Hamilton housing co-op receives award for expansion celebrating International Year of Co-operatives

NIAGARA FALLS, ON, June 9, 2012 /CNW/ - The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) announced that today Halam Park Housing Co-op in Hamilton, Ontario will receive the federation's inaugural Award for Co-operative Achievement during the annual meeting of Canada's housing co-operatives in Niagara Falls.

Halam Park is constructing eight new one-bedroom units on its land near Upper Sherman and Fennell Avenues for seniors and empty nesters who want to remain in their community. This project was initiated to mark the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives.

"Halam Park has done something very special to earn this award," said CHF Canada President Wes Hosler. "Every new co-op home is a source of celebration for our members, and for generations of Canadians in need of safe, secure, affordable, community-oriented housing."

The award will be presented Saturday, June 9 during CHF Canada's annual meeting in the Scotiabank Convention Centre. Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati will be on hand for the opening of the meeting at 9:00 am.

More than 750 people from housing co-ops across the country are in Niagara Falls for CHF Canada's 2012 annual meeting. Special guests joining housing co-ops during the International Year include leaders from other Canadian co-ops, including credit unions, and from the International Co-operative Alliance, the organization representing one billion co-op members across the globe.

Delegates will also vote on resolutions that call on governments to help protect the affordability of housing co-ops facing the end of federal operating agreements, and to develop affordable housing infrastructure to support the livability and economic viability of Canada's cities.

Other co-operators receiving awards today are Canadian Co-operative Association Executive Director Denyse Guy receiving the CMHC Award for Outstanding Contribution to Co-op Housing, and Barbara Millsap named CHF Canada's Honorary Life Associate for 2012.

CHF Canada is the national voice of the Canadian co-operative housing movement. Its members include over 900 non-profit housing co-operatives and other organizations across Canada.  More than a quarter of a million Canadians live in housing co-ops, in every province and territory.

Scott Jackson, Program Manager, National Communications 778-227-3864(cell), [email protected]