Diane Frankling Co-Op

What you should know about Diane Frankling Co-Op

Diane Frankling Co-operative Homes (DFC) is a purpose-built, member-governed housing co‑op in Toronto operating since conversion in 1991; it was renamed in 2012 to honor its founding manager, Diane Frankling. The co‑op comprises 254 units, with an even split between rent‑geared‑to‑income (RGI) and market‑rent units. Governance is member-driven: regular General Members’ Meetings address operating budgets, staff and board reports, and voting on key matters; bylaws and meeting materials are published for member access, and hybrid participation (in‑person community room or Zoom) is supported. Community and programming are centrally emphasized. DFC positions itself on principles of equity and anti‑oppression and reports a deliberately diverse membership that includes varied cultural and family compositions and LGBTQ+ households. Beyond housing, the co‑op provides member education and social programming: workshops, art and cooking classes, computer skills training, fitness and wellness (e.g., yoga, karate), culture‑sharing events, holiday gatherings and out‑of‑town excursions. Facilities supporting these programs include a Computer Learning Centre (15 computers, dedicated internet, scanner/printer/copier, accessible computer room), an art studio, community meeting space available to non‑profit groups, and a fitness facility. Onsite amenities and services are detailed. The gym is equipped with treadmill, recumbent bike, elliptical, multi‑station machine, dumbbells (3–50 lbs), Thera‑balls and warm‑up mats; hours run daily from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Gym membership is $10/month with a six‑month minimum; fees are held in reserve for equipment maintenance and replacement. DFC also operates multiple community gardens (front garden, courtyard, Winchester Park, townhouse and vegetable gardens) with mapped plots featuring vegetables, herbs and fruit trees. An ongoing Memorial Mosaic Project—created with Red Dress Productions to mark the co‑op’s 20th anniversary—commemorates the founding manager and the co‑op’s inclusive mission. Maintenance and operational procedures are specified for members. A maintenance team (supervisor and staff) handles regular planning and renovations; an on‑call volunteer program covers after‑hours emergencies (loss of power, serious leaks/floods, lockouts) but explicitly excludes noise complaints, fires and illegal activities (police matters). Moving‑out requires 65 days’ written notice ending on the last day of a rental period, and members are asked to coordinate moving logistics with maintenance for elevator and day reservations. Contact details and governance documents (bylaws, minutes, forms) are maintained on the co‑op’s site for member reference.