Who We Are
We are a Not-For-Profit Housing Cooperative |
Each year a complete budget is drafted which must be approved by the Board of Directors. Housing Charge increases are reflective of the co-op's financial goals and needs. The actual housing charge increase is determined by the budgeted operating and capital expenditures for the upcoming year.
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WHAT IS A CO-OP?
Cooperatives are governed by their members and because we are a non-profit, we are usually less expensive to live in. Philosophically, cooperatives thrive on a loyal membership which encourages interdependency, diversity, co-op education, participation, and a sense of community.
HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?
Prospective members must contact our office to be added to our waiting list. Once you are next on the list, Village Canadien will contact you to have you complete an application for membership and return it to the office with a $45.00 application fee. To secure your unit upon approval, a $1,200 share payment is required. This share is subject to early departure penalties should you move out before two years has elapsed, and is also subject to deductions for any unpaid charges that remain on your account.
HOW LONG DOES A PROSPECTIVE MEMBER HAVE TO WAIT TO BE OFFERED A UNIT?
There is no way of estimating how many units may become vacant at any one time. Our members are not bound to leases so notice to vacate can be given by a member at anytime with 60 days notice from the end of any month. Prospective members moving in are generally given about one months’ notice once a unit becomes available.
DO I HAVE TO SIGN A LEASE?
No. We have a “Housing Agreement” which is a legally binding contract, but it has no expiry date. Members must give 60 days’ notice to terminate this agreement.
DO I OWN MY OWN UNIT?
Collectively, we are owners of the whole complex, but we do not own the individual unit we live in. We own a non-interest bearing share in V.C.C.L., the monies from which is used as working capital. As an organization, V.C.C.L. owns all 231 units through 3 mortgages.
IS MY MEMBER SHARE REALLY JUST A LARGE DAMAGE DEPOSIT?
No, its more than just that. Your shares give you the right to live in your housing unit and a say in what happens in the Cooperative. It represents your interest in the co-operative as a whole. Since we are a “non-profit” co-op, cash flow is enhanced by using your money as working capital. Although the share is not just a damage deposit, V.C.C.L. has a lien against it for it's full amount to protect the cooperative from damages to the unit and any unpaid charges when you move out.
WHO MAKES UP OUR RULES AND REGULATIONS
Any changes to our Member Occupancy Policies are approved by our members at our General Meetings. As a member of our co-op, you would have the right to vote for or against any new, or proposed changes to existing policies at these meetings.
IS VILLAGE CANADIEN CO-OP A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
Yes.
HOW CAN A MEMBER BECOME A DIRECTOR ON THE BOARD?
Subject to our Corporate By-laws and the Co-operative Act for Manitoba, any resident member can become a Director after being voted in at our Annual General Meeting. The member can nominate themselves or be nominated by another member to run for a position on the Board of Directors.
ARE BOARD MEMBERS PAID A SALARY IN OUR CO-OP?
The Board of Directors are elected volunteers and do not get paid for their services. They are eligible to be reimbursed for reasonable out of pocket costs while acting in their capacity as a board member.
DOES THE BOARD KEEP MEMBERS INFORMED ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON?
Yes, we keep members fully informed through regular notices and information presented at the General Meetings.
TO WHAT EXTENT DO I HAVE TO BECOME INVOLVED IN THE CO-OP, AND WHAT WOULD BE EXPECTED OF ME?
When you agree to become a member of a co-op you become a part owner and as such you have certain responsibilities resulting from that. That is not to say that you become responsible for every action, result and decision that is made on behalf of Village Canadien, but rather it centers around pride of ownership and the respect for your fellow members and those who are working for you trying to make Village Canadien a great place to live. Different co-ops have different views and requirements of their membership, at Village Canadien our expectations are very simple, we expect our members to:
WHAT ADVANTAGES DO I HAVE LIVING IN VILLAGE CANADIEN CO-OP?
Cooperatives are governed by their members and because we are a non-profit, we are usually less expensive to live in. Philosophically, cooperatives thrive on a loyal membership which encourages interdependency, diversity, co-op education, participation, and a sense of community.
HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?
Prospective members must contact our office to be added to our waiting list. Once you are next on the list, Village Canadien will contact you to have you complete an application for membership and return it to the office with a $45.00 application fee. To secure your unit upon approval, a $1,200 share payment is required. This share is subject to early departure penalties should you move out before two years has elapsed, and is also subject to deductions for any unpaid charges that remain on your account.
HOW LONG DOES A PROSPECTIVE MEMBER HAVE TO WAIT TO BE OFFERED A UNIT?
There is no way of estimating how many units may become vacant at any one time. Our members are not bound to leases so notice to vacate can be given by a member at anytime with 60 days notice from the end of any month. Prospective members moving in are generally given about one months’ notice once a unit becomes available.
DO I HAVE TO SIGN A LEASE?
No. We have a “Housing Agreement” which is a legally binding contract, but it has no expiry date. Members must give 60 days’ notice to terminate this agreement.
DO I OWN MY OWN UNIT?
Collectively, we are owners of the whole complex, but we do not own the individual unit we live in. We own a non-interest bearing share in V.C.C.L., the monies from which is used as working capital. As an organization, V.C.C.L. owns all 231 units through 3 mortgages.
IS MY MEMBER SHARE REALLY JUST A LARGE DAMAGE DEPOSIT?
No, its more than just that. Your shares give you the right to live in your housing unit and a say in what happens in the Cooperative. It represents your interest in the co-operative as a whole. Since we are a “non-profit” co-op, cash flow is enhanced by using your money as working capital. Although the share is not just a damage deposit, V.C.C.L. has a lien against it for it's full amount to protect the cooperative from damages to the unit and any unpaid charges when you move out.
WHO MAKES UP OUR RULES AND REGULATIONS
Any changes to our Member Occupancy Policies are approved by our members at our General Meetings. As a member of our co-op, you would have the right to vote for or against any new, or proposed changes to existing policies at these meetings.
IS VILLAGE CANADIEN CO-OP A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
Yes.
HOW CAN A MEMBER BECOME A DIRECTOR ON THE BOARD?
Subject to our Corporate By-laws and the Co-operative Act for Manitoba, any resident member can become a Director after being voted in at our Annual General Meeting. The member can nominate themselves or be nominated by another member to run for a position on the Board of Directors.
ARE BOARD MEMBERS PAID A SALARY IN OUR CO-OP?
The Board of Directors are elected volunteers and do not get paid for their services. They are eligible to be reimbursed for reasonable out of pocket costs while acting in their capacity as a board member.
DOES THE BOARD KEEP MEMBERS INFORMED ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON?
Yes, we keep members fully informed through regular notices and information presented at the General Meetings.
TO WHAT EXTENT DO I HAVE TO BECOME INVOLVED IN THE CO-OP, AND WHAT WOULD BE EXPECTED OF ME?
When you agree to become a member of a co-op you become a part owner and as such you have certain responsibilities resulting from that. That is not to say that you become responsible for every action, result and decision that is made on behalf of Village Canadien, but rather it centers around pride of ownership and the respect for your fellow members and those who are working for you trying to make Village Canadien a great place to live. Different co-ops have different views and requirements of their membership, at Village Canadien our expectations are very simple, we expect our members to:
- Pay their housing charges on time and in full by the first of every month.
- Maintain the outside of their own unit by shoveling their own sidewalk and parking stall, cutting their grass as needed.
- Take care of their own unit by keeping it clean, calling in work orders as required, and by not damaging it.
- Come to members meetings in order to keep abreast of what is happening in your co-op , and to vote,
WHAT ADVANTAGES DO I HAVE LIVING IN VILLAGE CANADIEN CO-OP?
- Security of tenure
- Fridge, stove, dryer (plus washer and air-conditioner at Meadowood) included
- Water is paid by the co-op
- Prompt maintenance and administrative services
- Friendly community
- Good community to raise children
- A safe place to call home
- Many amenities nearby including schools, bus routes and shopping centers
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
The members of a Housing Co-operative will benefit greatly from their living situation if their project is well run, on a sound financial footing, and well-maintained. However, since it is up to the members to determine how the co-op will be run, they in fact control the extent to which they will benefit.
Participation in co-op activities and in the decision-making process is the key to each member’s control over the running of the project. Participation will yield additional benefits in the social sphere as neighbor become friends and a community is formed. Therefore, the prime responsibility of the co-op membership, participation in running the co-operative, is at the same time one of the primary advantages.
SECURITY OF TENURE
As long as members fulfill their obligations to the co-operative, they can feel absolutely secure that they will not have to move unless by choice. No landlord can come along and sell your home out from under you.
COST CONTROL
Monthly Housing Charges only increase as much as necessary to meet increased operating costs within the co-operative (e.g. hydro rate increase, increase in the price of supplies, etc.). No increases are arbitrary, and no extra money is collected as profit. Members also influence some of the costs themselves by voting on what level of service they wish to provide within the co-op.
CONTROL OF SURROUNDINGS
Through the democratic system that is used to run all co-operatives, members of a housing co-operative determine the kind of environment in which they live as a group. They make decisions relating to their physical surroundings, such as decorating, landscaping, and whether or not pets are allowed. They also make decisions regarding social interpersonal behaviours, such as allowed noise levels, how to handle disputes between neighbours, and the shared use of common areas. Maintenance standards are set by the members as well.
SATISFACTION OF SOCIAL NEEDS
A housing co-operative creates a sense of community which does not exist in most urban settings. Members, through participation in the co-op and working together, need to get to know one another and become friends. Social and recreational activities are often part of a co-op’s program.
INCREASED MOBILITY
Depending on the situation a family may be able to move from one unit to another within the co-op as it increases or decreases in size.
Participation in co-op activities and in the decision-making process is the key to each member’s control over the running of the project. Participation will yield additional benefits in the social sphere as neighbor become friends and a community is formed. Therefore, the prime responsibility of the co-op membership, participation in running the co-operative, is at the same time one of the primary advantages.
SECURITY OF TENURE
As long as members fulfill their obligations to the co-operative, they can feel absolutely secure that they will not have to move unless by choice. No landlord can come along and sell your home out from under you.
COST CONTROL
Monthly Housing Charges only increase as much as necessary to meet increased operating costs within the co-operative (e.g. hydro rate increase, increase in the price of supplies, etc.). No increases are arbitrary, and no extra money is collected as profit. Members also influence some of the costs themselves by voting on what level of service they wish to provide within the co-op.
CONTROL OF SURROUNDINGS
Through the democratic system that is used to run all co-operatives, members of a housing co-operative determine the kind of environment in which they live as a group. They make decisions relating to their physical surroundings, such as decorating, landscaping, and whether or not pets are allowed. They also make decisions regarding social interpersonal behaviours, such as allowed noise levels, how to handle disputes between neighbours, and the shared use of common areas. Maintenance standards are set by the members as well.
SATISFACTION OF SOCIAL NEEDS
A housing co-operative creates a sense of community which does not exist in most urban settings. Members, through participation in the co-op and working together, need to get to know one another and become friends. Social and recreational activities are often part of a co-op’s program.
INCREASED MOBILITY
Depending on the situation a family may be able to move from one unit to another within the co-op as it increases or decreases in size.
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