Building homes, changing lives

Dear co-operators,

2024 was a pivotal year for the co-operative housing movement – one of growth, milestones, and collective progress. We celebrated the launch of the Co-operative Housing Development Program and the opening of new co-operative homes across the country. We also took significant steps to ensure co-ops thrive into the future – introducing new programs and services for our members and securing advocacy wins, including the federal government’s commitment to extending the Federal Community Housing Initiative (FCHI) rental assistance program.  All of this, and more, are together helping us realize our movement’s commitment to Co-operative Housing for All.

In 2025, the UN’s International Year of Co-operatives, co-op housing will be more essential than ever. The ongoing housing crisis has reinforced the need for real, lasting solutions, while political and economic uncertainty – both in Canada and beyond – has demonstrated the value of sustainable, resilient, and community-first solutions. In challenging times, history has shown us that resilience is built through co-operation.

Together, we’ll build new co-op homes and strengthen our co-op communities. Because when we build co-op housing, we’re not just creating homes – we’re changing lives.

In June, on the eve of our 2024 Annual Meeting in Winnipeg, we celebrated the launch of the federal Co-operative Housing Development Program. This $1.5 billion initiative – the first federal co-op housing development program in over 30 years – marks a crucial step in building the next generation of co-op homes.  This milestone was the result of years of dedicated advocacy from all parts of our sector in all regions of the country.

CHF Canada members are committed to Co-operative Housing for All. In 2024, co-ops raised their voices to call for more co-op housing and invested time, energy and resources into member-led development projects, including new co-op communities, acquisitions and conversions and expansion initiatives.

Supporting Co-op Growth

CHF Canada also took a major step in 2024 by launching new development services dedicated to fostering co-op housing growth, with an expanding array of resources, supports and services for co-operative housing development.

CHF Canada’s advocacy work led to a commitment to extend the Federal Community Housing Initiative (FCHI) rental assistance program. Rental assistance programs are essential to ensuring housing co-ops remain mixed-income communities, and FCHI was originally set to end in 2028. The five-year extension will provide greater stability for co-ops while CHF Canada continues to push for longer-term rental assistance programs at both the federal and provincial levels.

We also continued to push for a fully funded Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy, developed and delivered for and by the Indigenous community housing sector. We have made it clear to elected officials that we view this Strategy as an integral component of true reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

In 2024, CHF Canada and our members played an active role in provincial elections in Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, highlighting the urgent need for more co-op housing and stronger support for existing co-ops.

In Ontario, we raised our voices at the annual Co-op Housing Day at Queen’s Park. In Nova Scotia, we partnered with the Nova Scotia Non-Profit Housing Association to host the first-ever Non-Profit and Co-op Housing Day. We also participated in the Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association’s Housing Day, an annual advocacy event.

The growing momentum for co-op housing advocacy will carry into 2025, as we gear up for a federal election campaign.

Strong member services help co-ops thrive. In 2024, CHF Canada continued to support our members through a range of services, programs, and education opportunities.

Co-operative Housing Management Accreditation (CHMA) Program

The Co-operative Housing Management Accreditation (CHMA) program is the first ever accreditation program for co-op housing management, launched in partnership with the Institute of Housing Management (IHM). In 2024, we officially launched the program, with the first in-person class held at our Annual Meeting in June.

Commercial Insurance and Risk Management

CHF Canada’s Commercial Insurance Program continues to deliver strong value to members, offering reliable, tailored coverage that reflects the unique needs of housing co‑ops. With consistently high participation rates, the program helps members access competitive rates, expert claims support, and peace of mind.

To help co-ops stay safe, we also expanded our Risk Management Program. In 2024, we launched a revamped version with new tools and resources to support co-ops in identifying and reducing risk.

Asset and Financial Planning Services

Sound asset management and financial planning are essential for co-ops to remain sustainable for the long term. In 2024, CHF Canada provided tailored support to housing co-ops across the country, helping members make informed decisions about building maintenance, capital planning, and financial future.

Education

Education is a key co-operative principle, and in 2024, CHF Canada expanded its library of online resources, launched new e-learning modules, and hosted interactive in-person and online education events.

Throughout the year, CHF Canada members from across the country came together to learn, share ideas, and build connections.

Annual Meeting

More than 500 co-op members and staff gathered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for our 2024 Annual Meeting.

Regional Education Events

CHF Canada hosted six Fall Regional Education Events, bringing co-op members together for full-day sessions focused on learning, exchanging ideas, and strengthening connections between co-ops.

Online Learning and Exchange

Beyond in-person events, members connected virtually throughout the year, participating in online events and discussion spaces such as the Aging in Place Exchange Network.

CHF Canada’s Elected Board of Directors and Committees serve a vital role in our success and represent co-op voices across the country.

staff

CHF Canada’s talented and hardworking staff team is dedicated to supporting our members and expanding co-op housing across Canada.

CHF Canada is dedicated to creating a positive work environment for our staff and we’re proud to once again be named Capital Region Top Employer in 2024.