CO-OPERATIVE DISTINCTIVES
WHAT DEFINES US
Members of a co-operative own a share in the co-operative rather than owning their unit outright. Housing co-operatives are autonomous, non-profit entities, and count on members to participate in the day to day operation of the co-operative.
In this way, costs are kept to a minimum resulting in affordable housing for the membership. Bylaws, policies and procedures are established in compliance with The Co-operatives Act 1996, and The Co-operatives Regulations 1998,
and as such are binding.
Amendments are voted on
by the membership.
Co-operatives are based on the principles of self-help,
self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity.
Their foundation was birthed
on the ethical values of
honesty, openness,
and social responsibility.
BENEFITS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Benefits and responsibility always go hand in hand. The benefits of
co-operative living are many.
They include, but are not confined to, enjoying a sense of community. Planned and impromtu opportunities to connect with others. Sharing in the care of your public space. And having a place in the democratic nature of how your c0-operative functions.
The responsibilities of co-operative living are also many. Members are responsible to participate in the functioning and care of the operations and building. They are responsible to one another, and kindness and goodwill toward other co-operative members is expected. They are also responsible to take diligent care of their own unit. When independence is no longer a reality, members and their families are responsible to find alternate living arrangements.
WHO ARE WE FOR
Living at Norwest Place is ideal for persons 55 years of age and older who are retired or semi-retired, who are healthy and independent, and love the idea of living in community. It is geared toward those who are in alignment with, and committed to, a mindset focused on the
'good of the whole'.
Living in a co-operative is a unique way of living. It is different than renting an apartment, where there is no say in how things operate. It is also different than living in a house where all the work is the responsibility of the home-owner. Co-operative living is a combination of the best of both. Shared responsibility and shared benefits. That said, it is not for everyone, but for many it is a wonderful life-giving way to live.