Co-op lease renewals

Co-ops have offered residents affordable, community-focused housing options for decades. More than 50 co-ops across Vancouver are leased on land which is owned by the City. 

Many of their land leases needed to be renewed as they were signed 40 years ago and are due to expire over the next decade. 

Between 2017 and 2021, we've worked closely with co-ops, the Co-op Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC), and the community on next steps. 

Vancouver’s vacancy rate is just
co-op buildings are situated on City land
units of co-op housing are on City land

What's happeningApproved a methodology for land lease renewals

In July 2021, Council approved a methodology for land lease renewals for these co-ops which will offer a below-market rate for the land, with further discounts to land rent for low and moderate-income households.

Read the council report (1.3 MB)

Using publicly owned land to protect existing affordable housing - and to create more new affordable housing - is a vital part of the solution to the housing crisis facing the whole city.

Timeline

  • February to June 2020

    The City developed a discussion paper (1.6 MB) and began engagement with co-op board members, operators, and residents

  • July 2020 to June 2021

    Engagement summarized by the City of Vancouver and additional feedback from stakeholders received and analyzed

  • July 2021

    Staff reported to Council with recommendations

    Read the report (1.6 MB)

    View the presentation (1.6 MB)

  • July 2021 onwards

    Negotiations with individual co-ops will begin, with co-ops with leases which expire in the near-term being prioritized

Contact us

co-ops@vancouver.ca