Coop Application

Okanagan Housing Co-operative Application

Welcome and thank you for your interest in applying!

Part of the application process is watching the video below as it informs you about co-op living, common terms, and specifics you need to understand before applying.

Before we continue:

Our co-op uses what's called a "principal and associate model" of membership. What this means is that every unit is assigned to a principal member (like a "leaseholder" in the rental market). If there are two adults who will be living in the home who both want to be voting members, one will be the principal member and one will be the associate.

Our application process requires applicants for principal or associate membership to submit two character references. Each reference letter needs to include contact details.

In addition, a "Why Letter" needs to be submitted, it tells us why you want to join the co-op and what skills you bring to the community.

Your "Why Letter" matters.

The "Why Letter" is your opportunity to share your story and explain why you want to join our co-operative community. It's the heart of your application, allowing you to connect with us on a personal level and demonstrate your understanding of co-op values.

Here's why it's crucial:
- Show your personality: Let us get to know you beyond the basic application details. Share your interests, values, and what makes you unique.
- Demonstrate your understanding of co-op living: Explain what co-operative housing means to you and why you're drawn to this model of housing.
- Highlight your strengths: Showcase how your skills, experience, and personality would contribute to our community.
- Express your commitment: Convey your enthusiasm for active engagement and contributing to the co-op's mission, vision, and values.
- Make a lasting impression: A well-written "Why Letter" can help you stand out and leave a positive impression.
Take your time to craft an authentic and genuine letter that reflects your desire to be part of our co-operative community.

We are actively recruiting candidates with the following skills and experience:
- Board experience
- Conflict resolution and coalition building
- Experience organizing and/or chairing committees
- Skillful communication
- Strategic planning skills
- Skills in diversity and inclusion
- Experience in organizational leadership and governance
- Experience in financial forecasting
- Experience in financial management
- Experience in non-profit or co-operative sector

Please watch this short video.
Youtube

Did you watch the video?*
Type YES, if not, go "BACK" and watch it.
A housing co-operative is:*

Affordable rental housingLow income housingA self-governed community where every member owns a share and contributes to running the co-op
The co-op is governed by:*

The Rental Tenancy ActThe Co-operative Act
Democratic participation in co-op's is*

EssentialBeneficial to the overall health of individual co-opsRelated to the provincial, federal, and international co-op movementAll of the above

Welcome to Okanagan Housing Co-operative!

We are a vibrant and diverse community in Kelowna, BC, offering affordable townhouse and apartment-style housing near schools, transit, and shopping. Our co-op has 58 units and welcomes families, couples, and individuals.

What is Co-operative Housing?

A housing co-operative is a unique form of homeownership where residents are members who collectively own and manage their community. Guided by the principles of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity, co-op members have a voice in shaping their living environment.

Application Process:
1. Application on File: Submit complete application online. The membership committee will review application. If selected for an interview, you're application proceeds to the next step
2. Interview: The selected candidates will be invited for an interview with the membership committee. Shorlisted interviewees proceed to the next step.
3. Recommendation: Recommendations are made to board of directors for approval
4. Approval: Once the board of directors approves candidates for membership, offers will be made as units come available
5. Offer and Acceptance: Offers are conditional on a credit and criminal record check. Acceptance of the offer of membership is secured with a shares purchase, equivilant to two-months of housing charges
OKHC Fact Sheet

Location:

170 Kneller & 205 Nickel Rd, Kelowna BC V1X 4E5

Units:
- 41 3bdrm townhomes
- 13 2bdrm townhomes
- 4 2bdrm apartments
- All units have two parking stalls
- Our buildings are older, and some units have been renovated while others have not. You may be offered an unrenovated unit. We have maintenance schedules in place to ensure all units are renovated over time.
- Amenities: Playground, landscaped green spaces, visitor parking, recycling, composting
Share Purchase and Housing Charges:
- Share purchase amounts are twice the monthly occupancy fee (varies by unit size).
- Monthly housing charges are tied to mortgage rates and operating expenses, adjusted annually, and payable on the day before the first of each month.
Minimum Income Requirement:

Income requirement is based on unit being offered for occupancy and minimum requirements changes based on annual occupancy fee updates. Required proof of income may include bank statements, tax returns, T4s, pay stubs, pension paperwork, or social assistance paperwork.

Participation:

Active engagement is the lifeblood of our co-operative. While not mandated, a genuine desire and capacity to contribute is essential. This can take many forms, from attending meetings and engaging in discussions to participating in social events and contributing to decision-making.

Pets:
- Each member is allowed up to two cats or dogs (two animals total).
- Cats and dogs must be accompanied and on-leash outside the member's unit.
- All cats and dogs must be neutered/spayed prior to move-in.
- Provide proof of RDCO Dog Registration
- Exotic pets require Board approval.
Important Note: Providing false information on your application will result in immediate disqualification from the membership process. Please ensure all details are accurate and complete.

** Before continuing, ensure you have a digital copy of:
- your why letter
- personal and professional character references letters
This will be required before submitting your application to our community.

Primary Applicant (Principal Member)
I am applying for:*

Two bdrm apartment2bdrm Townhouse3bdrm Townhouse
Applicant Name (Principal Member)*

First NameLast Name
Birthday

MonthDayYear
Date
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Email*
example@example.com
Current Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityProvince

Postal
Do you require an accessible unit?

YesNo
How did you hear about us?

Qualifications

Before we go any further, we want to ensure we’re meeting Okanagan Housing Co-op’s minimum requirements: Annual household minimum, Pet requirements, Non-smoking requirements
Do you or anyone that lives with you smoke? Our community is smoke free, we do not allow cigarettes, cannabis, or other smokable products in our homes and on common spaces. Vaping products, incense, and smudging are excluded.*

YesNo
Do you understand that contents insurance is required in order to move into OKHC?*

YesNo
Pet Policy: Our community allows a maximum of two pets per household. That can be one cat and one dog, or two cats or two dogs. Birds and other animals are not counted. Exotic pets require board approval.*
Type: I UNDERSTAND PET POLICY
Do you own any pets?*

YesNo
*If yes, describe pet(s)
What is your annual household income? We have an income threshold that is dependant on the type of home you are applying for. (This will be verified if you are offered a unit)*

Continuing the application…
Previous Address*

Street Address (if you do not have a previous address, please type "No previous address"

Street Address Line 2

CityProvince

Postal
Previous Address: How long have you lived here?*
Previous Address: Reason for leaving?*

Co-Applicant (Associate Member)

Complete only where different from Primary Applicant

Co-Applicant (Associate Member) Portion: Only complete if an adult is going to be applying with you.
Co-Applicant Name (Associate member applicant)

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
Co-Applicant Current Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityProvince

Postal
Current Address: How long have you lived here?
Current Address: Reason for leaving?
Co-Applicant Previous Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityProvince

Postal
Previous Address: How long have you lived here?
Previous Address: Reason for leaving?

Other Adult Occupants

Full name and birthday of all other adult persons (age 19 or older) are required in order to occupy this unit. Be aware that we will require financial documents for all adult occupants moving into the household with you.

Only complete this section if you will have Other Adult Occupants living with you.
Adult Occupant 1

First NameLast Name
Adult Occupant 2

First NameLast Name

Other Minor Occupants

Full name and birthday of all other persons (under age 19) to occupy this unit.

Only complete this section only if you will have minors living with you.
Minor Occupant - 1

First NameLast Name
Minor Occupant - 2

First NameLast Name
Minor Occupant - 3

First NameLast Name

Primary Applicant's Supplementary Information
Present Landlord*

First NameLast Name
Present Landlord Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Please be advised we will be contacting your present and previous landlords.
Do you have a previous landlord?

YesNo
Previous Landlord

First NameLast Name
Previous Landlord Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
How long have you lived at this address?

Primary's Employment Information

We will be contacting your current and previous employer
Current Employer*
Position
Length of Employment
Supervisor's Name

First NameLast Name
Supervisor's Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
Previous Employer*
If you do not have a previous employer, please state "No Previous Employer"
Position
Length of Employment
Previous Supervisor's Name

First NameLast Name
Previous Supervisor's Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number

Co-Applicant (Associate Member) Supplementary Information

Complete only where different from Primary Applicant

Skip this section if a co-applicant is not applying.
Present Landlord

First NameLast Name
Present Landlord Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
Please be advised we will be contacting your current and previous landlord.
Previous Landlord

First NameLast Name
Previous Landlord Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
Co-Applicant's Employment Information

We will be contacting current and previous employer
Current Employer
Position
Length of Employment
Supervisor's Name

First NameLast Name
Supervisor's Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
Previous Employer
Position
Length of Employment
Previous Supervisor's Name

First NameLast Name
Previous Supervisor's Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number

Uploading Documents

To complete your application, please upload the following:
- Two written references (per applicant). References cannot be from family members or current co-op members.
- "Why Letter": This is your chance to tell us your story, explain why you want to join our co-op, and show how you'd contribute to our community.
** Incomplete applications will not be eligible for consideration. **
Please upload your Why Letter and Reference Letters*

Browse Files

Cancelof

Finalizing Your Application

Thank you so much for taking the time to apply to our community. We look forward to reviewing you application.
I/We the understated, understand that only the members of the Okanagan Housing Coop may live in the co-op, and we apply for membership, as set out below.

We understand that, if the co-op accepts us for membership and offers us a unit, we must purchase shares at the rate of two-times the occupancy fees for the principal member.

If accepted into membership, we agree to be bound by and to comply with the Rules, occupancy agreement and policies of the co-op in force and as amended from time to time.

We declare that all the information in this application is correct. We give the co-op permission to verify any or all this information, and to do a landlord check and a credit check. We understand that acceptance of membership depends on the co-op obtaining satisfactory results from a credit check.
Primary Applicant Signature*

Clear
By signing below, I certify all information provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Any misrepresentation on this application form could result in my eviction if accepted.
Primary Applicant Signature*

Clear
Co-Applicant Applicant Signature

Clear
Please verify that you are human*
Should be Empty:

Okanagan Housing Co-operative Application

Welcome and thank you for your interest in applying!

Before we continue:

Your "Why Letter" matters.

Here's why it's crucial:

We are actively recruiting candidates with the following skills and experience:

Please watch this short video.

Welcome to Okanagan Housing Co-operative!

What is Co-operative Housing?

Application Process:

OKHC Fact Sheet

Location:

Units:

Share Purchase and Housing Charges:

Minimum Income Requirement:

Participation:

Pets:

Primary Applicant (Principal Member)

Qualifications

Qualifications and Skills

Continuing the application…

Co-Applicant (Associate Member)

Other Adult Occupants

Other Minor Occupants

Primary Applicant's Supplementary Information

Primary's Employment Information

Co-Applicant (Associate Member) Supplementary Information

Co-Applicant's Employment Information

Uploading Documents

Finalizing Your Application