Westboro Housing Co-op Inc

What you should know about Westboro Housing Co-op Inc

The Westboro Housing Co-op (WHC) is a member-run, non-profit housing cooperative located in Ottawa’s Westboro neighbourhood (office: 581 Tweedsmuir Avenue, Unit #1; phone (613) 722‑3077; info@westborohousingcoop.org). The co-op frames itself within the broader Canadian co-operative housing tradition that dates back to the 1930s: housing is owned by the co-op corporation and provided to member households, rather than sold as individual units. WHC emphasizes provision of good-quality, non-profit affordable housing, noting co-op rents can be substantially lower than comparable market rents. Governance and member responsibilities WHC operates democratically on a one-member, one-vote basis. Members elect a Board of Directors from among households living in the co-op; board directors are resident members. Active member participation is a condition of membership. Expected responsibilities include attending general meetings, voting on co-op matters, volunteering at least four hours per month (board service, committee work or other tasks), participating in annual spring clean-ups, and maintaining one’s unit and immediate surroundings. WHC stresses that participation is essential to the co-op’s democratic functioning and effective self-management; training and peer support are available for members without prior experience. Membership, admissions and support WHC describes co-ops as mixed-income communities rather than conventional low-income or emergency housing providers—its mandate is to serve members only, so it does not offer emergency shelter. Admission decisions are made independently by the co-op; the Co-operative Housing Association of Eastern Ontario (CHASEO) provides listings and information but does not screen or accept applicants on behalf of WHC. Prospective applicants are advised to confirm their ability to meet participation expectations before applying. Housing charges and subsidy WHC acknowledges a mix of housing charges: some members pay full (market) housing charges, while a portion of units are subsidized using government funding to create rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units. When eligible for subsidy, a household’s housing charge is typically calculated as approximately 25–30% of household income plus utility charges. The co-op notes that government programs have historically supported the development of subsidized co-op units. Location and neighbourhood context WHC is sited between Carling and Scott and Kirkwood and Churchill, within a neighbourhood described as family-friendly with nearby amenities: schools, parks (including Lion’s Park), recreation centres (Dovercourt), transit access (Westboro Transitway station), supermarkets (Loblaw’s), Westboro Beach, and a retail corridor on Richmond Road and Westboro Village featuring cafés, restaurants and independent shops. The website positions the area as offering a range of services and recreational options suitable for households and families.