Newsgroups: tor.general,ut.general
From: migod@turing.toronto.edu (Mike Godfrey)
Subject: Housing Co-op accepting applications (again)
Organization: CSRI, University of Toronto
Distribution: tor
Date: 20 Aug 92 21:55:27 GMT


About a month ago, I posted a note about the co-op I live in accepting
applications for new members.  A second infomation meeting is scheduled
for Monday, 24 August; it's intended for people who did *not* attend the
session last month.  Here's the original note:

----

The co-op where I live is now accepting applications.  This only happens
once every 6 to 24 months, depending on how slowly the waiting lists move.
The "rent" (technically, it's not rent, but effectively it is) is quite
reasonable (~$850 incl. 2 bedroom, $700 incl. 1 bdrm) and it's extremely
close to campus (on Elm Street near McCaul).  I'm posting this notice here
since it might appeal to people on campus:  several UofT faculty members
(and students) live there.  Note that there are many more two-bedroom units
than one-bedroom units, and the demand for one-bedroom units is higher.

This is *not* any sort of condo deal (nor do I or any one else stand to
make any profits).  This is government-endorsed non-profit housing.  You do
have to attend an "information session" to acquaint you with co-op housing
and (at some point) you must prove that you earn enough money to cover
rent.

The co-op itself is not like US-style co-ops which are more like
condominiums.  These co-ops are set up with a start-up loan from the
government to build the building, and then the "members" (occupants) pay
"monthly housing charges" (rent) to pay off the mortgage plus running
expenses.  The buildings are usually built by condo developers as a
"penance" for being allowed to build a condo nearby.

Our building has a full-time maintenance person, and the office is run by a
management company who has at least one person on site during normal
business hours.  The building itself is run by the people who live there --
this is a major feature of the co-op concept.  We make all the major 
decisions at general members meetings, such as how much "rent" to pay (this
year, there was no rent increase; in previous years it has gone up 2% or
7%, depending on costs.  Co-ops are not bound by rent control.)

If you join, you are expected to become "involved".  Typically, this means
attending general meetings (~8 per year) plus spending an hour or two a
month sitting on a committee -- usually low key stuff.




Here's the official announcement:


The Charles Hastings Housing Co-operative is now accepting applications for
membership in the co-op.

Excellent location -- Univeristy-Dundas area.

A well-maintained, secure building in the heart of the city.

Two-bedroom apartment available approx 750 sq ft -- $850.
One-bedroom apartment available approx 600 sq ft -- $698.

Cable, utilities included.

Indoor parking extra (waiting list).

[Government rent] Subsidy not available at this time.

[Other features of the building:
	-- at-cost laundry facilities
	-- weight room and sauna
	-- rooftop garden plots.]

Next information session, Monday August 24, 1992.

For further info and to register for the session [they want to avoid
overcrowding the room] call 598-3884.


\end{officalAnnouncement}

-- 
Mike Godfrey			      "All we like sheep, all we like sheep,
Dept of Comp Sci, UofT		      "All we like sheep, all we like sheep."
migod@turing.toronto.edu			   -- Handel's `Messiah'