Our waitlist is closed most of the time. When it does open, an update is posted on the homepage of our website, along with a link to apply online. We also update our page on the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC.
How big is Kaslo Gardens?
We have 85 units.
15 one-bedroom units
23 two-bedroom units
41 three-bedroom units
6 four-bedroom units
Does Kaslo Gardens allow pets?
Yes we do! Each unit is allowed up to two 4-legged pets and a reasonable number of other pets (birds, fish, reptiles).
Dogs and cats must be spayed/neutered and show proof of this prior to move-in.
General rules of good pet-ownership apply: dogs must be on-leash within the co-op grounds and members are responsible for picking up after their pets.
What are the standard features of each unit?
Stove
Refrigerator
Horizontal blinds
Generous in-unit storage
Off-unit, full-height storage locker (except for units with a garage)
Private sundeck, balcony or small yard
Washer/dryer/dishwasher hookups
All 3- and 4-bedroom units have a second bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower
One secured, underground parking spot or garage per unit
Electric, baseboard heating
Bike storage in the secured underground garage
Who lives at Kaslo Gardens?
Kaslo Gardens is a mixed income community.
The provincial and/or federal government provides housing charge subsidies for people who cannot afford to pay market housing charges. The subsidy is available for up to 30% of Kaslo Garden’s units.
Kaslo Gardens is a diverse community made of people of different ethnicities, cultures, religions, sexual orientations, ages and family compositions.
The members of Kaslo Gardens are actively involved in the community through their volunteer work on the Board of Directors, committees and more.
The members of Kaslo Gardens are by and large helpful, neighbourly and community-oriented.
What is the volunteer commitment at Kaslo Gardens?
Members must attend general membership meetings, which take place approximately bi-monthly.
Any member can put their name forward to run for the Board of Directors. They must be voted in by the general membership to serve on the Board.
Members must participate regularly in at least one committee. Our current committees are:
Community Room
Compassion
Cycling
Emergency Preparedness
Kaslo CAN
Landscape
Maintenance
Member Relations
Membership
Move In/Move Out
Newsletter
Parking
PIPA
Security
Seniors
Social
Members may also participate in work parties and other tasks as they arise.
Generally, this means approximately four hours of volunteer time per household, per month.
What is the difference between cooperative ownership and renting?
There is no landlord in a housing cooperative.
Co-op members buy a share purchase upon move-in and pay a monthly housing charge, similar to monthly rent.
While co-op members do not directly own their units, members are entitled to occupy a home in the co-op and vote on issues at general meetings.
Rules, policies, important decisions and operating costs are agreed upon by a majority vote of the members in the co-op.
Committees comprised of volunteer members in the co-op handle the numerous aspects of running the co-op, thereby reducing operating costs.
Kaslo Gardens also has a hired management company to oversee some aspects of running the co-op.
Housing co-ops are responsible for their own management. Most cooperatives are run by both volunteers and paid personnel.
The General Membership has the final authority in the co-op. The membership elects the Board of Directors and approves co-op policies. The Board has the legal power to carry out the business of the co-op, but can be removed by a vote of the General Membership.
Professionals are hired by the co-op’s Board of Directors for accounting and legal requirements. However, much work is done by volunteer committees, which report to the Board of Directors and to the General Membership.
What are the monthly housing charges?
In a housing co-op, the member’s monthly payment is called a “housing charge” instead of rent.
Monthly housing charges cover the cost of the mortgage repayment, taxes, maintenance, management, and replacement reserves.
At Kaslo Gardens, water, heat, electricity, internet and cable are the individual responsibility of each member.
The co-op hosts fun social events for its members!
What are you looking for in a new member?
When a vacancy arises, we are looking for the following in applicants:
interest in becoming active, participating members of Kaslo Gardens, by attending general meetings and volunteering on the Board of Directors or a committee
current or recent experience volunteering is a big asset
a strong understanding of what co-op living is all about
respectful and helpful neighbours, who get along well with others, and are able to resolve any conflicts that arise
willingness to live in a diverse community
desire to live in the co-op long-term
a good resident who will keep their unit in good condition
