Kitsilano housing co-operative renovates to innovate

"Vancity's participation in this particular project has been hugely beneficial to maintaining an affordable place for 15 families to live in the city."
-- Dylan Mazur, director, Sam Greer Place Co-op.

In Vancouver, where cost-effective housing options are limited, many residents choose to find unique ways of retaining affordability while having a positive impact on their community. Sam Greer Place Co-op, a Vancity community partner, is a model example of this type of innovation. As a not-for-profit co-operative, the organization is focussed on maintaining affordable housing, yet their energy costs were quickly becoming unaffordable. "I had four radiators in my building and in the winter I had to use them all just to keep the temperature bearable," says resident Dylan Mazur, a member of the board of directors. As a result, Sam Greer has partnered with Vancity to modernize and green two of their century-old buildings. "Vancity's participation in this particular project has been hugely beneficial to maintaining an affordable place for 15 families to live in the city. I think it's really extended the life of the buildings as well as the life of the co-op, and has revitalized the community at the same time."

Sam Greer was well suited to Vancity's community investment approach, which provides favourable loans to organizations that have a significant impact on community well-being. Sam Greer's revitalization proposal was a prime candidate for this type of loan, and renovations proceeded with a $500,000 loan from Vancity. "We want to make sure there's affordable housing in the city because that will positively affect the diversity and livability of our neighbourhoods," says Rahimmah Ip, Vancity's account manager, community business.