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 Two special presentations energized the meeting of Ontario members held on June 13 in Toronto. Delegates watched The Atkinson Co‑op Revolution, a short documentary film prepared for the meeting about the youth of Atkinson Co‑op who decided to make a change in their community. Five of them ran for the board of directors and all were elected. The film shows the positive effects of the conversion Alexandra Park public housing project to Atkinson Co‑op and the lead role youth have played.
The Ontario Region also recognized the long-term contribution by City of Toronto Councillor Pam McConnell for the growth and success of co‑op housing in Toronto by presenting her with a special award. Pam’s first involvement with the housing co‑op movement came when she fought to convert her housing complex into Spruce Court Co‑op, her home for the last 30 years. Over that time she has been a tireless advocate for co‑ops.
Resolutions Delegates at the meeting of Ontario members passed two resolutions to give direction to the Region’s work: Resolution R1, Fair utility allowances in SHRA co‑op, asks Ontario members to campaign to get the government to update the utility allowances included in the calculation of housing charges for RGI members. Resolution R2, Co‑op housing and Ontario’s affordable housing strategy, sets out the key elements that the Ontario Region should press the provincial government to include in its long-term affordable housing strategy. Participants also heard a presentation on the attempted takeover and sale of Thornhill Green Co‑op by the York Region service manager and efforts by the co‑op and CHF Canada to fight back. At the national members’ meeting, delegates unanimously passed an emergency resolution in support of Thornhill Green Co‑op. Resolution L2, Saving Thornhill Green Co‑operative, condemns the actions of York Region and supports the co‑op in its efforts to defend itself. Council elections Delegates elected three at-large Council members: Brian Burch, Deana Sheriff and Amanda Yetman. Fran Power was acclaimed as the Staff Association member on the Council. At a meeting in Sudbury on May 7, Barbara Millsap was acclaimed as the Northern Ontario Council member. On June 15 the new Council held its first meeting and elected Amanda Yetman as President, Carol MacEachern and Fran Power as Vice-Presidents, and Brian Burch as Treasurer. Long-term service awards At each year’s annual meeting the Ontario Region honours co‑op staff for their long-term service to housing co‑ops. The awards are presented to staff who have served for five, ten, 15, 20 or more years in housing co‑ops. This year, the Ontario Region honoured 53 co‑op staff. On-line and downloadable documents
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