Each For All

Each For All

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Each For All episodes

  • The New Era for Affordable Housing w/ Thom Armstrong

    Thom Armstrong, CEO, CHFBC in studio at Vancouver Co-op Radio

    We had the privilege of hosting Thom Armstrong, CEO of the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHFBC), in studio at Vancouver Co-op Radio. Thom shared insights into the transformative developments and ambitious projects underway in the co-operative housing sector in British Columbia. Topics include:

    • BC Builds Program: The exciting launch of the BC Builds program, a groundbreaking initiative blending city participation with provincial and federal funds to spur affordable housing developments. This program is promising to deliver a significant number of homes that are affordable to middle-income families, including 112 new co-operative homes at Davie and Seymour in downtown Vancouver. Its innovative approach includes leveraging public, co-op, and non-profit land, offering $4 billion in affordable construction financing, through provincial and recently matching federal funds. 
    • Rental Protection Fund: A testament to the power of advocacy and community effort, the Rental Protection Fund, as Armstrong detailed, aims to preserve the affordability of over a hundred thousand homes, including 290 co-op housing units in Coquitlam. 

      • Thom addressed the critical balance between new housing development and the preservation of existing affordable units:

      “Imagine being focused on new housing supply, so you’re rolling that rug out in front of you, and for every foot of rug you roll out in front, three to four feet are rolling up behind you.”

    • Co-operative Housing Expansion: Progress on leasehold co-ops in Vancouver, illustrating the ongoing efforts to renew and expand co-op homes to keep valuable land in non-market housing. 
    • Community Land Trust of BC: The acquisition of two Coquitlam co-ops and the opening of new co-op homes in downtown Vancouver, showcasing the strength of community land trusts in securing affordable housing. 

      • It’s clear that the journey towards affordable housing is multifaceted, requiring the collaboration of various stakeholders. Thom’s discussion points are not just a report on progress; it’s a roadmap for future action, highlighting the importance of innovative programs, community engagement, and the preservation of affordable housing.

      While celebrating provincial successes, Thom expressed a desire for national engagement, particularly lamenting the absence of a new federal co-op housing program. However, he maintained a hopeful outlook on future collaborations to enhance the co-operative housing framework across Canada.

      Thom’s reflections on the power of collective action and advocacy in securing these advancements underscore the critical role of the co-operative movement in shaping public policy and investment in affordable housing. His vision for housing extends an invitation to imagine a future where housing is not just a market commodity but a fundamental human right accessible to all.

      We invite you to dig deeper into Thom Armstrong and the CHFBC’s visionary work by listening to more interviews on Each For All’s archives. 

      Read the full transcript of this episode. 

      Visit Co-op Housing Federation of BC’s website: https://www.chf.bc.ca/

       

      The post The New Era for Affordable Housing w/ Thom Armstrong appeared first on Each For All.

      47 min
    • Battle River Railway Co-op: a Journey to Local Empowerment

      Matthew Enright, GM

      In this episode of Each For All: The Co-operative Connection, host Robin Puga sits down with Matthew Enright, the General Manager of the Battle River Railway Co-operative (BRR). BRR is based out of Forestburg, Alberta about 300 km northeast of Calgary.  This unique co-operative is an example of local empowerment and economic resilience. Enright shares the inspiring story of BRR’s evolution, its challenges, and the unparalleled benefits of community ownership of this shortline railway.

      Conversation Highlights

      • Life after Wheat Pools: Enright describes the challenging economic landscape that Alberta’s farmers faced after the demutualization of Wheat Pools in 2012. This pivotal moment underscored the need for a sustainable, community-driven solution in the agricultural sector. The co-op ensures grain and oilseeds produced in the region get to market.

      • Formation and Structure of BRR: The genesis story of the Battle River Railway Co-operative is a testament to community spirit and resilience. The co-operative’s structure, including its innovative investment shares and the engagement of its 150 members, paints a picture of a progressive, ‘next-gen’ co-op model.

      • Challenges and Opportunities: The journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Enright discusses the operational and market challenges BRR has navigated, as well as the opportunities that have spurred growth and community involvement. Besides commodity transportation, BRR offers storage and promotes local tourism.

      • The Power of Local Ownership: Perhaps the most striking part of the discussion centers on the impact of local ownership. Enright’s statement, “CN didn’t care. The line would have gone fallow. Local ownership meant so much for our communities along the rail line,” captures the essence of this empowerment.

        The story of the Battle River Railway Co-operative is more than a business case; it’s a narrative of community, perseverance, and the transformative power of the co-operative model. It reminds us that in the face of adversity, a collective approach can not only preserve but also enhance local economies and livelihoods. 

        Find out more: https://battleriverrailway.ca/ 

        The post Battle River Railway Co-op: a Journey to Local Empowerment appeared first on Each For All.

        36 min
      • ANAK Publishing Worker Co-op

        ANAK Publishing Worker Cooperative Ltd. is based in Winnipeg and is the 2023 recipient of The Co-operative Achievement Award by the Manitoba Cooperative Association. (MCA).  ANAK’s vision and accomplishments to date are best captured by MCA.

        “ANAK Publishing produces thought provoking Filipino-Canadian content; bringing together authors, educators, students and readers to bridge cross-cultural understanding. It believes in building important social capital for its members and the community. Founded in 2010 to address the cultural gap in educational resources, ANAK produces quality work notably in oral history, children’s literature and creative writing anthologies.

        ANAK Publishing is an affiliate of the non-profit organization Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK) and supports its

        mandate to share, learn and preserve Filipino-Canadian heritage and culture through resource, education and mentorship.

        To date, it has produced nine original publications and continues to work towards diversifying Canada’s literary landscape; establishing itself in the broader discussion of Canadian identity and diversity by working with educators and advocates in literacy and multiculturalism.”

        Daisydee Bautista, manager and worker-owner at ANAK Publishing explains. Have a listen.

        The post ANAK Publishing Worker Co-op appeared first on Each For All.

        33 min

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