WHAT IS A HOUSING CO-OP?
It is a housing development and a unique community where the people who live there own and operate the facility on a non-profit basis.

WHO ACTUALLY OWNS THE PROPERTY AND RUNS THE OPERATIONS?
The resident members do. Westboine members elect a Board of Directors who hire staff to administerthe business affairs of the Co-op.

WHAT IS MEANT BY “THE MEMBERS OWN THE CO-OP”?
Each member buys the required number of shares to become a member-resident of the Co-op. Collectively, the membership OWNS the Co-op.

DO THESE SHARES GROW IN VALUE OR PAY DIVIDENDS?
Not directly - instead, the members charge themselves a break-even “rent” or housing charge each month. Each member gains by paying for shelter at minimum cost. Interest earned is reinvested in the Co-op to minimize expenses.

WHAT FINANCIAL COMMITMENT MUST ONE MAKE AS A MEMBER?
You are required to make your housing charge (rent) payments PROMPTLY on the first day of each month along with any additional charges with which you have been assessed (e.g. extra parking).

IS THERE A LEASE TO SIGN?
It’s something like a lease. It is called a housing agreement and it is just that an agreement between yourself and the Co-op outlining certain conditions. It differs from a lease in that it does not have to be renewed yearly and the notice to vacate provision is only 60 days.

AM I REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN INFORMATION MEETING?
Yes, this “orientation” is necessary to ensure that new members know their rights and responsibilities and can become informed and valuable additions to the community.

WHAT IS AN ORIENTATION?
A team of volunteers with the Member Relations Committee will contact you with an invitation to attend a meeting at the Alex Laidlaw Hall either before or soon after you move into the Co-op. The orientation sessions are held to provide new members with an overview of the common sense rules and regulations which we all live by in consideration of our neighbours.
Orientation is MANDATORY.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I MUST DO?
Member participation does - members have a responsibility as PART OWNERS to get involved in the running of their Co-op. Participation of members is critical to the democratic functioning of the housing cooperative.

WHAT MAKES A CO-OP WORK?
Member participation does - members have a responsibility as PART OWNERS to get involved in the running of their Co-op. Participation of members is critical to the democratic functioning of the housing cooperative.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
Partake in volunteer opportunities:

• JOIN A COMMITTEE!
• RUN FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS!
• GIVE TIME TO SPECIAL FUNCTIONS!
• REGISTER ANY SKILLS YOU HAVE! (Yes, you will be called!)

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS WHILE I AM LIVING INTHE CO-OP? Yes, the membership has developed and approved a set of common sense rules and regulation called “Occupancy! Ordinary By-laws” by which you must abide. These are contained in a comprehensive “Handbook” which you receive when you move in and are reviewed at the orientation meetings for new members. By setting these policies, you and your neighbours democratically control the living environment.

WHAT APPLIANCES ARE SUPPLIED?
Townhome suites are supplied with a stove, refrigerator and a dryer. Laundry MUST NOT be hung outside your unit.

Apartment suites are supplied with a stove and refrigerator. Laundry facilities are supplied on each floor of the building.

WHAT ABOUT PARKING?
One parking stall is supplied with each suite. Further parking spaces are available for an additional monthly charge. Visitors must park in the designated visitor parking stalls throughout the Co-op. These areas are clearly indicated by large yellow signs.

ARE PETS ALLOWED?
Yes, they are allowed in our TOWNHOME SUITES ONLY. We welcome responsible pet owners with a maximum of two pets. Any further limitations are clearly set out in the pet regulations. Cats and dogs must be kept on a leash.

WHAT ROUTINE MAINTENANCE IS EXPECTED OF ME?
Minimal upkeep such as replacing light bulbs, fuses, smoke detector batteries, etc. is required. Our maintenance staff is available weekdays for major repairs. EMERGENCIES on weekends or evenings can be directed through our on-call staff member.

WHAT ABOUT OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE?
You are completely responsible for taking care of your yard. A lawnmower is available for communal use. In the winter, you are responsible for keeping your parking stall reasonably free of ice and snow. The Co-op contracts for the clearing of snow from our roadways.

WHAT’S IN WESTBOINE CO-OP FOR ME?
You will benefit from a strong sense of community, having good neighbors who appreciate and respect one another, housing at cost, a beautiful park-like setting, convenient access to public transit, and much, much more.

HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Contact WESTBOINE PARK HOUSING CO-OP office at (204) 885-5125. Our courteous staff will be happy to answer your questions.

Happiness for YOUR family is...

• Room to grow in 1 & 2 bedroom apartments or 2 & 3 bedroom townhomes, some with basements



• Your own yard or deck plus lush riverside grounds and a community recreation centre with a wood burning fireplace



• A convenient location just blocks from the new Charleswood-St. James bridge and convenience shopping across the street



• Affordable housing with all inclusive monthly rates, no lease and no landlord.