A. Co-op housing is not a new idea. The first co-operatives, building co-operatives, were very popular in the 1930’s. Continuing housing co-operatives made an appearance in the late 1950’s. Although slow to catch on, since the late 1970’s, there have been over 50,000 units developed across the country. In Edmonton there are 28 co-operatives, that have 974 units.

Co-op housing includes single family housing, duplexes, townhouses, mobile homes, and apartments. Families, couples and singles from all backgrounds, age groups and cultures live in housing co-ops. The thing they have in common is that they have discovered an alternative to renting that is more affordable than private ownership.