Co-operatives First Calls for Creation of More Housing Co-ops Through the Build Canada Homes Program

The co-op model offers sustainable solutions to Canada’s housing crisis

SASKATOON, SK – September 22, 2025 – Co-operatives First welcomes the federal government’s recognition of co-operatives as a key option for creating housing under its new Build Canada Homes program. With Canada needing 3.2 million new homes to close the housing gap, housing co-ops provide a sustainable model that aligns with the program’s goals.

“Housing co-operatives are an ideal fit for the Build Canada Homes program,” said Kyle White, Director of Education for Co-operatives First. “They are versatile, member-owned, non-market housing options that are often overlooked when addressing housing crises. Now is the time to focus on this model as an essential component of addressing our housing needs.”

Why Housing Co-ops?

A housing co-op provides good quality, affordable housing owned and managed by the people who live there, making the model an ideal match for Build Canada Homes’ focus on sustainable solutions.

Key advantages include:

  • They maintain affordability: Housing co-ops typically cost $400-$500 less than rental market rates. This model provides a sense of financial security that other forms of housing may not.
  • They provide security of tenure: Housing co-ops provide members with long-term housing stability without the possibility of extreme cost increases, renovictions, etc.
  • They can align with BCH’s manufacturing goals: Housing co-ops are well-suited to factory-built and modular construction methods, supporting Build Canada Homes’ emphasis on these approaches.
  • They provide community and connection: In co-ops, people come together not only to share space but also to hold events and to collaborate on projects like gardens. They can also participate in the co-op’s governance. This engagement can lead to deeper connections with neighbours and a greater sense of community.

“The time to encourage and support the creation of housing co-ops is now,” said White. “Housing co-operatives offer the perfect model to ensure Build Canada Homes’ investments create lasting solutions.”

For more information about how housing co-operatives can be used to address Canada’s housing shortage, contact:

Aasa Marshall

Director of Communications, Co-operatives First

aasa@cooperativesfirst.com

 

“Heather and the team at Co-operatives First are top-notch. Not only their knowledge but their understanding of the project. They have truly helped us along every step of the way. Their timely response and knowledge of the steps are extraordinary. They are forthcoming with information. This is one of the most knowledgeable and friendliest teams I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

Weyburn Theatre

“Co-operatives First made the process of establishing our Artisan Co-operative a very clear and easy process. The expanse of available tools and resources provided by Co-operatives First answers many questions and lightens the workload. Greatly appreciate having the connections made with Trista and Kyle, they keep the co-operative moving forward.”

Nehiyawaskiy Indigenous Peoples Art Co-op

“Our experience working with the Co-operatives First team was absolutely fabulous. The staff was accommodating, knowledgeable and patient. It was truly a breath of fresh air to have such a wealth of skill and resources available to a non-profit. They were invaluable to our successful launch!”

Heart Linked Community Services Cooperative

“Working with Co-operatives First was fantastic! We are still new to the cooperative world, and we relied heavily on their advice and expertise when drafting our rules/bylaws, and our memorandum of association. The team has experience with many different cooperative models, so they provided advice on what has and hasn’t worked for other cooperatives. We wouldn’t have been able to incorporate without their help!”

Ananda Cooperative

“We have had a very positive experience with everyone at Co-operatives First. They have helped us in multiple ways. Right from the first step in knowing how to incorporate, how to set our business and offering ideas for us to help steer us in the right direction plus allowing us to really make our own decisions. If our decisions go off track, they have gently guided us back to where we needed to be. The Co-operatives first guys are always eager to answer questions, and give ideas to us that got us off the ground.”

South East Butcher Block