In 2024, rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the co-op was $828 a month, a very affordable price compared to the $1,687 for a much smaller one-bedroom apartment listed on kijiji.ca in the same city. Twenty of the townhouses in the complex have even more budget-friendly rates thanks to governmental subsidies for “geared to income” housing.
Budd, now seventy-six years old, is one of the co-op’s longest-tenured tenants. She and her fellow residents run the co-op together, making decisions about renovations and financial management together. They don’t need to fear being evicted by a landlord who wants to sell or renovate their buildings. Budd appreciates the fact that her co-op community has her back and that her neighbours care about her well-being. The folks in the community mow her lawn, volunteer to do her grocery shopping, and drive her when needed.
Kerri-Anne Hinds, her husband, and two kids live in a three-bedroom townhouse at the co-op that is perfect for their family of four. It boasts a finished basement and a garden. Hinds works part time at a bookshop, and the couple receives disability assistance payments from the province of Ontario as a result of a spinal injury her husband incurred on the job. Since moving in, Hinds has gotten to know her neighbours and serves on the board of directors. Having a say on the board allows them to have a sense of control and involvement in decision-making processes that directly impact their lives. This empowerment helps them navigate the challenges they face with resilience and determination.
Add new comment