Community Living

In order for you better understand what it means to be part of a Co-op, please take the time to read the following information before submitting your application so that you can make a more informed decision as to whether or not Co-op living is a suitable lifestyle for your family.

About Co-operative Living

Co-operative living means a family oriented neighbourhood, which promotes the growth of all members’ young and old. The people who live in the Co-op are its members. From the beginning, members decide the planning and day-to-day management of the Co-op by serving on a committee with various responsibilities, such as new member selection, maintenance, and finance,. Each year members also elect from among themselves a Board of Directors to run the Co-op. Co-op members make the rules, set the policies, approve the budgets and do most of the work involved in running and maintaining the development.

The units in the OC-op are not individually owned. The Co-op owns the buildings and property and the members lease their units form the Co-op. Members share in the benefit of not-for-profit operations. Instead of rent, members pay a monthly housing charge that is based on the actual operating costs.

Members have the right to continue to live in the Co-op for as long as they choose, providing they respect the obligations of membership.

Information of Applicants

Size	Square Footage	Housing Charge	Share Purchase
21- 2 Bedroom Units	1088	$978.00	$1930.00
20 - 3 Bedroom Units	1269	$1062.00	$2100.00
8 - 4 Bedroom Units	1422	$1167.00	$2310.00

The housing charge represents “full market” value. Subsidized units are limited and as a result, waiting lists for these units can be quite long.

Minimum Income Requirements are as follows:

Size	Minimum Income
2 Bedroom Units	$38,680
3 Bedroom Units	$42,040
4 Bedroom Units	$46,240

Monthly housing charges cover operating expenses of the property and mortgage payments. Members are responsible for their own heat, light, cable and telephone.

Shares

Shares must be purchased and an occupancy agreement signed to secure the right to move in. Shares are equal to double the housing charge (rounded up) and are payable prior to occupancy. Upon leaving the Co-op, shares are refundable and face value (less and debt or repair costs owing to the Co-p).

Confirmation Deposit

After your interview, credit check and Board approval, you may be formally offered a unit. When you accept you will be required to submit a certified cheque or money order for $1000, payable within 5 business days of your acceptance. If you move in, the $1000 will become part of you shares. If you do not move in after the payment of $1000, depending on circumstances these funds may not be reimbursed.

Insurance

Members are required to obtain liability insurance and must show proof of this insurance annually. Insurance must be purchased prior to occupancy of any unit.

Pets

One four legged pet is permitted per unit in the Co-op and members are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of the Pet Policy. Cats and dogs must be spayed or neutered and shots must be kept up-to-date. No Pit Bulls, Dobermans or other breeds of dogs considered vicious will be allowed in the Co-op. Cats must be in-door. Any pets out of doors must be leashed at all times.

Member Responsibilities

The Co-op is an independent organizations run by the members and an annually elected Board of Directors. Various members committees assist the board in running the Co-op (Maintenance, Membership, Social, Finance, etc.) All adult members are expected to attend the monthly general meetings as well as serve on a committee of their choice, which also holds monthly meetings.

The Co-op expects responsible active members who will abide by the Rules of Association, Occupancy Agreement and Policies. Failure to comply with the rules and policies or failure to attend general meetings may result in membership review by the Board of Directors.

Unit Features

Two Storey Townhouse

Dishwasher, stove, fridge

Mini blinds throughout

Electric baseboard heat

One garage plus outdoor parking stall

Full size washer/dryer connections

One full and one half bath

Double-glazed windows

Gas fireplaces

Fully fenced yards

Heated storage

Applications

Applicants must submit a completed application form prior to consideration for membership. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Representatives of the Membership Committee will interview potential members. More than one interview may be conducted. References and credit checks will be required and at the time of the interview a $35.00 non-refundable processing fee for credit checks will be requested in cheque form, made out to Sandpiper Housing Co-operative.

Once we have received your application, we will review at to determine if you will be placed on our waiting list. Applications will remain on the Sandpiper Housing Co-operative waiting list for 6 months. It is the applicants’ responsibility to notify the Co-op every 6 months if you wish to remain on the waiting list; otherwise you will be removed from the waiting list.