The PHCHF Year in Review
Working
Advocating for Co-operative Housing
We have partnered with our sector colleagues to engage elected officials on the importance of increasing the supply of affordable housing and safeguarding existing co-op housing. We have held discussions with representatives from across the housing spectrum, all dedicated to ending homelessness, expanding affordable housing options, enhancing infrastructure, and developing sustainable communities. Collaboration is essential for making progress.
Thank you, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, Rechie Valdez, for meeting with representatives from CHF Canada and Peel/Halton CHF. We discussed Build Canada Homes and the importance of federal rental assistance in keeping people housed.
National Housing Day
Thanks to Community Development Halton for organizing the National Housing Day Event.
Delegation to the Region of Peel Council
The Region of Peel and PHCHF staff continue to collaborate to support co-ops throughout the mortgage conclusion process. PHCHF & CHF Canada participated in a delegation to the Peel Region Council on Nov. 13th to support the Peel Region’s Housing Sustainability Program, which is Peel Region’s End of Mortgage (EOM) program.
End of Mortgage Strategic Planning Project
Thanks to a grant from the Transformation Centre, ten co-ops from Ontario Housing Co-op Federations and CHF Canada are participating in the End of Mortgage Strategic Planning Project. This collaborative effort, led by PHCHF and supported by COCHF, aims to assist co-ops managed under the Housing Services Act (HSA) in preparing for the mortgage’s conclusion. As a cross-sector initiative, it will create tools and processes beneficial to any federation across Canada. The project focuses on helping participating housing co-ops prepare for long-term sustainability, highlighting strong governance, sound fiscal management, and effective leadership.
The Roadmap to the End of Mortgage (EOM)
By 2030, co-ops in Ontario governed by the Housing Services Act (HSA) will have reached the end of their mortgage terms. Thirteen co-ops are currently working through our Roadmap to prepare for negotiations on service or exit agreements with municipal service managers and to support co-ops with interim arrangements. Town halls are an essential part of the process for engaging members in shaping their co-op’s future.
National Education Committee
The National Education Committee, representing various Federations across Canada, recently connected to network, learn, and share best practices. Look out for joint educational offerings in 2026.
Co-op Cost Cutters
Co-op Cost Cutters is a bulk buying program for housing co-operatives. Stay connected with the suppliers and special promotions on the Co-op Cost Cutters website.
Ontario Coop Inspection Services – specialising in co-operative housing unit inspections. One of the many suppliers in the Co-op Cost Cutters Program.
PHCHF Annual Meeting
Year in Review Snapshot
- 2 full-day workshops delivered with CHFT (Spring and Fall Virtual Sessions)
- 23 Portable and Virtual Workshops
- 24 Sector Updates sent to Members
- 42 Co-ops Supported
- 88 % of co-ops in the federation catchment are PHCHF members
- 92 Consulting Services Provided
- 1000 calls and emails answered
Exclusive PHCHF Services
Members receive access to exclusive services, programs, and rates on:
- Education and resources
- Expert advice and support
- Group buying with Co-op Cost Cutters
- CHIP: Make the most of your co-op’s money
- Regular sector updates
- Services designed for co-ops
Diversity Scholarship
The online application for the 2026/2027 school year is now open, and the deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 24, 2026, by 4 pm. Check out this year’s promotional flyer for more information. An orientation for interested students is scheduled for 2026. PHCHF has awarded 37 scholarships to date, totaling over $178,000. In 2025, we granted scholarships to two recipients.
Century of Co-operation
Fourteen recipients, including three from Trafalgar Co-op and 11 from Birch Glen Co-op, were nominated by housing co-ops and received plaques for the Century of Co-operation Award. The award honours our longstanding co-op members.
Learn more about this program and how to nominate your members each year here.
Community Events
Co-operative Young Leaders
PHCHF sponsored two participants to attend the CYL camp in 2025. Check out the videos from camp.
Ontario Co-operative Association – Spirit Awards
Principle 5: Education, Training, and Information – This award recognizes individuals or organizations that strengthen the co-operative movement by sharing knowledge, building skills, and empowering others through education and training.
Principle 5 Recipients:
Sophie Taylor, Executive Director, Peel Halton Co-operative Housing Federation – awarded for strengthening communities through leadership, education, and advocacy. Her commitment to youth, diversity, and inclusion inspires others and embodies the true spirit of Principle 5.
Lacey Guest, Board Director, Terra Cotta Co-op, Mississauga – awarded for uplifting her co-operative through mentoring, inclusive leadership, and community service. She embodies the spirit of Education, Training, and Information – elevating others, building trust, and inspiring lasting impact.
Congratulations to all the outstanding recipients.
Retiring Staff
After 37 years at CHFT and as the Co-op Cost Cutters Promotions Co-ordinator, Miriam Wohl is retiring at the end of this year. We wish Miriam all the best. We welcome Jackie Borges Briones. With over 15 years of co-op experience, Jackie is well-connected to the sector and has been a staff member at CHFT since 2016.
In Memoriam, Murray Eaton
March 14, 1947 - January 22, 2025
Murray served as secretary on the PHCHF Board for many years and was
a director for 14 years before stepping down in 2016. He previously held
the position of President of the Board at Mondragon
Co-op, Brampton, where he was a member for
24 years. Murray was a strong advocate for the
co-op housing sector and was a member of the
Community Council for Mental Health in the Region of Peel.
Growing
Co-op Housing, we’re back!
Our spirits remained high despite the cold as we celebrated the groundbreaking of Kennedy Green, the largest co-op development at 2444 Eglington Ave. E, Scarborough in the past 30 years. Congratulations to the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto (CHFT).
Sharing
Collaborating
We are continuing our collaborative efforts with CHFT, including our Spring and Fall educational events, along with updates to educational materials.
The five Ontario Co-operative Housing Federations (OCHF) meet regularly to discuss and work together on common issues and opportunities:
- Enhance the delivery of service to members.
- Strengthen sector messaging.
- Advance the visibility of co-operatives in the housing market.
For more information on workshops and other events in Ontario, check out the Ontario Federations' website, www.ochf.coop.
Engaging Our Members
- Download our printable brochure – Making the Most of Membership Benefits .
- This annual newsletter is distributed to all co-ops in our catchment area and sector affiliates, shared on our social feeds, and featured on the website slider for 2026.
- “Sharing Co-op Stories” Page. Are you a proud member of a PHCHF housing co-op? We want to hear from you! Your unique experiences and stories are what make the co-op housing community thrive. Whether you’ve been a member for years or are new to the co-op, your viewpoint matters.
- Co-ops are encouraged to subscribe to our newsletter, visit our website, and like or share posts from our social media feeds.
2025 Winter Workshops
For the second year, the Ontario federations, led by GHCHF, have supported the Winter Workshops Conference at White Oaks Conference Centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The theme was Co-op Superheroes! “Celebrating that in our co-ops, on our boards, in our co-op offices, and inside of you. Those of us who believe that your right to be heard, exercise your vote, and plan your future are essential parts of every co-op member’s life. You are the Co-op Superheroes.”
2026 Winter Workshops
The Ontario Federations, led by the Golden Horseshoe Federation, present the 2026 Winter Workshops Education Program, open to all member federations and co-ops in Ontario. Register today.
On the Horizon
- We will continue supporting and developing tools for co-ops under the Housing Services Act (HSA) for the End-of-Mortgage.
- Keep an eye out for a new workshop and resource materials on staff transition.
- We continue to advocate at all levels of government for the protection and development of more co-operative housing.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
To our chairpersons, workshop facilitators, consultants, mediators and mentors; thank you for sharing your knowledge, skill and expertise.
- Olivia Amoateng
- Petr Bakus
- Sonia Byrne
- Shawn Conway
- Kathy Dimassi
- Tracy Geddes
- Elana Harte
- Diane Kirke
- Dave McFarlane
- Francesco Robles
PHCHF Holiday Hours
The Federation office will be closed from December 16, 2025, to January 9, 2026, inclusive. From the Board and staff to all of you, we wish you the best of the holiday season and thank you for your continued loyalty and support.
See you in 2026!