Guest Post - A New Momentum for Co-op Housing
May 29 2025
Today I’m pleased to once again feature local writer Tanya Vividly, who this time brings us into the world of co-op housing—a model rooted in community, stability, and people over profit. Through candid conversations with long-time residents and community leaders, Tanya explores how they offer more than just affordable living—they offer a foundation for belonging, connection, and resilience in uncertain times.
Guest Writer - Tanya Vividly
What does the future of affordable and sustainable housing look like? I think your answers should be based on honesty, truthful intention and the impact. In my opinion it is a housing cooperative or “ Co-op “ which is non profit housing that is owned and operated by the people who live in it.
A Co-op is also a less expensive alternative to market apartment rentals. The reasoning is that each unit is priced at cost to its members and is seen as a housing charge. Also each Co-op has its own bylaws, rules and agreements it lives by.
I had the chance to sit in on some intentional conversations about housing cooperatives that was orchestrated by Jasmin from LAMP CHC and one of the project partners of the South Etobicoke Co-op Housing Network.
The first conversation was with Brenda. She has been a member with her Co-op for forty-three years. She refers to Cooperative housing as “ Non equity home ownership”. When she was asked about the impact that this housing alternative has had on her life, her answers included; stability , community involvement, and a home for her kids.
The second conversation was with Patricia. She is a member of Lakeshore Gardens Cooperative. She has lived in her unit for thirty-one years. Patricia describes her experience as a “ Community within a community”. She also loved that you get to know your neighbours, you get to know every members needs, and her kids loved knowing and growing up around other kids.
The third conversation was with Alexis. Alexis has lived in her co-op since she was only a year old and she is now 22! She grew up with lots of kids around her and they all grew up like a secondary family. Her mom was a single parent - so she appreciated the stability and the affordability this living option offered her family.
What I loved about all these members experiences is that each one had the opportunity to structure the kind of environment they would like to live, grow and be at peace in. It is also a great way to build a solid foundation in a big city. Especially in our times of job uncertainty, food insecurity, and a housing crisis.
To learn more about this housing concept check out an upcoming one day event called Co-ops for Community that is approaching this weekend - Sunday June 1st at the Lakeshore Artists Co-op.
As a social collective we should consider how to answer a few questions.
What housing for all should look like?
What are the actions needed to achieve this?
Why people over profit should always be the bottom line?
As we move forward towards a power to all people movement - together - we will become stronger.
Tanya’s observations remind us that Co-op housing isn’t just an affordable option—it’s a blueprint for how we can live with greater connection, stability, and care for one another. As the housing crisis deepens across our city, it’s worth asking: what kind of future are we building, and who are we building it for? If you’re curious to learn more or get involved, the upcoming Co-ops for Community event on June 1st is a great place to start.