Co-op and Social Housing Guide for Newcomers in Canada

What Is Non-Market Housing?

Finding affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges newcomers face when settling in Canada. Market-rate rents in cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary can consume a large portion of a newcomer family's income. Non-market housing refers to housing where rent is set below market rates, usually subsidized by the government or operated by non-profit organizations. For newcomers with limited income, non-market housing can provide the stability needed to focus on other aspects of settlement, like finding work and learning English.

There are two main types of non-market housing in Canada: co-operative housing (co-ops) and social housing (also called public housing or subsidized housing). This guide covers both types, explains how to apply, and provides resources for each province. For general housing search tips, see our guide to finding housing in Vancouver or our guide to applying for rental housing in BC.

Co-operative Housing (Co-ops)

Co-operative housing is a unique form of housing in Canada where residents are members of a non-profit co-operative. Instead of having a landlord, co-op members collectively own and manage the building. Each member has an equal vote in decisions about the co-op, from maintenance and renovations to community rules and budgets.

How Co-op Housing Works

When you join a housing co-op, you do not own your individual unit. Instead, you hold a membership in the co-operative, which gives you the right to live in a unit and participate in the management of the building. Members pay a monthly housing charge, which covers the co-op's operating costs (mortgage, maintenance, utilities, insurance, and reserves).

Many co-ops offer two types of housing charges:

• Full housing charge: This is the standard rate, which is typically lower than market rent for a comparable unit in the same neighbourhood.
• Geared-to-income (subsidized) housing charge: Some units in the co-op are subsidized, meaning your housing charge is based on a percentage of your gross household income, usually 30%. To qualify for a subsidized unit, you must meet income thresholds set by the co-op or the government funding agency.

Benefits of Co-op Housing for Newcomers

• Below-market rent: Even full housing charges are usually lower than market rents.
• Geared-to-income options: If your income is low, your rent is based on what you can afford.
• Stable housing: Co-op members have strong housing security. You cannot be evicted simply because the landlord wants to sell or raise the rent.
• Community: Co-ops are built on community participation. You will get to know your neighbours, participate in meetings, and contribute to the management of your building.
• Skill building: Co-op participation helps you develop skills in governance, communication, and community organizing, all of which are valuable in the Canadian job market.

How to Apply for Co-op Housing

Applying for co-op housing varies by province and by individual co-op. In general, here are the steps:

1. Find co-ops in your area: Use the directory provided by the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) or the regional federation in your province. In BC, visit the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC).
2. Contact individual co-ops: Each co-op manages its own waitlist. Call or email co-ops in your preferred areas and ask how to apply. Some co-ops have online applications, while others require paper forms.
3. Complete the application: You will need to provide information about your household size, income, and housing needs. Some co-ops may ask for references.
4. Join the waitlist: Most co-ops have waitlists, especially for subsidized units. Waitlists can range from a few months to several years, depending on the co-op and the size of unit you need.
5. Attend an interview: Some co-ops interview prospective members to ensure they understand the co-op model and are willing to participate in community life.

Social Housing in Canada

Social housing (also called public housing or subsidized housing) is housing provided or funded by the government for people with low incomes. In social housing, rent is typically geared to income, meaning you pay a percentage of your gross household income (usually 30%) as rent.

How Social Housing Works

Social housing in Canada is managed at the provincial and municipal level. The federal government provides funding through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the National Housing Strategy, but the day-to-day management of social housing is handled by provincial housing authorities, municipal housing corporations, and non-profit housing providers.

Social housing units are located in buildings specifically built or designated for low-income residents. These buildings may be managed directly by a government agency or by a non-profit organization that receives government funding.

Who Qualifies

Eligibility for social housing is generally based on:

• Income: Your household income must be below a certain threshold, which varies by province and municipality.
• Legal status: You must be legally entitled to live in Canada (permanent resident, citizen, protected person, or in some cases, certain temporary residents).
• Housing need: Priority is given to households with urgent housing needs, such as those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, living in overcrowded or unsafe conditions, or fleeing domestic violence.

BC Housing Registry (British Columbia)

In British Columbia, BC Housing is the provincial agency responsible for subsidized housing. BC Housing operates and funds a range of programs, including subsidized rental housing, rent supplements, and supportive housing.

How to Apply for BC Housing

1. Complete the Housing Registry application: You can apply online through the BC Housing website (bchousing.org) or by downloading and mailing a paper application. The application asks for detailed information about your household, income, current housing situation, and any special needs.
2. Provide supporting documents: You will need to submit proof of income, identification for all household members, and immigration documents showing your legal status in Canada.
3. Wait for your turn: After your application is processed, you are placed on the Housing Registry waitlist. Your position on the waitlist depends on your priority level and when you applied.
4. Respond to offers: When a suitable unit becomes available, BC Housing or a housing provider will contact you. You typically have a short time to accept or decline the offer. If you decline, you remain on the waitlist.

Social Housing by Province

Every province and territory in Canada has its own social housing system. Here is an overview of the major programs across the country.

Ontario

In Ontario, social housing is managed by local service managers (municipalities or district social services administration boards). Each municipality maintains its own waitlist. In Toronto, the centralized waitlist is managed by Housing Connections. Apply through your local municipality's housing department. Wait times in Toronto can exceed 10 years for some unit sizes.

Alberta

Alberta has multiple housing management bodies across the province. In Calgary, apply through the Calgary Housing Company. In Edmonton, contact Capital Region Housing. The Government of Alberta also funds the Rent Assistance Benefit for eligible low-income households.

Quebec

Quebec's social housing is managed through Offices municipaux d'habitation (OMH) and non-profit housing organizations. Quebec also has a significant co-op housing sector. In Montreal, the Office municipal d'habitation de Montreal (OMHM) manages the waitlist for social housing.

Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the Atlantic Provinces

Each of these provinces has its own housing authority. Contact your provincial government housing department or call 2-1-1 for referrals to housing services in your area.

Rent Supplements and Portable Housing Benefits

While you wait for co-op or social housing, rent supplements and portable housing benefits can help make market-rate housing more affordable.

What Are Rent Supplements?

A rent supplement is a payment made by the government to your landlord (or directly to you) to reduce the amount of rent you pay out of pocket. The supplement covers the difference between what you can afford (usually 30% of your income) and the market rent for your unit.

BC Rent Supplement Programs

In British Columbia, several rent supplement programs are available:

• Rental Assistance Program (RAP): This BC Housing program provides a monthly cash supplement to low-income working families with children. To qualify, you must have a household income below the program threshold and at least one dependent child. Apply through BC Housing.
• Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER): This program provides a monthly supplement to seniors (age 60+) who pay more than 30% of their income on rent. Apply through BC Housing.
• Canada-BC Housing Benefit: A portable housing benefit available to eligible low-income households. This benefit can be used in any rental unit and moves with you if you change addresses. Apply through BC Housing.

Federal Programs

The Canada Housing Benefit is a federal-provincial cost-shared program that provides direct financial assistance to households in housing need. Eligibility and amounts vary by province. Apply through your provincial housing agency.

Transitional Housing

Transitional housing provides temporary accommodation (usually for a few months up to two or three years) along with support services to help residents stabilize their lives and move toward permanent housing. Transitional housing is designed for people who are experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, newly arrived refugees, or facing other crisis situations.

What Transitional Housing Includes

Transitional housing programs typically provide:

• A furnished or semi-furnished living space
• Case management and support from a housing worker
• Help with finding permanent housing
• Connections to employment services, language training, and other settlement resources
• Life skills support, including budgeting, cooking, and navigating Canadian systems

How to Access Transitional Housing

Transitional housing is usually accessed through a referral from a settlement agency, shelter, or social service provider. If you are in a housing crisis, contact:

• 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone for referrals to housing and social services in your area. Translation is available in over 150 languages.
• Your settlement agency: Organizations like ISSofBC and MOSAIC can help connect you with transitional housing programs for newcomers.
• BC Housing: In BC, BC Housing funds and coordinates transitional and supportive housing programs across the province.

Transitional Housing for Refugees

Government-assisted refugees (GARs) in Canada receive initial temporary housing through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) funded by IRCC. This includes temporary hotel or furnished apartment accommodation for the first few weeks after arrival, while permanent housing is arranged. Settlement agencies help refugees find permanent housing and may connect them with transitional housing if needed.

Tips for Navigating the Non-Market Housing System

The non-market housing system in Canada can be complex and frustrating due to long waitlists and limited supply. Here are practical tips to help you navigate the process.

Apply Everywhere

Apply to BC Housing (or your provincial housing authority), multiple co-ops, and any non-profit housing providers in your area. There is no penalty for being on multiple waitlists, and it increases your chances of being housed sooner.

Keep Your Applications Updated

If your contact information, household size, or income changes, update your applications immediately. Housing providers need accurate information to match you with an appropriate unit. Failure to respond to communications from the housing provider can result in your application being removed from the waitlist.

Understand Priority Systems

Most social housing waitlists use a priority system. Households facing urgent situations (homelessness, domestic violence, unsafe living conditions) are typically given higher priority. If your situation changes and becomes more urgent, notify the housing provider so they can reassess your priority level.

Get Support from Settlement Agencies

Settlement agencies can help you with housing applications, explain the process, advocate on your behalf, and connect you with other resources while you wait. Many agencies have housing workers who specialize in helping newcomers navigate the non-market housing system. Visit the WelcomeAide programs page for information about settlement services.

Consider All Options

While you wait for non-market housing, explore other ways to reduce your housing costs:

• Apply for rent supplement programs (described above)
• Consider shared housing or roommates
• Look at areas with lower market rents that are still connected by transit
• Ask your settlement agency about emergency housing assistance or rent banks

Key Resources and Phone Numbers

Here is a summary of the most important non-market housing resources for newcomers in Canada:

• BC Housing: 604-433-2218 (Metro Vancouver) or 1-800-257-7756 (toll-free) | bchousing.org
• Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC): 604-879-5111 | chf.bc.ca
• Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada: chfcanada.coop
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC): cmhc-schl.gc.ca
• 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 for social service referrals (translation available)
• ISSofBC: 604-684-2561 | issbc.org
• MOSAIC: 604-254-9626 | mosaicbc.org
• Residential Tenancy Branch (BC): 604-660-1020 or 1-800-665-8779

Affordable Housing Is Possible

The housing situation in Canada, particularly in cities like Vancouver and Toronto, is challenging. But non-market housing options like co-ops and social housing exist to help families and individuals who cannot afford market rents. The key is to apply early, apply broadly, and stay persistent. While waitlists are long, thousands of newcomers are successfully housed in non-market housing every year.

WelcomeAide is here to help you navigate housing and every other aspect of settling in Canada. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can answer your housing questions, help you find resources in your area, and provide support in your language. Explore our blog for more newcomer guides, learn about our mission, or see how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities across Canada.