United Way and Co-operative Housing Federation deliver a model that worked very well in the past

As housing costs soar and new builds stall, a report released today by United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) and the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) outlines a costed, delivery-ready plan to tackle Ontario’s deepening housing crisis – and build the housing that people actually need.

The report, Built for Good, identifies what it would take to transform Ontario’s housing system, with ten, five and two-year targets, and investment estimates grounded in reality. For example, a $16.7 billion investment over two years would jumpstart a province-wide affordable housing strategy, led by the co-op and non-profit housing providers whose mission is long-term affordability for low- and moderate- and middle-income households. n On par with other major infrastructure commitments, the investment would create stable homes for thousands while generating jobs and economic activity across the province and relieving pressure on public systems like healthcare and emergency shelters.

“Ontario’s protracted housing crisis continues to rob our communities of potential and prosperity, and we’ve identified a new roadmap for getting out of this,” said Heather McDonald, President and CEO of United Way Greater Toronto. “Built for Good opens the door to opportunities for real progress by focusing on non-profit partners and the right investment, so we can build and protect the deeply affordable homes people need. This benefits all Ontarians, no matter where they find themselves on the housing continuum.”

“Ontario’s housing crisis demands bold, proven solutions,” said Tim Ross, CEO, Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada, Ontario Region. “The co-op housing sector is ready and able to deliver affordable homes that strengthen communities. With an existing pipeline of co-op projects across the province, we can build quickly, create good construction jobs, and ensure public dollars result in homes that stay affordable for generations. The Built for Good report lays out both the need and a clear path to deliver more homes that meaningfully address the housing crisis.”

The province’s goal of 1.5 million new homes by 2031 includes all types of housing — but without targeted investment, the most affordable options will continue to fall behind.

A housing development that was a mix of co-operative houses and market-priced homes as well as condominiums, was created between the railway tracks and the Gardner Expressway on the south and and walking distance from the St Lawrence market.

The report urges all levels of government to treat affordable housing as critical infrastructure and commit to a province-wide plan to scale non-market housing. Many projects are ready to go, they just need funding to break ground.

There was a time in Ontario, across the country actually, when Cooperative housing was a working model that housed a lot of people. CMHC was involved in the financing.  Over time the model fell out of favour – it might be returning, which would be good news.

This particular initiative is focused on Toronto; there is no reason why it cannot be used in Burlington.  Cooperative Housing is a model in which the residents do not have any equity – what they do have is well below market rents and no one can evict them.   The residents run the complex – they can be as small as half a dozen units or a twenty-storey high rise.

You don’t have to wait for city hall to do this for you – you approach CMHC, and they will take you through the process. If you want to know more – get in touch with me.  In my book publishing days, I did two books on Co-op Housing.  They work.