Affordable housing is an important part of building strong, welcoming communities. Co-operative housing is one way to make this possible. As a unique form of housing, co-ops prioritize affordability and inclusivity, creating welcoming neighbourhoods for families, seniors, newcomers to Canada, and individuals with diverse abilities.

What is Co-operative Housing?

Co-operative housing (or “co-op housing”) is a community-focused housing model. Instead of being owned by a landlord or developer, the housing is owned and governed by the people who live there.

Members pay monthly housing charges that go toward maintenance, repairs, and long-term sustainability. Unlike traditional rentals, co-ops are run democratically, where members help make decisions about how the housing is managed.

Co-ops are guided by well-established principles like democratic control, inclusivity, and building strong communities. Along with these principles, co-ops also follow provincial and federal laws that set out how they are formed and managed, such as:

• Co-operatives Act and Regulations
• Alberta Human Rights Laws

🔗Learn more about Co-Operative Housing and the 7 Guiding Principles here

Why is Hinton Exploring this?

• The Federal Government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), is directing new funding towards housing, including the new Build Canada Homes program announced by Prime Minister Carney
• Co-ops give residents more stability and control over their homes.
• Co-ops are less vulnerable to market changes and rental increases.
• Co-ops create inclusive, diverse communities.

How to get involved?

The Town of Hinton is seeking feedback from October 3 to 26, 2025 in this survey. Your feedback will help Town Council and Administration undertand if there is enough community interest to move forward, and who may want to participate in starting, managing, and planning co-operative housing.