does the co-op haveterm planning services for a to others—government orcouple of years now. private parties?15 LE MAGAZINE - JANVIER 2014 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 15

PLANNING Does your co-op have a plan? If your co-op needs to borrow money, we can help you get organized. We will prepare approval packages for CMHC and the Agency for Co-operative Housing plus supporting documents the co-op can take to a potential lender. Our partner, Vancity understands the value of a long-term plan and offers preferential rates and terms for co-ops that have gone through the process with CHF BC. When it comes time to carry out major work, CHF BC can help: obtaining an appraisal, finding a project manager for the design and construction, and defining the scope of work that the co-op needs and can afford. Domego Co-op in Vancouver at start of remediation project. Learn More 1. Check out chfbcplanning.ca where you'll find: • A program summary • A long-term planning poster • A Vancity partnership flyer 2. Here's some of what our more than 50 clients are saying. Marigold Co-op in Victoria16 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 16







VANCOUVER ISLANDIsland members enjoy the fun at the Island Member Appreciation Evening on April 20 at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Victoria.Member appreciation eveningWhat could be more fun than an The party was held in a spacious CHF BC also took theevening of cool beverages, hot new venue at the Comfort Inn opportunity to ask memberssnacks, door prizes and a chance and Suites. about the value of CHF BC toto network with other Island co- their co-ops now and in theop members? Our thanks go to Coast Capital future. Savings, Alpine Disposal andThe annual Island Member Recycling, Trail Appliances, Turn the page to see moreAppreciation Evening on April RONA and TELUS who shared photos of the fun and just some20 gave Island members all that information on the benefits of of what our members had toand a chance to mingle with group buying through CHF BC. say.friendly CHF BC, CHF Canadastaff and directors, COHO The event was also anManagement staff, and local opportunity for CHF BC andCHF BC group-buying partners. COHO to thank Island members for their continued support.20 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 20

WHAT OUR ISLAND MEMBERS SAY... Lisa Wilson, Friendship Co-op I have lived in co-op housing for nearly 10 years. CHF BC has been by my side as I served on many committees and more recently as co-op president. CHF BC‘s website and the many education seminars I have attended have helped me succeed. Our housing co-operative has benefited immensely because of that personal assistance and education given to our members by CHF BC. Myrna Henley,1678 Fort Street Co-op As a newly elected Board we decided in December to join CHF BC. As president I wanted somewhere we could turn for assistance and support. TheFederation was the perfect answer. CHF BC staff answered our questions and offered support on issues that were unfamiliar to us. Now our directors have attended workshops and the Federation's AGM in Burnaby. At the Island Member Appreciation Evening we met other co-op members and learned how our co-op compares....more from Myrna Bonnie Dale, James Bay Co-opAt the Island Member Appreciation Eveningwe spoke with members of other co-ops and It’s the strength of CHFlearned more. There will always be room for BC—a wide range ofimprovement and new ideas to be explored educational programsand we know that CHF BC will be there for designed to help co-opsus. deal with their day-to- day operations and21 LE MAGAZINE - JANVIER 2014 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 initiatives to tackle the larger looming issues— that gives me hope of a continued future for co-operative housing in BC. 21





CHF BC'S GROUP BUYINGCabinets before replacement at Charleston Terrace Co-op Maple wood cabinets by Danube Kitchens at Charleston Terrace Co-op«I can't say enough about how great it is to work with Adrian and his team», Laurelle Santana (Charleston Terrace)CHF BC members save money This year we extended the “We tried out Danube Kitchens—and more than cover the cost power of group buying directly on one unit and our membersof member dues—through the to co-op members with big were so impressed,\" saiduse of CHF BC’s Group Buying savings on HDTV, high speed Laurelle Santana at CharlestonProgram. internet and home phone Terrace Co-op in Vancouver. services with TELUS. LaunchedFrom appliances (Trail in January, already 62 co-ops \"We brought them back to doAppliances), waste and recycling and more than 630 homes are more work and we couldn’t beservices (Progressive Waste enjoying the benefits of the more pleased.Solutions on the Mainland or Co-op Telecom program. If yourAlpine Disposal and Recyling on co-op hasn't signed up yet, find \"Adrian and his team arethe Island) or maintenance out more at cotel.ca. professional and courteous tosupplies (RONA), we’ve covered our members during thea range of a One of our most popular renovation process. I wouldco-op's basic expenses. services is our cabinet and highly recommend Danube countertops program with Kitchens to any co-ops that areYou can also get great deals on Danube Kitchens. In their first undertaking kitchen orflooring with two flooring year of business with us its bathroom renovations.\"suppliers on the Mainland, CD already worked with more thanContract and K&A Flooring, or 20 co-ops, with most new Group Buying with CHF BC:Jordans on the Island. business coming to them through word of mouth, co-op The more you use our programs,Co-ops also earn higher interest to co-op. the better the deals foron their daily operating everyone.acccounts with our Co-op Adrian Ciocoiu and his team atHousing Interest Pool (CHIP) Danube Kitchens are drawingwith Vancity or Coast Capital rave reviews from members.Savings.24 LE MAGAZINE - JANVIER 2014 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 24

SPOTLIGHT: DANUBE KITCHENS Not just kitchens—bathrooms too! Danube Kitchens offers the same great cabinets and countertop options for co-op bathrooms. Soft-closing bathroom cabinet drawers anyone? All budgets Whatever your co-op's budget there is a great option for you: high-pressure laminate orquartz for the countertops; and melamine box and Thermofoil doors, or the more deluxe Shaker-style maple cabinets with plywood boxes.Plus you can choose soft closing slide drawers and adjustable legs for your cabinets.Straight lines Adrian cares!If you have a kitchen challenge: small space, Adrian Ciocoiu and hisunreachable corners, Danube Kitchens will team stand behind theircustomize its work to fit your space. Danube work. But so does CHFKitchens staff pride themselves on making BC. There is a five -yearsure you'll only see straight lines in your limited product warrantyfinished cabinets and countertops. on select items and a two-year labour warranty25 LE MAGAZINE - JANVIER 2014 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 (double industry standard). 25







YOUTH IN CO-OPS What does it take? A youth board is advisory and needs a minimum of three members. Photo: Cameron O'Hara received a CHF BC Scholarship from director Eddie Sabile this May. Facing page: La Petite Maison's youth board designed a community task board.What is a co-op youth board?Cameron O'Hara shows usBy Cameron O’Hara The age requirement for theI wanted to start a youth board at my co-op in part youth board was for grades 10so I could be treated just like any other member of to 12, but we are expanding itthe co-op and not “a kid with no opinions.” to include grade 9. Other than age, our youth board isLike a committee, a youth board contribute equally to our accepting of any race, gender,is advisory to the board. It discussions. We execute or social opinion. We are notmeets weekly to consider what operations and plans together biased, and will never be.the co-op might need from as a professional, dutiful groupthem. La Petite Maison's youth serving the co-op. In return, we What I think we’ve all learnedboard's current tasks include get to know what is going on from youth board is thatfinding solutions for challenges with our co-op, and get some managing a co-op is a lot morefaced by seniors in the co-op, service hours and life lessons. complex than we teenagersand coming up with ways to previously thought.engage more members, We decided to make anincluding other co-op youth. interactive task board (p.27) for It is incredible how much goes members so it would be easier on in a relatively smallTo get started we had a board for them to do co-op tasks and community. We are proud to beliaison attend our meetings; manage their positions. The assisting in the co-op’s businessnow we just send reports back task board has been successful, and issues, and promoting thatto the board. but we aren’t stopping there, business is a truly rewarding we want to offer a reward draw experience, and I recommendAll members of our board to get more people interested. making a youth board to any co-op.29 LE MAGAZINE - JANVIER 2014 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 29

CO-OPS IN SCHOOLSCheryl Alsop, Senior Maintenance Coordinator, COHO Management, with her mentee, Deborah Zhang, at the \"Millennial-FlippedEvent\" where mentees educated their mentors by giving a presentation of their co-op projects.Tri-Mentorship program What do you get when you mix The first Co-ops in Schools Tri- CHF BC joined other local 34 co-op leaders, 16 co-op Mentorship program kicked off co-operative organizations, partners, and 8 sponsoring last November with the BC sponsors and partners including organizations with 34 post- Co-operative Association credit unions and co-operative secondary students and 6 high (BCCA) in charge of the process. retail organizations, who also school clubs? contributed mentors. As the name suggests, the Tri- On top of a whole lot of multi- Mentorship program involved The co-op professional mentors generational fun, the mix is a three groups: mentors from brought their experience to recipe for a powerful co-op organizations who educate a new generation and opportunity for fresh insights mentored post-secondary strengthen the co-op sector. for co-op leaders, first-time student mentees, who in turn The Co-ops in Schools program awareness for students and all were mentors for high also gave co-operative business around learning about school student mentees. training to the post-secondary co-operative enterprise. Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 3030

TRI-MENTORSHIPstudents and through their CHF BC and its managementmentors the students also got a company, COHO Managementwindow into the world of work Services Society, contributedin a co-operative organization, four mentors to the program.both to deepen their knowledgeabout the co-op model and See the full list of the programprovide a preview of the sponsors, partners andrealities of working life after participants.graduation. This year, the Co-ops in School Program (CIS) linked the BC co-operative community with university and high school students in a unique tri-mentorship and professional development relationship.Windermere Secondary students won the \"Down to Business\" award.The post-secondary students in Amna Masud (another CHF BC mentee)turn acted as mentors for the and Deborah Zhang, presenting to thehigh school students and shared co-op sector mentors at the \"Millennialwhat they learned about co-ops Flipped Event\" in April.and co-operative business.With that knowledge, the highschool students worked inteams to analyze co-op or creditunion business cases and tookpart in a friendly “co-opetition”between the schools. The topthree winning teams receivedprizes from the programsponsors.31 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 31



ROOFTOPS CANADA How to help Co-ops can donate to Rooftops, organize fundraisers, or get involved with Rooftops fundraising locally. Get in touch with Rooftops at [email protected] Photo: Hillbrow Neighbourhood in Johannesburg, South AfricaRooftops Canada's new projectto end \"apartheid housing\"The big news at Rooftops Canada is a new fundraiser in that province thatpartnership with South Africa’s \"Equal Spaces: raised over $12,000 forSocial Housing to End Spatial Apartheid\" that Rooftops Canada.funds integration in housing development. A new Rooftops CanadaRooftops Canada is hiring two Rooftops Canada's president, fundraiser in the fall calledsenior advisers to work with Scott Jackson, is excited by the Urban Farms Grow Homes willhousing providers and housing amount of support on the home help 125 urban farmers over thedevelopment groups in South front now too. next two years, mostly womenAfrica to create more housing. and their families, to plant crops \"Fundraising from co-op and and raise livestock. TheyAnd although Rooftops has other housing supporters has estimate the cost to be $400come to the end of a previous been tremendous: a reception per farmer and need to raisefive-year project in other in Vancouver, a movie night in $50,000.countries, it continues Ottawa—featuring an Africanrelationships with partners in film about housing, and a Learn more about this and otherKenya and Zimbabwe. Rooftops fundraiser with a keynote projects at:is also looking at opportunities speaker in Toronto.\"to partner with social enterprise www.rooftops.caand other groups to do work in Scott reports that an Ontariomore countries. co-op management company, Homestarts, worked with Rooftops to organize a33 LE MAGAZINE - JANVIER 2014 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 33

Fraserview Housing Co-op launched! Part of 358-unit affordable housing projectCHF BC and the Vancouver Community Land Trust Foundation joined the City ofVancouver and the governments of British Columbia and Canada on May 25 tocelebrate the official start of construction of 358 affordable homes on four Citysites.Photo (L to R): Mayor The development will include the Mukhtar Latif; local MP and MinisterRobertson, Min. Sajjan, new 278-unit Fraserview Housing of National Defence, Hon. HarjitMin. Coleman, Min. Anton, Co-op. Construction is now Sajjan; and BC's MinisterThom Armstrong, and underway on all four sites. responsible for housing, Hon. RichMukhtar Latif at the site Completion is expected by the Coleman.of Fraserview Co-op. spring of 2018. The ceremony began with a blessing The launch took place at the site of delivered by elders of the the future co-op at the foot of Musqueam First Nation. Jellicoe Street on the Fraser River in Vancouver. In his remarks, Armstrong looked back on more than three years of Speakers at the event included CHF effort by CHF BC and the community BC's executive director, Thom land trust to lead a partnership of Armstrong; Mayor Gregor co-op and non-profit organizations. Robertson; Chief Housing Officer34 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 34

FRASERVIEW CO-OPPartnerships made it Two yearspossible to build“Put simply, the story of this Other speakers praised the *Not acceptingdevelopment is a story of innovative approach taken by applications yet*partnerships. The result is the land trust and theunique because it combines the opportunities created by a We do not have a waitlist forstrengths of multiple sites, community land trust model to the new co-op yet. Pleaseinvestors and partners in a develop more affordable check our website in earlyportfolio that maximizes housing in the future. 2017 for an update.economies of scale and long-term affordability,” said Get more details in our media In the meantime, you canArmstrong. release. follow us on social media, Facebook or Twitter, or sign up for our e-newsletter to get our latest news.Musqueam elders kicked off the launch ceremony with a traditional blessing.Our land trustThe Community Land Trust is a management experience to For more information, seenon-profit society serving as the each project and source www.cltrust.ca.real estate development arm of community, government andthe Co-operative Housing private partners who share in itsFederation of BC. mission. Its goal is to make land permanently available forIts mission is to acquire, create housing targeting low toand preserve affordable moderate income households,housing for future generations seniors and special interestwith a focus on development groups.and redevelopment ofco-operative and non-profit Find out more about the Landhousing. Trust's existing portfolio.The Land Trust brings realestate development and asset35 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 35



CHF CANADAMinister speaks at AGMCHF Canada director-at-large from BC, DianneBrubaker (Creekside), shakes hands with MinisterDuclos. Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister Responsible for CMHC with CHF Canada President Anne Davidson.CHF BC president Patty Shaw (Kailasa) tells Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, the This funding will helpMinister Duclos about her co-op, Kailasa, in federal Minister co-ops over the next twoVictoria, and what the end of its operating Responsible for CMHC, years while the federalagreement means for its members. made an unprecedented government works with visit to the CHF Canada partners to create aTurnover of directors at AGM annual meeting in national housing strategy Hamilton, Ontario, in earlyIn an online election prior to the AGM, June. He outlined the CHF Canada's ExecutiveLisa Berting (Misty Ridge) was elected government's message of Director, Nicholas Gazzardto the role of BC/Yukon director. support for co-ops. applauded the governmentCongratulations Lisa! for \"recognizing its Duclos stated that CMHC responsibility in makingPat McClain (Paloma) was elected as will soon renew subsidies sure that low-incomeat-large-director, and CHF Canada for all federally Canadians can find andpresident Anne Davidson (Granville administered housing co- maintain a safe, affordableGardens) finished her term and is now operatives whose place to call home.\" He alsoon the Finance and Audit Committee. operating agreements looked forward to positive expire between April 1, outcomes of a national 2016, and March 31, 2018, housing strategy including in what he called \"bridge the creation of \"a long- funding.\" term, cost-shared rent supplement program.\"37 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 37



ENCASA FINANCIALInvestment basics for housing co-opsThings to think about when investing your co-op'sreplacement reserves and member share capital.Knowing how to make the right investment decisions can be achallenge, even more so if the money being invested is not your own.Housing co-op boards often strugglewith questions such as how much toinvest, for what time period, andwhat is an acceptable risk? Theanswers to these questions are asunique as your individual co-op.The first step in building aninvestment plan is to identify yourco-op’s investor profile and itsaccount objectives.Here's a brief overview:To obtain an investor profile youstart by identifying the net worthand net income of your co-op, andconsider the investment knowledgeand investment experience of itsboard.You can obtain information about accounts. How much volatility is Athletes Villagethe net worth and net income from a acceptable? Co-op in Vancouverbalance sheet; the overall has invested withinvestment knowledge and 2. What is the investment Encasa Financial.investment experience is a objective? Investment objectivesreflection of the board’s familiarity are defined as growth, balancedwith the subject. or income:Account objectives are identifiedby responding to three questions:1. What is your organization’s risk • A growth objective means that tolerance? Risk tolerance is you are seeking long-term capital defined as your comfort level wit appreciation. Current income is fluctuations in the value of your less of a priority.39 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 39

ENCASA FINANCIAL Newest BC unit holdersThree investment basics Thanks to our newest BC• An income objective is investment and spending Unit-holders Encasa reached predominantly focused on decisions are based on the life- $500 million dollars (yes, half the generation of current cycle of a co-op's buildings. It’s a billion) of invested funds income in the form of interest also possible that your co-op from over 865 co-ops and and dividends. may have more than one set of non-profit housing• Balanced is a blend of objectives. providers! growth and income.3. The third factor is to For example, the time horizon We welcome recent Encasa determine a time horizon. and risk tolerance for investing co-op account holders: This is defined as the period replacement reserves could be between making the different than that associated • First Avenue Athlete’s Village • Killarney Gardens • City Edge • Seawalk Contact us to learn more, or schedule a 30-minute info session at your next Board meeting. BC office toll free telephone: 1-888-791-6671 ext. 312 or email [email protected] Co-op has also signed up with Encasa Financial for its long-term savings.investment and the point at with member share capital.which the money will beneeded. Invest according to Tools and support to help youwhen you need the money.Individual investors determine Encasa’s Investment Program istime horizon based on certain specifically for co-ops and non-anticipated milestones, such as profit housing providers. Encasasaving for a vacation, setting up was developed in partnershipa college fund and planning for between four housing providerretirement. organizations: CHF BC, CHF Canada, BCNPHA & HSCFor housing providers, effective (Ontario). The sole intent is toinvestment plans for provide you a more competitivereplacement reserves are tied investment option that willto their capital plan (renewal respect your risk tolerance andschedule and long-term is not locked in.financial plan). In other words,40 Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 40



EDITORIAL\"Housing Central\" the strength ofstrengthens partners Housing Central isn’t one of just At the opening of last year’s BCNPHA conference Thom physical Armstrong, Executive Director of CHF BC and I location; the mentioned that we planned to co-locate our two real goals are organizations at the same location. I’m proud to say strategic. that we have now completed the move and the enhanced office space we’re calling “Housing Central.\" Located at the corner of 1st Ave and Commercial Drive in East Vancouver, Housing Central is now home to staff from BCNPHA, CHF BC, COHO Management, Encasa Financial, CHF Canada and the Community Land Trust. We share a reception area, boardrooms, staffrooms, some IT services and more. But the strength of Housing Central isn’t one of just physical location; the real goals are strategic. How can we serve both our members better? How can we be stronger advocates for affordable housing? Kishone Roy is the Chief Executive Officer of the BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA). BCNPHA's mission Scoop Magazine - Summer 2016 42 is to lead and support its members who are non-profit housing providers through services, educational opportunities, and advocacy.42

BC Non-Profit Housing Association How can we make sure BC is a centre for excellence in housing research, education, events and member programs? That is the thinking that led us to purchasing Encasa Financial together and both partnering with the Chartered Institute—serving our members better. But that’s just the start. This year our annual conferences will take place at the same time and venue under the banner of Housing Central. Over the short term, Housing Central refers to this partnership, but over the long term, we plan to use it to discuss any initiatives that represent the larger affordable housing sector. We don’t purport to represent everyone, but we’re building capacity and partnerships with other cause-based associations that want to advance our common aims. Hopefully, in time, that means we’ll welcome more partners into Housing Central, and use it to make a real difference province-wide. Kishone Roy, CEO of BC Non-Profit Housing Association 43