FAQs

Housing co-operatives provide not-for profit housing for their members. From the curb, housing co-operatives look like any other street address. The co-op difference is on the inside.

Each housing co operative is a legal association, incorporated as a co operative. Canada’s housing co ops are guided by International Co-operative Principles, adapted for housing co-operatives. Each coop is governed by a board of directors elected from the co-op membership at an annual general meeting. Each co-op has a set of governing documents that are ratified when the co-op is founded, and that are amended as necessary by the membership.

Most co-ops in Nova Scotia engage outside management companies to assist with the day-to-day operations of the co-op.

In Canada, most housing co-ops were developed during the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s under government programs. Currently, about 250,000 Canadians live in housing cooperatives.

In Nova Scotia there are 69 different housing co-operatives offering over 1,544 units.

Unlike public housing, co-ops are mixed-income community housing, meaning that seniors, single moms, middle-class nuclear families, and higher income earners, end up living side by side. Because co-ops charge their members only enough to cover costs, repairs, and reserves, they can offer housing that is much more affordable than the average private sector.

The members do not own equity in their housing. If they move, their home is offered to another individual or family.

People who live in a co-op can become members of the organization and have a say in how the co-op runs, because it is member-owned and member-controlled.

If you live in a non-profit housing co-op you are:

• A voting member who contributes to the governance of the co op;
• Part of a community where neighbors look out for one another;
• Living in housing that will stay affordable because it’s run on a non-profit basis and is never resold;
•  A member of a world-wide movement

If you live in a non-profit housing co-op you are:

• A voting member who contributes to the governance of the co op;
• Part of a community where neighbors look out for one another;
• Living in housing that will stay affordable because it’s run on a non-profit basis and is never resold;
•  A member of a world-wide movement

The purpose of Compass NS is to offer safe, secure and affordable housing to members of the co-operative. Compass NS provides an opportunity for existing housing cooperatives to join a larger co-operative and benefit from the economies of scale offered by a larger coop with a comprehensive asset management program. In addition, Compass NS is an avenue for expansion and new development.

The governance structure of Compass NS includes resident members, and nonresident members, who bring specific skills and expertise to the co-operative. The current board consists of 7 directors, 4 nonresident and 3 resident directors.

The operational structure of Compass NS includes professional property management, governance management, development consultants and additional resources as required.

Members of Compass NS:

• Participate democratically and each member has a vote;
• Elect and are eligible to run for the board of directors, who in turn help to define Compass NS priorities;
• Approve annual budgets, including housing charges and expenses;
• Approve annual financial statements and the appointment of an auditor;
• Are able to take part in education and training;
• Share common goals and a sense of identity and pride from working together;
• Are part of a smaller co-operative neighbourhood

Housing co-operatives are controlled by the members who live in them, and being a member gives you the right to have a say in your housing.

Compass NS, was incorporated in 2016 to assist co-operatives in need of support and to grow the co-op sector. In late 2019, Compass NS gained its first set of assets.

Compass NS has a total of 111 units in 8 different neighborhoods located in Antigonish, Dartmouth, Lower Sackville, Sydney and Spryfied. Compass NS is currently in the process of growing through development and has three development projects underway. The neighborhoods currently under development are in Digby, Halifax and Shelburne.

Compass NS unit allocation policy prioritizes applicants who self-identify as being part of one or more of the categories listed below to ensure that the co-operative maintains housing for the most vulnerable population of at least 50% of the units.

Women and children fleeing violence, single parents, seniors, young adults, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, people dealing with mental health and addiction issues, veterans, LGBTQ2+, racialized groups, recent immigrants and people experiencing homelessness.

Applications are accepted via mail, email or by filling out an online fillable form.