Northeastern Ontario Member Fall Regional Education Event

Saturday, October 14, 2023, 8:30 am – 4:00pm

Agenda

Time	Activity
8:30-9:00am	Registration
9:00-9:10am	Opening remarks
9:10am-12:00pm	Morning Workshop
12:00-1:00pm	Networking lunch
1:00-2:30pm	Afternoon workshop 1
2:30-4:00pm	Afternoon workshop 2

Registration: 8:30 am – 9:00 am
Northbury Hotel and Conference Centre, 50 Brady St., Sudbury, ON

Opening 9:00-9:10am

Land acknowledgement and message from the CHF Canada Board

Morning workshop 9:10am-12:00pm

Dealing with Difficult Situations, with Janine MacDonald
Boards spend a lot of time dealing with conflict between members. Unresolved conflict can:

• create long-term tensions
• take endless amounts of time and energy
• discourage member involvement.

In this workshop, we’ll review some basics about conflict resolution. And we’ll talk about how to promote constructive communication and build strong communities. We’ll also look at the types of members’ complaints you should deal with as a co-op board

Janine MacDonald, Co-op Manager
Janine has 28 years of experience as a co-op manager and currently works at two Section 95 co-ops in Peterborough. Over the years, she has learned a thing or two about bad contractors, long-term planning, bat guano, leaking roofs and basements, and lobbying governments. For 10 years Janine lived in a co-op, and her kids still refer to it as “the best place we ever lived.” She is happy to share her experiences with others so they might find their silver lining in the chaos.

Networking Lunch 12:00-1:00pm

Enjoy a buffet lunch and the company of other co-op members from Northeastern Ontario.

Afternoon workshop 1 1:00-2:30pm

Choice of one:

1. On the horizon… the way forward for Ontario HSA co-ops, with Peter Gesiarz
   HSA housing co-ops at the end of mortgage (EOM) have options to review. These co-ops must decide if they should negotiate a Service Agreement or an Exit Agreement. In order to do so, co-ops must be prepared. CHF Canada, in collaboration with regional federations, have developed a package of services that will assist member co-ops getting ready for these negotiations.
   At this interactive session, come learn how federations can help your co-op prepare for this significant chapter of change at your co-op.
   Peter Gesiarz, Regional Manager, Ontario, CHF Canada
   Peter has over 30 years of housing sector experience. He has worked with Tim Welsh Consulting Inc., Community First Development Inc., The Agency for Co-operative Housing, Champlain Valley Mutual Housing Federation, Guelph Campus Co-op, Marketview Housing Co-op and Ujamaa Housing Co-op. He was also a member and president of Bread and Roses Co-operative Homes Inc. Peter has been with CHF Canada for eight years.
2. FCHI-2 for Federal Co-ops, with Rosalind Morton, The Agency for Co-operative Housing
   This workshop will introduce co-ops to CMHC’s rental assistance program (FCHI-2) and be of interest for federally funded co-ops whose operating agreements have ended or will be ending soon. We will discuss:
   • your co-op’s enrolment in the rental assistance program
   • program overview
   • your co-op’s new requirements and how they’re different from the operating agreement
   • tools and resources
   • frequently asked questions about the rental assistance program.

Afternoon workshop 2 2:30-4:00pm

Why Building Condition Assessments and Asset Management Plans are essential for your co-op’s success! with Ofelia Guanlao
How often do I need to do a building condition assessment? What is an asset management plan? Why does my housing co-op need one? How will it help us in our long-term planning? Join this workshop to learn:

• the difference between an asset management plan and a building condition assessment,
• the simple ABCs to understand an asset management plan,
• the benefits of an asset management plan.

As co-ops reach end of mortgage (EOM), CHF Canada can help you develop a road map to keep your co-op sustainable and thriving that includes understanding your needs, prioritizing your objectives, and creating a realistic and achievable plan for your co-op now and into the future.
Ofelia Guanlao, Senior Program Manager of Asset Management Services, CHF Canada
Ofelia has over 16 years of experience in energy management, property management and multi-residential buildings. She possesses the skills and knowledge to transform co-operative homes to be more comfortable, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable. She is a certified Project Management Professional and a LEED Green Associate and holds a Building Operator Certification from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council and an MBA.

Register

Questions:

Registration:
Deirdre Bain, Education Program Coordinator
education@chfcanada.coop
613.230.2201

Event:
Peter Gesiarz, Regional Manager, Ontario
pgesiarz@chfcanada.coop
416.366.1711 ext. 236 / 800.268.2537 ext. 236