Co-op Living, Bylaws & Policies

A co-op is a business that is democratically controlled by its members, who own it and benefit economically from its services.
In housing co-ops, the benefit is quality housing at the best possible price for the members. 
​Co-ops meet member's social and cultural needs as well.

Co-ops are different from businesses that exist just to make money for their owners or managers.
​Co-op are first and foremost about people and they are founded on a unique set of principles.

​Our co-operative principles are outlined below, followed by Applemead's By-Laws & Policies.

Early Beginnings

Early co-ops were created as a way to protect working people who were forced to buy from or trade with powerful business interests on terms that were very unfair. 

​As people began to look for better ways to meet their needs and overcome an unjust system they found the solution was to join forces, buy things together and meet each other's needs mutually and co-operatively.

Co-operative Principles

The co-operative principles are based on values of honesty, openness, fairness, respect and democratic control.  While co-ops provide economic benefits, their ultimate purpose is to meet the needs of people in an ethical, socially responsible way.

Co-operative Principles For Housing Co-ops	What They Mean
Voluntary & Open Membership	“Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.”
Democratic Control	Housing co-ops are controlled by their members. Each member has one vote. Housing Co-ops give members the information they need to make good decisions and take part in the life of the co-op.
Member Economic Participation	Members contribute financially to the co-op and share in the benefits of membership. The co-op does not pay a return on the members' deposits. Instead it sets aside reserves for the future and charges members only what it needs to operate soundly.
Autonomy and Independence	Housing co-ops are independent associations. They follow the laws that apply to them and their agreements with governments or other organizations. Members control the co-op.
Education, Training and Information	Housing co-ops offer education and training to the members, directors and staff so that everyone can play a full role in the life of the co-op. Housing co-ops find ways to tell the public what they are and what they do.
Co-operation Among Co-operatives	By organizing together in federations, housing co-ops grow stronger and help build a healthy co-op movement. Where they can, housing co-ops use the services of co-op businesses to meet their needs.
Concern for Community	Housing co-ops work to build strong communities inside and outside the co-op. They help to improve the quality of life for others and they take care to protect the environment.

Applemead By-Laws & Policies

 By-laws were approved by a 2/3rds majority of members present at a General Members’ Meeting.
 Policies were approved by a simple majority at a membership meeting.

Click on the by-law or policy you wish to read. 

​By-Law #8 Occupancy By-law - Approved at July 20, 2016 GM
By-Law #9 Organizational By-Law - Approved at March 22, 2018 GM
Occupancy By-Law #8: Article 3.5 – Member Deposit -  Revised and approved at a GM on July 29, 2019
Spending By-Law

Applemead Policies:
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Vehicle Control Policy
Conflict Resolution Policy 
Policy of Workplace Violence and Harassment 
Fireworks Policy 
Internal Control Policy 
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Province of Ontario and City of Burlington:

Ontario Co-operative Corporations Act
Ontario Human Rights Code
Landlord and Tenant Board – Non Profit Housing Cooperatives
Burlington By-laws and Municipal Code – Property Standards

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