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CHF Canada media release
 Previous release Media release index Next release VICTORIA, May 30 /CNW Telbec/ "Mark Goldblatt's role in establishing co‑op housing in this country cannot be overstated," says Nicholas Gazzard, executive director of the Co‑operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada). "In helping to negotiate the Section 95 program, Canada's largest co‑op housing development program, and the Index-Linked Mortgage (ILM) co‑op housing program that followed it in the early 1980s, he contributed to the construction of thousands of units of co‑operative housing." Even when funding programs for new co‑op development had ended, he worked with others and gathered funds from various levels of government and other funders to create Blue Heron and McLean housing co‑ops in Ottawa. Goldblatt will be named an honorary life associate of the Co‑operative Housing Federation of Canada at its Annual General Meeting on May 30 at 9 pm in the Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria. In the early 1970s in Toronto Goldblatt was a community organizer. A housing crisis and a new federal funding program in 1973, led him to work with others to develop housing co‑ops in the downtown neighbourhood of Bathurst-King. He went on to co-found the Co‑operative Housing Federation of Toronto (CHFT). Goldblatt served on CHF Canada's board from 1983 to 1986, and as executive director from 1986 to 1989. Under his watch, the federation expanded its services across the country and established a strong funding base. He continues to see a bright future for the role of co‑op housing. "Co‑op housing has a potential to transform our cities," Goldblatt says. "It's proven it works." Goldblatt also helped found Rooftops Canada, an international development organization and has served as president of the Canadian Worker Co‑operative Federation. He is currently a co‑operative development manager with the Canadian Co‑operative Association. CHF Canada is a national organization representing over 900 non-profit housing co‑operatives across Canada. The Honorary Life Associate is presented annually to individuals who have given long and valuable service to CHF Canada. For further information: Nicholas Gazzard, Executive Director, (613) 230-2201 ext. 230, (613) 293-8913 (cell), ngazzard@chfcanada.coop Merrilee Robson, Program Manager, Communications, 1-877-533-2667, ext. 122, (778) 227-3864 (cell), mrobson@chfcanada.coop |
