One of the most important aspects of co-operative living is participation.  Co-ops are able to keep their housing charges low by depending on the volunteer efforts of their members to help with the management of the co-op.  Before you apply for membership in a co-operative community, you should discuss with your family how you plan to adjust your lifestyle to make time to contribute to your neighbourhood.

Potential members must be prepared to agree to the following basic principles:

• That they own their units collectively as members of the co-op.
• That they actively participate in the design, development and continuing management of the co-op community.
• That they will attend at least two of the three general membership meetings held each year.
• That they volunteer to serve on the Board of Directors or one of the committees, which helps to reduce the operating costs of the co-op.
• That should they move out they will accept, at par value, the redemption of their original share purchase, regardless of current property values.  In return, those members will benefit by obtaining quality housing at a reasonable cost.

Over/Under Housing Criteria

To ensure that space in the co-operative is fairly distributed, members will be offered a unit which is related to their family size.  We base this on 1 bedroom per person, with adult partners sharing a room.  Applications will NOT be accepted from single applicants.  For example:

• 2-bedroom units – a single parent and one child, or a couple and one child
• 3-bedroom units – a couple and two children, or a single parent and two children
• 4-bedroom units – a couple and three children, or a single parent and three children

Exceptions may be made when parents or other adult family members will be living with a member.  It should be noted, however, that because the co-op is family oriented, preference will be given to those families with children.

If a family becomes smaller, you may apply to transfer to a smaller unit within the co-op, or choose to stay in the larger unit, with the understanding that there are minimum housing charges for “overhoused” members.  If a family becomes larger and you are underhoused, you may apply to transfer to a larger unit within the co-op.

Marigold Unit Types

• All units are equipped with refrigerator, stove and washer/dryer hookups.
• Heating is baseboard electric, which is paid separately by member, directly to B.C. Hydro.
• Draperies or blinds are not included.
• Wall to wall carpeting in living areas.
• Kitchens and bathrooms have vinyl flooring.
• Basements are, for the most part, not finished.  Should a member choose to finish their basement, they must obtain prior consent from the Board of Directors.  If approval is given, member is fully responsible for all costs incurred, and would not be reimbursed for same when moving out.