EDMONTON, Alberta, June 18, 2005 — The Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing, announced today the launch of a new comprehensive on-line Guide to Co-operative Housing, at the Co-Operative Housing Federation of Canada's (CHFC) Annual General Meeting. This Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) guide provides information on all aspects of co-operative housing.
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of good affordable housing in improving the quality of lives of Canadians, said Minister Fontana. Throughout our history, co-ops have been instrumental in shaping communities and creating a good quality of life. By launching this on-line guide through CMHC, we are making key information available and accessible to co-op members across the country.
The on-line guide is available free on CMHC's web site. Those with an interest in co-operative housing will find the on-line guide provides information on rights and responsibilities of co-op housing in a clear, brief manner. The Guide explains the uniqueness and advantages of housing co-operatives, and contains a wealth of information to anyone operating a co-op, or those wishing to join or to start a co-op.
Input provided by the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada, provincial and territorial authorities, legal counsellors, and co-op experts ensures the on-line guide is comprehensive and reliable. The web-based format gives free access to the information 24 hours a day, and will have periodic updates.
The on-line Guide to Co-operative Housing complements other CMHC publications designed to help Canadians with their housing needs.
Co-ops come in many different shapes and sizes, ranging from collections of single-unit townhouses and small buildings with 4 – 12 units to large apartment-style buildings with hundreds of units. What sets co-ops apart from private rental housing is that they are democratic communities where the residents make decisions on how the co-op operates.
CMHC, Canada's national housing agency, is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, and making vibrant and sustainable communities a reality across the country
Media inquiries:
Jim Zamprelli
Senior Researcher
Housing Choices
CMHC
(613) 748-2349
jzamprel@cmhc.ca
Public inquiries:
1 800 668-2642