Northern Way Housing Co-Operative

What you should know about Northern Way Housing Co-Operative

Northern Way Housing Co‑op (NWHC) is a 60‑unit, member‑run housing co‑operative in East Vancouver (675 East 5th Ave). The site comprises one‑ and two‑bedroom terrace‑style apartments and three‑ and four‑bedroom townhouses, sited on a hillside with many units overlooking downtown Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains. The co‑op is close to public transit (including the Canada and Millennium Lines), schools, parks and shopping. Units feature private entrances, fridge and stove, and either laminate flooring or carpet; 2–4 bedroom units have hookups for in‑suite laundry and the property also provides on‑site laundry facilities. NWHC describes itself as diverse, accessible and pet‑friendly. Membership and participation are central to the co‑op model at NWHC. Residents are members and jointly own and operate the co‑op through an annually elected Board of Directors, standing committees (e.g., Membership, Maintenance, Landscaping, Kids, Move‑in/Move‑out) and general membership meetings. Members are expected to attend meetings, participate on committees, and comply with signed Occupancy and Participation Agreements; the website emphasizes that participation is required and there is no landlord—members collectively manage operations. Application process and waitlist: NWHC accepts membership applications online and by mail when applications are open, but the site currently indicates they are not accepting applications. The co‑op has limited office staff and relies on volunteers; the Membership Committee conducts interviews for qualified applicants. Approved applicants are placed on a waitlist; the co‑op asks applicants not to phone for waitlist positions or estimated wait times, noting variability from a few months to several years. Applicants should keep contact and income information up to date via email. Costs and subsidies: The site lists housing charges and one‑time share purchase amounts (noted as current as of September 2025). Sample rates published include: 1‑bedroom housing charge $1,340 with a $1,800 share purchase (13 terrace units, with two wheelchair‑accessible units noted); 2‑bedroom $1,751 / $2,400 (24 terrace units, one wheelchair‑accessible); 3‑bedroom terrace $2,042 / townhouse $2,099 with $2,810 share (8 terrace, 11 townhouse); 4‑bedroom $2,262 / $3,050 share (one townhouse). Share purchases are a refundable, one‑time fee upon accepting membership (returned on leaving absent damage, without interest). The co‑op states it does not currently have subsidies available. Background and governance: NWHC was established in the mid‑1980s (groundbreaking 1984, occupancy 1985). The co‑op includes an Indigenous land acknowledgement recognizing the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil‑Waututh Nations. Contact information provided: info@northernwaycoop.ca.