Page Contents: Vision Statement, General Meetings, Work Days and
Social Events, Co-op Spirit Award
About Cole Road Co-op
Cole Road Co-operative Community consisting of 82 Units, a Community Center and a playground was incorporated in July 1990, and
construction began shortly thereafter. The first members of the co-op moved into their units on June 1, 1991.
We are one of six housing co-operatives located in the City of Guelph. Of these six co-ops, it is the third oldest and second largest.
The first two co-ops in the area (Windfield and Silver Woods) were built under a federal government program through the Canada Mortgage
and Housing Corporation. Priory Square and the remaining three co-ops (Royal City, Wyndham Hill and Fife Road) were sponsored by a
series of Ontario government programs. The federal and Ontario governments stopped supporting the construction of new co-ops and
other affordable housing in 1992 and 1995, respectively.
In its 82 townhouse units live 115 adults and approximately 125 children, representing a wide diversity of races, religions, ages and
family compositions. All of the members are expected to participate in the community, and most do in one form or another.
Participation in decision-making and sharing of tasks are the keys to successful co-operative living.
Vision Statement
Cole Road Co-operative Community offers a safe, affordable and
attractive co-operative housing environment to our members and their
children.
We take pride in being founded on co-operative values.
We respect and value the diversity of our backgrounds, cultures, skills
and personal needs.
We recognize a shared responsibility to be involved in the effective
operation of the co-op and the ongoing development of our community.
We work together to improve the lives of all, taking account of our
needs as individuals, families, friends and neighbours.
We support each other through teamwork, creativity and communication.
We actively promote a model of democracy, equality, compassion and
personal security.
This Vision Statement was created between March and May 2001.
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CO-OP DEMOCRACY IN ACTION!
At least twice a year (usually in the Spring and Fall), everyone in the co-op gets together at a General Meeting to make decisions
onissues affecting the co-op. The key decisions that only members can make include passing bylaws, electing the Board of Directors, and
approving both the annual budget and the audited financial statements for the co-op. Most other decisions are made either by the co-op's
Board of Directors or by one of the committees. Day to day management(as well as community development) is handled by the co-op's
employees(the Co-ordinator and Administrative Assistant) who report to the Board of Directors.
Work Days and Social Events
Spring and Fall work days are great times to not only get the
grounds and buildings in shape, but have some outdoor fun as well.
Life in our co-op isn't all work! Our social events are an
important part of building a healthy co-op community.
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Winning the Co-op Spirit Award!
The Central Ontario Co-operative Housing Federation initiated an
award in its area that acknowledges housing co-ops who have solved an
issue or problem in a way that supports positive environments, builds
the co-op community, and utilizes the Co-operative Principles. While
many awards in the past have concentrated on excellence in management,
COCHF decided that co-ops who excel at creating a positive co-operative
community should also be recognized.
Cole Road Co-operative Community, then known as Priory Square Co-operative Homes, was the first co-op to win this annual award. The award was presented by COCHF at the Annual Meeting of the
Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada.