Andy Andras Housing Co-operative was incorporated in October 1984. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable and safe housing for seniors over 55 years of age. The Co-operative operates under Federal Jurisdiction and is managed through democratic decision making by its members.

Participation

As a member of our co-op, you are expected to volunteer at least 4 hrs a month towards the operation of the co-op. There are different ways you can volunteer:

• You can become a member of one or more committees

• You can become a member of the Board of Directors

• You can conduct evening security walks (approximately every 9 months)

• You can organize/participate in our spring and fall clean-ups

Members are also expected to attend General and Special meetings in order to be fully informed about the past and pending decisions, to vote on motions presented by the Board, to select Board of Directors and to approve the annual budget. Members’ participation allows the co-op keep our operating costs low, thus ensuring continued affordable housing charges.

Social Activities

Living in Andy Andras co-op is not all about work. Every month you can participate in a potluck supper. Almost every day, different groups of people gather in the Lounge to play cards, darts, or cribbage, exercise, meditate or just enjoy time together. Members help each other on a regular basis, so if you become sick or are in need of a particular service, you can count on your co-op neighbours. Our Social Committee is very active in organizing various activities, such as Christmas dinner, Valentine’s or St, Patrick’s celebrations, BBQs, and many more. You need never feel lonely or bored when living in our co-op!

Facilities

Our Laundry room has 2 washers and 3 dryers, all operating through a prepaid card. 

The Lounge is equipped with television and sound system. It has a small kitchen in the back, and a storage room. It is used on a daily basis by the members, but you can also reserve it for a private function at no cost. The Lounge is connected to a large outdoor area, equipped with 2 BBQs, tables and chairs.

If you own a bicycle, you can store it safely in a locked bicycle shed.

We are committed to recycling. Our garbage room has large recycling bins for paper and plastics. Alcohol bottles and cans are collected separately and returned to the Beer Store. Pop cans, metals, broken electronics and batteries are also collected separately and taken to a recycling centre. All profits are used to help with the cost of our social events.

In addition to green bins at both parking lots, we have our our own composter that we use all summer to make compost for our gardens.

Co-op Governance

In a non-profit housing co-op, the occupants of the co-op are the members of the co-op. They must meet at least once a year at a General Annual Meeting, at which time they appoint auditors, review last year’s statements and elect members to the Board of Directors. At our co-op, the Board consists of seven members, elected for two-year terms on a staggered basis. The Board is legally responsible for ensuring the maintenance of the property and its financial responsibility. It hires professional staff to manage and perform these tasks.

The members also have the opportunity to serve on committees. These include a social committee and committees for maintenance, gardening, lawn care, website, newsletter and membership.