Schedule


9:00am - 9:15amWelcome

Territorial Acknowledgement


9:15am - 9:45amMorning Plenary

Conversation with Community Living British Columbia

Co-op housing provides opportunities to live in a community that promotes equitable access, opportunity, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Hear from a panel of individuals sharing how co-ops create homes for adults with developmental disabilities and learn how your co-op can be part of this vision


9:45am - 10:00amBreak

Grab a coffee or water and head to the workshops


10:00am-12:00pmMorning Workshops

Ask the Experts
Chairing - A Gateway to Good Governance
Cultivating Neighbourly Belonging, Insight and Connection through Circle and Dialogue Processes
Moooove over Mold: Dealing with mold in your buildings
Back to the Future: the Next Gen


12:00pm-12:45pmLunch

Prize Draw, mingle


12:45pm-1:30pmLunch Plenary

CHF BC's 'The Debaters'

Join us for an entertaining (but informative) run of debates on common co-op issues. What's the most absurd agreement you've heard?


1:30pm -1:45pmBreak

Grab a coffee or water and head to the workshops


1:45pm -3:45pmWorkshops

Community Care: Strengthening Connections Together
Building Blocks to Better Communication: Empathy and Inclusion
Knock, knock! Who’s there? It’s inspection time!
Culture Shock: Developing and changing co-op culture


Fees

Full day $160.00
Half day $100.00
Fall Education Conference & 2024 AGM $200.00

Location Information

  • Westin Wall Centre
  • 3099 Corvette Way, Richmond, BC, V6X 4K3 CA



Morning Workshops*

  • Only Attending Afternoon workshop

    Only Attending Afternoon workshop

    If you are only attending an afternoon workshop please select this slot


  • Ask the Experts

    Ask the Experts

    Join us for a lively discussion with our sector experts who will answer your questions on co-op law, insurance and property management.

    Hear what questions other co-ops have submitted around issues and situations they're currently facing and grappling with. Learn how our sector experts would approach these challenging questions and get the answer to what your co-op may be going through or foresee in the future.

    Moderator: Thom Armstrong
    Facilitators: Chris Davey, Grant Haddock & Lisa Berting


  • Chairing - A Gateway to Good Governance

    Chairing - A Gateway to Good Governance

    All too often member meetings go sideways and so does the business at hand. Find out how you can use basic meeting procedures and the co-op’s own rules to complete the meeting agenda and make sure the process is fair and legal. Do you know how your members feel about the meetings you hold? It matters. It’s the chair’s job to create an inclusive and respectful forum where people feel safe and welcome to share their views.

    Join this workshop to put what you learn and practice them through meeting simulations!

    Facilitator: Brian Eng


  • Cultivating Neighbourly Belonging, Insight and Connection through Circle and Dialogue Processes

    Cultivating Neighbourly Belonging, Insight and Connection through Circle and Dialogue Processes

    In this experietial workshop, participants will learn more about the Circle Process in their co-op setting. Neighbour relations can easily get rocky, yet a commitment to engage in Circle and other dialogue processes can help create connection and belonging where other adversarial methods may create division. Come prepared for a highly interactive and "hands on" experience of dialogue.

    Facilitator: Catherine Bargen


  • Moooove over Mould: Dealing with mould in your building

    Moooove over Mould: Dealing with mould in your building

    As buildings age, conditions will develop depending on how the environment within them is maintained. The term ‘mould’ refers to a large group of microorganisms that grow on organic material and reproduce through the formation and spread of spores. These spores germinate within a few days of finding the right combination of surface and moisture, and can form new spores that produce the next generation of growth within 5 to 10 day.

    This workshop will cover the lifecycle of mould and identifying the conditions that support its growth. Impacts to personal health and environment will also be addressed. Before wrapping up the workshop, a presentation will include prevention tips in mould growth and developing knowledge and tools around a comprehensive mould and water damage management program.

    If there's anything you've ever been wanting to know about mould and how to manage it, you'll learn about it here!

    Facilitator: Heather Swail, Pinchin Environmental


  • Back to the Future: the Next Gen

    Back to the Future: the Next Gen

    Co-ops often focus on capital and long-term planning, but how can you prepare for the next generation with the next generation? Does your co-op need an energy shift in its vision for the future? A lively and engaging youth panel will share their perspectives on and aspirations for the co-op community. Discover how they give life to the co-op principles and learn how to engage your co-op’s youth.

    Moderator: Anya Phillip
    Panelist: Gabe Jurado


Afternoon Workshoops*

  • Only Attending a Morning Workshop

    Only Attending a Morning Workshop

    If you are only attending a morning workshop please select this slot


  • Community Care: Strengthening Connections Together

    Community Care: Strengthening Connections Together

    Join us for a workshop dedicated to growing a more supportive and inclusive co-op community. Together, we will explore the importance of understanding community needs and discuss practical strategies to enhance support during challenging times.

    From communication tools to inclusive engagement practices, this interactive session equips you with practical tools to nurture stronger connections and create a community of care. Don't miss out on this opportunity to play an active role in building a more resilient co-op community together!

    Facilitator: Anya Phillip


  • Building Blocks to Better Communication: Empathy and Inclusion

    Building Blocks to Better Communication: Empathy and Inclusion

    In today’s diverse environment, effective communication is essential for fostering collaboration, understanding, and connection. Experience this engaging and interactive workshop designed to enhance your communication skills through the lenses of empathy and inclusion. Discover the power of language and how inclusive communication can create a welcoming environment for everyone.

    Facilitators: Todd Odgers & Noor Bajaj, MOSAIC


  • Knock, knock! Who’s there: It’s inspection time!

    Knock, knock! Who’s there: It’s inspection time!

    Annual unit inspections are an important part of a co-op’s preventative maintenance. When done right, inspections can offer a trove of information for a co-op to decide what to repair or replace. Attend this workshop to gather helpful tips on what to look for when deciding who to hire as your next inspector or how to evaluate building elements properly.

    Facilitator: Cheryl Alsop


  • Culture Shock: Developing and changing co-op culture

    Culture Shock: Developing and changing co-op culture

    Housing co-ops are mission and values-driven. These concepts serve as guides to how co-ops develop. Two concepts that are central to how a housing co-op, like any organization, develops are systems thinking and a subset, strategic planning. This workshop will provide an understanding of the utility of these ideas. When applied to organizations, these concepts offer opportunities for continuous growth and perhaps most of all, ways to avoid many of the counterproductive issues that can challenge co-op communities.

    Through this workshop, housing co-ops can enhance empowerment to further positive change in their co-ops. Learn to go beyond individual behaviour and imagine your co-op as a system.

    Facilitator: Larry Birckhead


Speakers

Anya Phillip Meeting and Support Coordinator, Co-op Services

Anya Phillip is the Co-op Services and Meeting Support Services Co-ordinator of CHF BC. They hold a bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science from the University of British Columbia and have research experience with UBC's Social Identity Lab and Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab.

They have experience and training in facilitation and have facilitated training related to unconscious bias and accessibility, showcasing their commitment to creating inclusive and accessible spaces. Anya's expertise in coordinating meetings, combined with their passion for creating equitable spaces, make them an invaluable member of the CHF BC team.

Anya will be moderating "Back to the Future: Next Gen" workshop and facilitating "Community Care: Strengthening Connections Together"


Brian Eng CHF BC Facilitator

Brian has been an activist within the co-op housing sector since 1990.  He has lived and worked in co-ops and has been on the board of local and national federations.  He has worked as a manager in a number of housing co-ops and is familiar with different operational and program systems.  He is a skilled meeting chair and workshop leader.  Brian is always excited to help housing co-op boards and members achieve their operational, planning and community development goals.

Brian will be facilitating "Chairing - A Gateway to Good Governance" workshop


Catherine Bargen Director and Co-founder of Just Outcomes Consulting

Catherine is Director and Co-founder of Just Outcomes Consulting. She has worked with communities to develop restorative justice programs for 25 years. Her leadership and experience includes working closely with government, nonprofits, educational institutions, Indigenous nations, victim services/anti-violence groups, and religious communities.

Catherine holds a Master’s Degree in Conflict Transformation from the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding in Virginia (USA), and in 2019 was honored with BC’s Community Safety and Crime Prevention Award.

Catherine is a cyclist, yogi, and both a dance and karaoke enthusiast. She lives with her husband and daughter in a lively cooperative housing complex in Vancouver.

Catherine will be facilitating " Cultivating Neighbourly Belonging, Insight and Connection through Circle and Dialogue Processes" workshop


Chris Davey Manager Federated, Commercial & Farm, Risk Engineering

Chris Davey who resides in the east coast of New Brunswick, has been working with the Co-operators Insurance for the last 16 years. He specializes in the subject of risk management within his work department. Chris works with and supports the members of the Co-operators on any of their unique risk management needs.

On a personal note, Chris loves to spend time in the outdoors with his kids. He is active in several sports within his community including volunteering as a coach when possible.

Chris will be an panelist on "Ask the Experts" workshop


Cheryl Alsop CHF BC Facilitator

Cheryl worked as a Senior Maintenance Coordinator in the housing co-op sector for over ten years and during this time did everything from managing routine repairs to coordinating large retrofit projects and everything in between. Cheryl also trained and coached staff in maintenance coordination and brings dynamism and humour to her work.

Cheryl will be the facilitator for " Knock, knock! Who’s there: It’s inspection time!" workshop


Gabe Jurado Co-op member of Pine Ridge Co-op

Gabriel Jurado is an active member of Pine Ridge Co-op in Burnaby. He has contributed to several committees, demonstrating his commitment to the co-op community. Known for his helpful nature, Gabriel is always ready to lend a hand to his neighbours, whether it’s through volunteering for co-op initiatives or assisting with day-to-day tasks. His dedication to fostering a sense of community and collaboration makes him a valuable and approachable member of the co-op.

Gabe will be a panelist for "Back to the Future: the Next Gen" workshop


Grant Haddock Founder & Lawyer of Haddock & Co

Grant Haddock was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1992. His core areas of practice are co-operative housing law, strata property law, residential and commercial tenancy, human rights, privacy and construction law. Grant has acted for numerous housing providers and construction companies, appearing for them at all levels of court and at various tribunals. Grant has been a course leader and frequent speaker at educational conferences sponsored by industry leaders.

Grant will be panelist for "Ask the Experts" workshop


Heather Swail Operations Manager, Indoor Environmental Quality, Pinchin Environmental (B.Env.St., M.Env.)

Heather Swail is the Operations Manager of Richmond’s Indoor Environmental Quality group at Pinchin Ltd. With over a decade of experience in the IEQ group, Heather provides technical, training, and management consulting services to a wide variety of clients in their workplaces. She has performed or managed hundreds of mould and indoor air quality surveys in a variety of workplaces including construction, industrial, manufacturing, commercial, office, and health care settings. She holds a Master of Environment from the University of Manitoba.

Heather will be the facilitator for "Moooove over Mould: Dealing with mould in your buildings" workshop


Larry Birckhead CHF BC Facilitator

Larry Birckhead has a background in community mental health and behaviour change and has served on the board of directors, maintenance committee, and membership committee at his own co-op, Marine Court. Larry’s expertise is in organizational development and training and offers a range of innovative engaging workshops, as well as insightful board coaching and trouble-shooting.

Larry will be the facilitator for "Culture Shock: Developing and changing co-op culture"


Lisa Berting Manager of Financial Services, CANA Management

Lisa Berting career is with Cana Management, the pioneering management company in British Columbia, Lisa has been a part of the organization since 1998. As the current Manager of Financial Services, Lisa leads a dedicated team responsible for calculating housing charges, producing monthly financial reports, developing budgets in collaboration with clients, and ensuring the accuracy of annual audits. Beyond Lisa’s role at Cana Management, Lisa contributes to the broader community through active participation on the CHF Canada Board of Directors and the CHF BC Board of Directors. Driven by a deep passion for affordable housing as a fundamental right, Lisa remains committed to advancing this cause and advocating for equitable housing solutions.

Lisa will be a panelist for "Ask the Experts" workshop


Noor Bajaj Facilitator, MOSAIC

Noor is an uninvited settler on these lands, having immigrated to Canada from India at the age of four with her parents. She eventually relocated to Vancouver to pursue her studies and ended up liking it here on the west coast. Noor is privileged to live, play, and learn on the unceded and traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

With a background in women and gender studies, public health, health equity, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), she has facilitated numerous workshops addressing crucial topics such as gender-based violence, intersectionality, and the dynamics of power and privilege. On the personal front, Noor enjoys wandering along scenic trails, experimenting in the kitchen, and indulging in solo dance parties.

Noor will be the co-facilitator for "Building Blocks to Better Communication" workshop.


Todd Odgers Facilitator, MOSAIC

Todd has worked in the fields of Equity, Anti-Racism, and Intercultural Relations in Canada and abroad since the late 1980’s. His current work includes leadership roles consulting, program design, facilitation and mentorship on matters of settlement and integration, Indigenization of the Curriculum, Instructional and Training Design and Facilitation. Todd has led teams of trainers in organisations including Toyota, Honda, Nike, city and provincial governments, and over 30 colleges and universities. He has published on innovative approaches to designing and leading train-the-trainer programs that create more inclusive educational experiences. In his roles he has led webinars and spoken internationally as keynote and expert speaker at over 80 conferences. Todd is delighted to bring his background as a researcher, advocate, facilitation & materials best practices designer and leader from his years in organizational training and consulting to business, industry and government and years in higher education leadership in Canada, Kenya, the USA, and Japan.

Todd will be the co-facilitator for "Building Blocks to Better Communication" workshop.


Thom Armstrong Chief Executive Officer, CHF BC

Thom Armstrong is CEO of the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC.

He has more than 30 years of experience in the co-operative housing movement. He is also the CEO of COHO Management Services Society and the Community Land Trust group of societies.

Thom will be the moderator on Ask the Experts workshop.






Registration Information






If you would like to attend the CHF BC Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 17, 2024, registration is now open! For those who choose to participate in both the AGM and the Fall Education Conference, the total registration fee will be $200. This is a great opportunity to engage in important discussions, network with fellow co-op members, and gain valuable insights from our educational sessions. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect and contribute to your co-op community!



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