2014 Fall Education Event - Co-operative Housing Federation of

Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto
2014 Fall Education Event
Saturday, November 1, 2014 Oakham House
55 Gould Street, Toronto
No scents is good
scents!
CHFT has a no scents
policy. Please be
considerate and do not
wear scented products
such as deodorant, hand
cream, hair spray and
perfume.
Please join us for our Fall Education Event!
Your day will begin with a continental breakfast in the
Courtyard Lounge. A buffet lunch will be served there as well.
During your breaks, be sure to visit the Thomas Lounge. Our
Co-op Cost Cutter partners will be there to show you how
they can save your co-op money. While you’re there, pick up
one of the great souvenirs that they will provide.
We will begin with an opening plenary to discuss the current
political situation. After that, participants will choose one 2½
hour workshop in the morning and two mini-workshops in the
afternoon.
We are offering three workshops on the new eviction process,
one in each time slot. We will also have new workshops on
end of the operating agreement issues, choosing between
staffing models and how to ensure your co-op is compliant with
the AODA legislation. As well, we have some popular
returning workshops.
You get all this for only $115 + HST for CHFT members and
$230 + HST for non-members.
For more information about the program, please contact Mary
Ann Hannant at [email protected] or 416 465-8688,
extension 208.
Registration is available on-line at www.coophousing.com. For
more information about registration, contact Maria La Vida at
[email protected] or 416 465-8688, extension 201.
Registration and breakfast will begin at 9:00 am. The opening
plenary is at 9:30 with workshops beginning at 10:00 am. Lunch will
be served at 12:30 pm. The workshops will end at 4:30 pm.
Workshop 1 — 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
1a Working with the new eviction system
On June 1, ,the new eviction system for Ontario housing co-ops
came into force. In this workshop, we’ll review how the new
system works and the things your co-op needs to change to work
with the new eviction rules. Topics will include
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a review of the internal co-op eviction process,
the Landlord Tenant Board process (forms, timelines and
rules),
overview of the new model Occupancy By-law, and
resources from CHF Canada.
Facilitator: Diane Miles, CHF Ontario Region
1b Better relationships in your co-op
Learn how to work with and appreciate people with different
styles, listen for what's important and resolve conflicts in a way
that leaves relationships improved and solve issues by raising
concerns with someone in a way that makes it better and not
worse!
Facilitator: Shannon Thompson, St. Stephen’s Conflict
Resolution Service
1c Keep your units full
One of the best ways to improve your co-op’s financial health is to
make sure that vacancy loss is kept to a minimum. In this
workshop we will look at the importance of curb appeal,
advertising, processing applications in a timely manner, and
welcoming new members to the co-op. We will also discuss the
best way to minimize vacancy loss — keep your current members
happy!
Facilitator: Dawn Richardson, co-op manager
Workshop 2 — 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
2a Introduction to the new occupancy by-law
The model occupancy by-law has been in place for over 20 years.
Eviction law reform has provided the co-op sector with an opportunity
to produce a new model by-law, with changes relating to the eviction
process as well as other rules about the rights and obligations of co-op
members. This workshop will review the revised by-laws and discuss
approaches to adopting them in your co-op.
Facilitator: Judith Collins, CHFT
2b End of the operating agreement: Top 3 issues
to consider (for federal co-ops only)
There are many things to think about as co-ops reach the end of
their operating agreements. In this workshop we will examine the
top three issues.
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Can we continue to provide rent-geared-to-income
assistance to our members who need it?
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Will we be able to do the day-to-day maintenance our co-op
needs?
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Will there be enough money to fund our reserves?
Facilitator: Michelle Arscott, CHFT
2c How the AODA impacts your co-op
Are you familiar with all your co-op’s legal obligations under the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)? Do you
find that an increasing number of your members are experiencing
temporary, progressive, or permanent disabilities? Come to this
workshop and learn about your co-op’s compliance requirements
under the AODA and take away resources on accessibility best
practices to better support your diverse membership.
Did you know that you are required to have a policy on the
Integrated Accessibility Standards by December 31, 2014? Were
you aware that within a few years 47% of Ontario’s population will
be 65+? Participants will come away with a policy template for
their use and ideas on how they can be responsive to the changing
needs of your co-op members.
Facilitator: Constance Exley, Accessibility Ontario
Workshop 3 — 3:15 pm to 4:30 pm
3a Eviction appeals: yes or no?
Recent changes to the Co-operative Corporations Act allow each co-op to
decide if membership appeals of board eviction decisions will be permitted.
A co-op can choose to allow appeals on all grounds for evictions, only allow
appeals for some grounds, or allow no appeals. Those grounds for appeals
must be written into the co-ops occupancy by-law. The workshop will
provide an opportunity for discussion on which grounds a co-op may want to
allow membership appeals.
Facilitator: Judith Collins, CHFT
3b HomeRun: a new website for measuring your
co-op’s performance (for federal co-ops only)
Why does one co-op have lower vacancy losses than another? Is your co-op paying higher
audit fees than others in your city? A new website from the Agency for Co‑operative
Housing aims to give its client co-ops the tools to measure, compare and learn from the
experience of their peers. HomeRun gets co-ops more information about how they
perform relative to a peer they choose themselves. The website also holds a growing
collection of co-op stories about making a good, but difficult choice or solving a problem.
Learn more at our workshop.
Please note HomeRun is currently only available to federal-program co-ops under Agency
administration.
Workshop leader: Olga Tasci, The Agency for Co-operative Housing
3c Direct hire staff versus management company —
which model would be better for your co-op?
Co-op boards have two main models to choose from in staffing
their offices. They can hire a manager who will be an employee of
the co-op or they can hire a property management company.
What are the differences between the two models? What things
should you consider when you are making your decision? In this
workshop, we will look at these questions and discuss which
option may be best for you.
Facilitator: Michelle Arscott, CHFT

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