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 altered and show proof of alteration 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.
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 is available for a modest monthly fee
Who Lives in Housing Cooperatives
Cooperative housing requires a commitment to:
community building
volunteerism
The people who live in housing co-ops represent a broad cross-section of cultural, ethnic and income groups.
The provincial government provides housing charge supplements for people who cannot afford to pay market housing charges. The subsidy is available for up to 30% of Kaslo’s units.
Volunteer Commitment
Volunteerism is a HUGE part of cooperative living.
If you are not interested in volunteering and becoming an active part of a community, cooperative living may not be for you.
Members are expected to attend general membership meetings (approx bi-monthly)
Members are expected to participate regularly in AT LEAST one committee. 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.
While co-op members do not directly own their units, members are entitled to occupy a home in the complex and vote on issues at general meetings.
Rules are agreed upon by a majority vote of the members in the co-op.
Operating costs are agreed to though a vote of the general membership.
Committees comprised of volunteer members in the co-op handle the numerous aspects of running the complex, thereby controlling and reducing operating costs.
Kaslo Gardens also has hired management to oversee some aspects of running the co-op.
Management of Housing Cooperatives
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.
Housing Charges
In a housing co-op, the member’s monthly payment is called a “housing charge”, instead of rent, because members each share the mortgage repayment and operating costs.
Monthly housing charges cover the cost of the mortgage repayment, taxes, maintenance, management, and replacement reserves.
At Kaslo Gardens, water, heat, electricity and cable are the individual responsibility of each member.
