Co-operative Law

Hoarding – a human rights obstacle in housing

October 31st, 2023 by Hunter Stone

Hoarding is more complex than a simple housing issue. It is a recognized psychological disorder and therefore has human rights implications where it comes to accommodation and housing.

An example of hoarding. Credit: Donald Trung Quoc Don / Wikimedia Commons

Items piled as high as your eyes and the decay of takeout containers scattered throughout the unit; it’s a view we tune into for entertainment purposes on shows like “Hoarders: Buried Alive”. However, this type of unit condition is all too familiar for many housing providers across Ontario and the challenges which come from navigating it.

Continue reading “Hoarding – a human rights obstacle in housing”

Is co-ownership the solution to the housing affordability crisis?

April 10th, 2023 by Ken Farrell

We can’t address the housing affordability crisis without talking about the failures of the wealth redistribution system.

Frame of a roof with a white sign that has ‘Housing Now’ painted in black. Credit: Cathy Crowe / Cathy Crowe

Continue reading “Is co-ownership the solution to the housing affordability crisis?”

Congratulations to Celia!

February 1st, 2023 by Iler Campbell LLP

Iler Campbell LLP congratulates Celia on her appointment as deputy executive director of CHFT. Celia’s long-standing commitment to the co-operative housing sector make her an excellent choice for this role! We are so pleased that Celia will be continuing her work in housing and look forward to continuing our relationship with her in this new capacity.

Ontario Extends Virtual Meeting Provisions for Co-ops and Non Profits

August 26th, 2022 by Hunter Stone

The Government of Ontario has further amended the Co‑operative Corporations Act, Ontario Not‑for‑Profit Corporations Act and Condominium Act, 1998, by permitting electronic meetings until September 30, 2023. Continue reading “Ontario Extends Virtual Meeting Provisions for Co-ops and Non Profits”

To record on Zoom or not – that is the question

August 16th, 2022 by Maggie Fleming

In March 2020, many organizations moved their annual general meetings (AGMs) and board meetings to the internet using platforms like Zoom. Lots of these meetings have stayed online, and for good reason – it’s a way to involve people previously unable to attend and offers an accessible option for those that are not comfortable attending in‑person. For some organizations, pressing the “record” button has become a regular practice. The stated reason often being for minute taking.

But recording, and keeping those recordings, is not without its legal issues. Continue reading “To record on Zoom or not – that is the question”

Client Profile: Aron Theatre Co-operative

March 23rd, 2022 by Maggie Fleming

Aron Theatre is a historical and cultural hub in Campbellford, Ontario. What started out in 1947 as a privately‑owned theatre has since transformed into a thriving non‑profit consumer co‑operative. The theatre had been declining for years and the owner was retiring. In 2009, the community came together to save the beloved theatre in a resounding testament to the efficacy of the co‑operative business model.

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