Marine Heights Co-Operative Homes Inc

What you should know about Marine Heights Co-Operative Homes Inc

Marine Heights Co-operative is a member-run housing complex in Scarborough, Ontario, located along Cliffside Drive on approximately 6.5 acres of landscaped grounds and wooded hillside with views toward Lake Ontario and the Scarborough Bluffs. The complex comprises sixteen two-storey buildings with a total of 144 units: 141 two-bedroom units, two one-bedroom units and one bachelor unit. Buildings date from the early 1950s and were incorporated as a co-operative in July 1980, at which time extensive rehabilitation was undertaken. The co-op positions itself as a family-oriented, diverse community that practices democratic member governance. Members collectively own the co-op, elect a Board of Directors to manage day-to-day operations, and share responsibilities for maintaining housing standards and reasonable housing charges. The site emphasizes security of tenure for members who follow co-op rules and pay housing charges. The co-op also provides typical community features such as proximity to transit, schools, churches and medical facilities. Membership access includes an online members-only area and an online maintenance request form that asks for permission to enter units. Application and allocation procedures are detailed and document-driven. Application packages are available at the co-op office (21 Cliffside Dr., Unit #10) during business hours or by email request. Complete submissions must include the application, required forms, two consecutive current pay stubs or employer letter on letterhead, and the application fee. The application fee is $15 plus a one-time $5 membership fee per person age 16 and over. Applications are numbered only when complete; incomplete mailed applications will be returned. Household members aged 16 and over must attend a joint interview with committee members; interview recommendations go to the Board, whose decision on approval or rejection is final. Approved applicants are placed on a waiting list; the co-op is not accepting applications at this time but will post forms when they resume. Unit offer and move-in financials: when a unit becomes available, applicants are contacted in waiting-list order and must respond within 24 hours. Declining a unit moves an applicant to the end of the list; after two declines, the application is removed and must be resubmitted. Upon acceptance, a cheque or money order for the last month's housing charge is due within five business days; at signing of the Occupancy Agreement the first month’s housing charge plus a $200 maintenance fee must be paid. The $200 maintenance fee is refunded after vacancy, less any outstanding charges. Current stated housing charges (excluding cable and garbage): bachelor $676, one-bedroom $816, two-bedroom $930 per month. Additional mandatory charges include cable & internet $53/month, garbage $9/month, and parking fees (Level A $28, B $24, C $20 monthly; Level A priority for health issues). Air conditioners carry a $50 annual fee payable June 1. Rental assistance through the co-op’s CMHC-funded program is available only to members after 12 months of residency and requires a separate waiting list for subsidy.