The original federal co-operative housing programs differ in detail, but all have a similar purpose:
- to provide modest, affordable housing that meets the needs of low- and moderate-income Canadians
- to encourage families and individuals of different incomes and backgrounds to come together in the same community
- to promote security of tenure for households unable to buy their own homes
Detailed information about each program, in plain language, is available on our Your Operating Agreement page.
Short descriptions follow.
Section 61 Program (1973–1978)
Index-Linked Mortgage (ILM) / Federal Co-operative Housing Program (1985–1991)
Deep-Need Programs (1982-1989)
Two companion Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) programs provide rental support for low-income households that cannot afford the housing charge. The Agency administers CMHC’s Rent Supplement Program for Ontario and Prince Edward Island co-ops. Launched on September 1, 2020, the Rental Assistance Program (FCHI-2) is for clients whose CMHC operating agreement expired after 31 March 2016. By subsidizing housing costs for lower-income households, both programs ensure that housing co-operatives are able to fulfil their mission as mixed-income communities.
Short descriptions follow.
Rental Assistance Program (FCHI-2)