Otter Creek is a non-profit housing corporation initiated by the efforts of several local residents who recognized the need for community-sponsored affordable housing. Otter Creek was developed under the Ontario Ministry Of Housing non-profit housing program and is owned and managed by its members.
In The Community
Otter Creek Co-op is situated in a quiet, established residential neighbourhood in northwest Whitby overlooking the beautiful Lynde Creek. The site is within walking distance to parks and a school. And since the co-op is on a bus route, members have access to urban amenities while living within minutes of the countryside.
The Co-op depends on the active participation of its members (each adult resident 16 years of age and older is required to be a member). Applicants who are approved for membership will:
- Participate in the decision-making process by attending meetings and being on the board or committees;
- Share responsibility for the operation and administration of the co-op;
- Pay the membership fee, member deposit and monthly housing charge;
- Sign and abide by the terms of the Occupancy Agreement and by-laws;
- Maintain the unit in good condition;
- Become educated in the principles and in the functioning of the co-op.
Benefits of Co-Op Living
- Members have a security of tenure as long as they fulfill their obligations to the co-op.
- Housing charges increase only in relation to the co-op’s operation costs and must be approved by a vote of the members.
- Members have control of their living environment by being able to make decisions about finances, maintenance standards, landscaping, and other issues of shared concern.
- Members get to know their neighbours through participation and also through the co-op’s social activities
- Members have a voice in the management of their co-op by attending general meetings and serving on the Board of Directors or committees. The Ontario Co-operative Corporations Act guarantees this right.
