AGM 2023

Full Day Workshop: 9:00am to 4:30pm

This full day workshop will provide new directors with everything they need to know to be an effective leader and collaborator in their co-op. Experienced directors will find this workshop a valuable refresher and much needed morale boost. It isn’t easy being a director, but our own Catherine Jolliffe brings her decades of experience and commitment to the co-op housing sector to help you improve your director’s skills.

Full Day Workshop: 9:00am to 4:30pm

Ever been asked to make a decision as a director or member that will have a significant effect on your community? Ever had big conflicts over those decisions in your co-op? When those issues come along it is important that you are prepared to work through the conflict so you can make the best decision for your co-op. Shawn is a gifted mediator with many years of experience. He will use his expertise to help equip you with the tools you need to make those difficult decisions while managing conflicts that may arise with everyday co-op life.

Morning Workshop: 9:00am to 12:00pm

The pandemic has changed many things in our lives, not the least of which is how we inter-act with each other. Your co-op depends on democratic governance to function and thrive. Join Sarah as she examines how the pandemic has had both negative and positive effects on how we govern our co-ops. She will review some of the steps you need to take to get your governance structure back up and serving your members again.

Morning Workshop: 9:00am to 12:00pm

Identifying and reducing risks is one of the most important jobs you have as a member or director of your co-op. This three-hour workshop will highlight some of the common risks that housing co-ops face and will help you form strategies to manage those risks while easing the financial burdens they cause.

Morning Workshop: 9:00am to 12:00pm

The aim of this workshop is to encourage your housing co-operative to adopt sustainable practices and help you reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The workshop will include an introduction to sustainability, carbon foot-printing and how to calculate your co-op’s carbon footprint, a brief overview of energy benchmarking in Ontario, and information about energy audits and the energy retrofits your co-op may want to consider. Finally, we’ll talk about the role of your board of directors in leading these changes.

Morning Workshop: 9:00am to 12:00pm

We will examine the distinction between a right protected by the Human Rights Code and members’ personal preferences. We will also explore when and how to accommodate a human rights need. Equip yourself with the information you need to respond to human rights issues in your co-op.

Morning Workshop: 9:00am to 12:00pm

Join our very own Kathy Dimassi for a workshop that will empower you to effectively chair board meetings and member’s meetings. Gain unique insight on successfully managing difficult meetings and helping members reach the best possible democratic decisions. Drawing on her decades of neutral chairing experience, Kathy will help you find the confidence you need to be an effective chairperson.

Afternoon Workshop: 1:30pm to 4:30pm

The pandemic has left most co-ops with a sense of disconnectedness. Significant reductions in member involvement have been reported as we have all had to follow guidelines around gathering limits and public health measures. The one thing that hasn’t changed is our need to function as communities with common goals and hopes for the future. Join community building expert Sylvia Cheuy from the Tamarack institute as we share new ways of engaging members and building community.

Afternoon Workshop: 1:30pm to 4:30pm

New provincial legislation means big changes for all HSA co-ops. The experts from CHF Canada will lead us through some practical steps that your co-op must take to prepare for the end of your mortgage. Whether your co-op chooses a new service agreement with your service manager or an exit agreement, you don’t want to miss this opportunity to prepare for the end of your mortgage.

Afternoon Workshop: 1:30pm to 4:30pm

Evicting a member is never our first choice, but sometimes member behavior leaves us no other option. This workshop will help you understand the procedures for and challenges of behavior related evictions including various human rights considerations. A must for any co-op considering a behaviour related eviction.

Afternoon Workshop: 1:30pm to 4:30pm

Bylaws aren’t just rules to follow, they reflect the community that your co-op wants to build. Learn how to develop new bylaws while remaining in compliance with federal, provincial, and municipal legislation. Become familiar with the CHF Canada model bylaws and their role in protecting your co-op. Petr will give you a new perspective on how to apply your bylaws and allow your co-op to thrive.

Afternoon Workshop: 1:30pm to 4:30pm

Is your co-op age friendly? Do you make allowances for your members to age in place, and take part in governance while passing on their experience and skills to the next generation of members? Join Angie and Sarah for this workshop which will explore ways to keep our long-time members in their units as a vital part of the community while encouraging the next generation of members to engage in active governance renewal.