In 1974, a group of non-profit housing co-operatives set up a small organization to promote the development of new co-ops and to provide the education and assistance needed by the growing co-operative housing sector. Today, the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto (CHFT) is a member-supported organization representing more than 45,000 people living in more than 160 non-profit housing co-operatives located in Toronto and York Region.

Development Services

Since 1975, CHFT has provided development assistance for non-profit housing co-operatives. Projects have included townhouses and apartments, new construction and the rehabilitation of existing buildings. CHFT has always concentrated on creating co-op communities that include facilities for people with special housing needs. For a list of CHFT projects, click on Development Services.

Member Services

The growth of co-op housing created a huge demand for information, education and services. In 1975, CHFT published the first manual for co-op housing directors. By 1990, CHFT and the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada had set up the Co-op Housing Bookstore as a joint project. Since then, the Bookstore has produced 32 “plain language” publications on co-op management and community issues. The Bookstore receives orders from housing co-ops across Canada and around the world. Many Bookstore publications are available in French.

CHFT also provides education for co-op members and staff. Each year, CHFT offers more than 80 courses. The Board of Directors, Your Co-op and the Law, Chairing Skills, Dealing with Conflict, and Financial Management are popular topics. CHFT also organizes a computer training and employment program.

Member co-ops can participate in Co-op Cost Cutters, a bulk buying program. Co-ops receive discounts on appliances, paint, office equipment, cable TV and gas. In 1996, CHFT introduced the Co-op Housing Investment Program (CHIP). Metro Credit Union gives CHFT member co-ops higher rates on current accounts and term deposits.

CHFT staff is available to advise co-op boards, committees, members, and staff. Co-ops that belong to CHFT can request neutral chairs for difficult meetings and mediation services to resolve disputes between neighbours. CHFT also helps co-ops deal with government policy issues.

Visit the Member Services section of our Web site for more information on our services.

Housing Information Line

As a service to the general public, CHFT provides a 24-hour housing information line. Basic information on co-op housing is available in six languages - English, French, Spanish, Polish, Somali, and Tamil. The information line receives more than 36,000 calls a year.

Organization

CHFT is a non-profit co-operative financed by membership fees from housing co-operatives. Each member co-op appoints a delegate to attend CHFT general members’ meetings. These delegates elect CHFT’s Board of Directors.

How to join

Non-profit housing co-ops in Toronto and southern York Region are welcome to become members of CHFT. We would be pleased to come to your co-op to tell you about the benefits of membership. If you would like more information, please e-mail us at info@coophousing.com