40th anniversary celebrations

This annual meeting was CHF Canada’s 40th anniversary and the event was marked by different celebrations.  Each delegate received a 40th anniversary commemorative mug, President Ken Elliott sliced a 40th anniversary cake for members, and the kids at Atahualpa Co‑operative Homes in Scarborough kicked the event off by painting a 40th anniversary banner to welcome members to the AGM.

Launch of co‑op history book

CHF Canada launched a new history of co‑op housing in Canada at our annual meeting. Under Construction: A History of Co‑operative Housing in Canada is a success story, built on the principles and perseverance of people who wouldn’t just take no for an answer in their pursuit of a place for housing co‑ops in Canada. Copies can be ordered from CHF Canada. At the annual meeting, author Leslie Cole presented a signed copy to Mark Goldblatt, a former CHF Canada executive director and a driving force behind the publication of the book.

Keynote speaker – Thomas Homer Dixon

Resilience and Renewal: Co‑operative Housing in a time of turmoil was the title of author Thomas Homer-Dixon’s keynote address to the national business meeting.

He talked about changes to the environment and what that will mean for housing co‑ops.  “The principles of co‑operation lead to building resilience,” he said.  “Co‑operative housing is a vital asset for Canada because it helps the community respond to change. Co‑operative housing is one of the best investments Canada can make.

Royal proclamation

CHF Canada was honoured by a visit from Queen Victoria (CHF BC Board member Candice Bunting), who invited CHF Canada to Victoria for the 2009 annual meeting, May 28 – 30.