Tompkins Housing Co-Operative

What you should know about Tompkins Housing Co-Operative

Tompkins Housing Co-operative, established in 1981, presents itself as a federally governed, non‑profit housing co‑op for adults aged 45 and over. The co‑op operates a mixed property portfolio of 51 apartments in a five‑storey building and 30 townhouses. Units are supplied with a stove and fridge; rent covers heating and water while hydro is billed separately to members. Laundry facilities are available in the apartment building. Unit mix and amenities (as presented): three 3‑bed apartments (no balcony, garden access, limited parking); 27 two‑bed apartments (most with balconies, no garden, limited parking); 18 one‑bed apartments (balconies, no garden, limited parking); two bachelor units (no balcony, garden access, limited parking); 25 three‑bed townhouses (decks, gardens, carport parking); and five two‑bed townhouses (no deck, garden, carport). Photographs on the site illustrate typical apartment layouts and interior features, including internal stairs in many two‑bed units. Governance and member responsibilities: Tompkins is managed democratically under cooperative principles and emphasizes member participation. Members elect a Board of Directors for two‑year terms; the Board oversees operations and establishes committees that report to members. Committees listed include Finance, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Membership, Parking, Safety, and Social—each with defined roles such as budgeting, common‑area cleaning, repair coordination, applicant screening and unit filling, parking oversight, building fire/smoke safety, and event organization. Membership criteria and application process: Applicants must attend an information session to receive an application form, demonstrate sufficient financial means to afford full housing charges, pass credit and landlord checks, provide proof of employment and income, and be interviewed by the Membership Committee. Successful applicants recommended by the Membership Committee must then be approved by the Board. Members are required to commit a minimum of two hours per month to co‑op volunteer work—typically via committee service or Board participation—and to attend two general meetings annually to stay informed and vote on key decisions. Community and location: The co‑op is located in Centretown West, which the site highlights as walkable to multiple amenities within about 2 km, including diverse restaurants, LRT and bus access, retail and grocery options (Chinatown, Little Italy), recreation facilities (Plant Recreation Centre and pool), health services (Somerset West Community Health Centre), banks, and riverfront bike paths. Tompkins identifies as non‑smoking, pet‑free, and a member of the Co‑operative Housing Federation of Canada, aligning itself with internationally recognized cooperative principles such as voluntary membership, democratic control, member economic participation, and concern for community.