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20 year recognitions CHF Canada’s strength is in our membership. At this year’s annual meeting we thanked those housing co‑ops who had belonged to CHF Canada for 20 years or more. We have all benefited from working together over the past 20 years. We’re looking forward to many more years of co‑operation.
The following housing co‑ops received their awards at the Saturday evening presentation:
Other co‑ops were not able to receive their awards at the annual meeting. We are arranging presentations for them in their region at a later date.
Growth without Government
This year, Margaret Laurence Housing Co‑operative in Toronto won the award for an innovative project that has expanded the stock of affordable housing through members’ direct involvement. Inspired by visionary member C. John Clarke, the co‑op successfully carved 16 new one-bedroom units from unused space within its building. The co‑op completed the development without any government program. Capital was raised bit by bit through government loans and with the help of local businesses, community organizations and the co‑op housing sector. This development has made the co‑op a more attractive neighbour by breaking up its cliff-like east wall with columns of windows. Downtown Toronto has gained affordable housing and four more units for people with HIV/AIDS. Margaret Laurence has helped the co‑op movement grow and strengthened our national safety net by paying sector support of one half of one per cent of the capital costs. Small wonder that this project excited the interest of CBC Radio One’s Metro Morning, which broadcast a favourable story. Support for co‑op housing nets CMHC award
Graham, the Director of Operations Support in the Housing Services Division of Nova Scotia’s Department of Community Services, was presented the award for his strong support of Nova Scotia’s 89 non-profit housing co‑ops. Since the Nova Scotia government assumed the administration of housing co‑op programs from the federal government five years ago, he has worked tirelessly to ensure this important resource on affordable housing has been protected. In his speech about Jim Graham, Nicholas Gazzard, CHF Canada’s Director, Sector Development said, "Jim has a new idea about housing approximately every minute. If you didn’t agree with the last idea, just wait a moment _ there’s another one coming that will probably amaze you. And the common thread is never just bricks and mortar. In the end it’s always about the people, their housing needs, their communities, their lives, and their opportunities." Two new honorary life associates
When Donna Charbonneau became an Honorary Lifetime Associate of CHF Canada, the distinction surprised no one but Donna herself. An active co‑op volunteer for the past 15 years and a co‑op manager for nine years, Donna has been the ideal board member and regional representative. Calling herself "a regular Joe with a steep learning curve," Donna is proudest of the way Ontario members brought her their concerns during the eight years she was the Ontario regional director. As the award was presented, someone spoke for us all by shouting, "We love ya, Donna!"
Jon Harstone has always believed that "co‑ops are developed by co‑ops, not by consultants," although he has worked since 1970s as a consultant for more than 30 housing co‑ops. Today, Jon says "The next wave of co‑op housing development won’t come from building on greenfields…" but from existing co‑ops deciding to add a few units. And CHF Canada’s latest Honorary Lifetime Associate will gladly share his creative strategies for growth without government housing programs. |
Awards  |
CHF Canada’s highest honour is the Jim MacDonald Award for Social Change. It is named for Jim MacDonald, who as the executive secretary of the National Labour Co‑operative Committee, helped found CHF Canada.
Jim Graham, a Nova Scotia housing official, was presented with the CMHC award for outstanding contribution to co‑op housing at the annual meeting. This is the first time CHF Canada has nominated a government official for this award.
Donna Charbonneau
Jon Harstone