Co-Op Housing surrounding Summit Park

One of the characteristics of Summit Park, is the housing that surrounds it; most notably, the Co-Op housing development on the east side of the park. I have spoken to a few individuals who are currently living in the co-op during my walks through the park, and they very enthusiastically support the Co-Op model. One of the benefits to co-ops is the opportunity to be active in the decision making process, as the board of directors who manage the co-op, are elected by the co-op members (CHF BC, 2008).



In addition, there is a common bond between the co-op members, as each member has had to pass an interview (which has nothing with income or occupation). The interview is to ensure that the individual is in understanding of what is entailed in co-op living, and is willing to participate: that their ideals and lifestly fit in with the community. Now, on first hearing of that, one might think this an "exclusive" scenario, however, the co-op housing is open to lower income levels, single status Mothers, all ethnic groups etc. My understanding, is that the interviews provide an opportunity for the board representatives to explain what is expected of the members, and go through the contract that is put forth. For example, the Summit Park Housing Co-op members are responsible for sharing yard work duties and general maintenance, such as painting the buildings, maintaining the gardens etc. People who are not into this type of communal living will simply not be interested in living their, and conversely, those who don't fulfil their obligations to the Co-Op can be asked to leave.

Sustainable? I would say yes, on many levels. For one, you have dense housing, which is keeping energy consumption and resource use conservative. Additionally, you are building social capital through the networking of community, that naturally arises through shared responsibilities and the relationships that result. With this kind of living, I imagine parent's resting easy, knowing that their neighbours (whom they know) are keeping an additional eye out for the kids while playing. I'm imagining people borrowing and sharing knowledge, experience, and resources such as tools and vehicles. Car-pooling, baby-sitting, block-watches, dog-walking. The sharing of communal spaces, resources, could also even lead to more actions within a "cashless" market, whereby people swap favours, such as yard work for gardening. These interactions, make living in an expensive place like Victoria more accessible for lower income folks - a very important aspect of economic sustainability!


Apparently, the province and feds also see the value to Canadians of Co-Op housing, as both governments have funded various programs to help Canadians create non-profit housing co-ops. The following excerpt was taken from Co-Op Housing Federation BC website http://www.chf.bc.ca/pages/about.asp

The co-ops developed under these programs provide good quality, affordable housing. There are more than 255 non-profit housing co-ops comprising 14,300 units in British Columbia.
As a co-op member, you have security of tenure. This means that you can live in your home for as long as you wish if you follow the rules of the co-op and pay your housing charge (rent). As a co-op member, you have a say in decisions that affect your home. You and your neighbours own your homes co-operatively. Members form a community that works together to manage the co-op. Co-op communities are made up of all kinds of people - people with different backgrounds and incomes and special needs. These diverse and vibrant communities are the unique strength of the co-op housing movement.

For some great information on Sustainable growth in BC, visit:

www.smartgrowth.bc.ca/