3 Locations in Manitoba

Village Canadien Coop Ltd. is a safe community located in south Winnipeg, close to schools, shopping and many other conveniences. We are located at three different sites.  Our River Road/St Mary's location consists of townhouses, Meadowood Place is made up of  apartments and townhouses, and our newest location in Selkirk has  townhomes. Take a look around - we are sure you'll like what you see!

River Road/St. Mary's Rd

Meadowood Place

Maurepaus Village Housing Cooperative

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What is Cooperative Housing

Non-profit housing cooperatives offer their member's more.   As we are member-owned, operating policies are decided through a democratic process at member meetings.  There is no landlord and therefore no profit-motive, you as a member share in the ownership of the co-op as a whole.  Unlike rents, your housing charges only rise only with increases in operating costs and additions to reserve funds, such as Replacement Reserve and Security of Tenure.  This results in housing charges that are often substantially lower when compared to for-profit housing units, this translates into quality homes at a fair monthly charge.

As a member, you must purchase a membership share in the co-op as there are no fixed term lease agreements.  This entitles you to lifetime residency as long as you are willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.  In the event that a member moves out of the cooperative, their shares are repurchased from them by the co-op. 

Our Members are Our Board

Members can participate in their co-op's governance and in the decision-making process by casting a vote at member meetings.  If you are interested in making a greater impact on your co-op, members can also put their name forward to stand for election to the board of directors.

Community Living

Member participation in the operation of the co-op helps to build a sense of community, and also helps to minimize housing costs.  Decisions about how the co-op is governed, and ultimately managed, are made democratically by the members through the election of a volunteer board of directors.  In addition, co-op housing provides a unique opportunity for people to share and assist each other in ways beyond their housing needs.  Participation in these areas yield additional benefits as neighbors become friends and a community is formed.

Co-operative Values

Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

Co-operative Principles

​The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice.
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1. Voluntary and Open Membership - Co-operatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control - Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives at the other levels are also  organized in a democratic manner.
3. Member Economic Participation - Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence - Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or to raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy. 
5. Education, Training and Information - Co-operatives provided education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public - partly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
6. Co-operations among Co-operatives - Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7. Concern for Community - Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their of their communities through policies approved by their members.