This site requires Javascript.

Please enable Javascript before proceeding:

Firefox

  1. In the FireFox address bar, type about:config.
  2. Look for the javascript.enabled setting.
  3. Set it to true by right-clicking and pressing toggle.

Internet Explorer

  1. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options, then click the Security tab.
  2. Click the Internet Zone.
  3. If you do not have to customize your Internet security settings, click Default Level. Then do step 4.
  4. If you have to customize your Internet security settings, follow these steps:
    a. Click Custom Level.
    b. In the Security Settings - Internet Zone dialog box, click Enable for Active Scripting in the Scripting section.
  5. Click the Back button to return to the previous page, and then click the Refresh button to run scripts.

Chrome

  1. In the Chrome address bar, type chrome://settings/content/javascript.
  2. Adjust the toggle so that javascript is allowed.
  3. Close the Settings tab and Refresh the page.

 

Southwestern Ontario Fall Regional Education Event
Saturday, October 25th, 2025 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Registration: 8:30 am – 9:00 am
Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre, 591 Wellington Road South, London ON, N6C 4R3

Agenda

Time Activity Location
8:30-9:00am Registration
9:00-10:00am Opening plenary Regency AB
10:00-10:15am Break Regency AB
10:15am-12:15pm Morning workshops Cambridge, Canterbury, Regency C
12:15-1:30pm Lunch Regency AB
1:30-3:30pm Afternoon workshops Cambridge, Canterbury, Regency C

Morning Workshops: (Choose 1 of 3)

  1. Ensuring the $$ make Sense-Budgeting (Part 1 of 2)
    Facilitator: Denise McGahan
    Are budgets and financial statements like a secret code to you? You know there is important information there, but you just can’t figure out what they are trying to tell you. In this 2-part workshop we will help you break the code. Understanding the finances of your co-op is essential to good decision making.
    In Part 1 of this session we will discuss:
    • The budget process including timelines,
    • How to estimate revenues and expenses,
    • How to present the budget to the members and how budgeting ties into the Co-op Principle #3 – Member Economic Participation.
  2. What to do when we don’t get along…
    Facilitators: Dawn Richardson
    Conflict happens in housing co-ops. Effective problem solving is required to move past the conflict in a positive way. In this workshop we will look at the issue of neighbour-to-neighbour conflict in a housing co-op and discuss the responsibility of the board and members in resolving it. Whether you are a director or a member in your co-op, this workshop will have something for you. Let’s get together and discuss strategies for ensuring a healthy co-op community!
  3. Sign Here Please…
    Facilitators: Renee Kominek
    When elected as directors, agreements are signed - Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest and Ethical Conduct Agreements. These agreements are tools that keep the Board accountable to the members. In this session we will cover:
    • What your commitments are
    • How to use these tools effectively
    • What to do if the agreements are breached


Afternoon Workshops: (Choose 1 of 3)

  1. Ensuring the $$ make Sense-Financial Statements (Part 2 of 2)
    Facilitators: Denise McGahan
    Are budgets and financial statements like a secret code to you? You know there is important information there, but you just can’t figure out what they are trying to tell you. In this workshop we will help you break the code. Whether you are a member of a co-op or have accepted the additional responsibility of serving as a director, understanding the finances of your co-op is essential to good decision making.
    In Part 2 of the session we will discuss:
    • What statements a co-op needs to receive monthly,
    • 10 things to look for every month on the financial statements,
    • How to use the information on the statements to make sound decisions for the co-op
  2. EOM (End of Mortgage) the Saga Continues (for HSA Co-ops)
    Facilitators: Dawn Richardson
    We have been preparing for EOM for years now. In Southwestern Ontario HSA co-ops started paying off their mortgages in 2022, but to date we still do not have any signed Service Agreements. In this session we will discuss what your HSA co-op needs to do to be ready to negotiate with the Service Manager. What things do co-ops want to ensure are included and what would they prefer not be included in a Service Agreement?
  3. Building a Connected Community
    Facilitators: Renee Kominek
    Engaging members is often a topic that comes up in housing co-op meetings. Engagement is about actively involving members in co-op activities and decision-making processes. It helps in building a strong sense of community and ensures that members feel their input is valued. In this session we will explore how we can engage members in a meaningful way at our co-ops by:
    • Understanding two-way communication
    • Developing some effective communication strategies
    • Creating a member focused culture
    • Enhancing community and belonging

Facilitators:

Denise McGahan

Denise has been in her current position with CHF Canada for 17 years, serving housing co-ops in Southwestern Ontario. She is an accomplished workshop leader and facilitator with a background in accounting and over 35 years in the co-op housing sector. This experience has included various volunteer positions as a member of a housing co-op and a career as a housing co-op manager, workshop leader and consultant.

Dawn Richardson

Dawn is an experienced facilitator and workshop leader within the co-op housing sector. She started her career in co-op housing in 1990 and began delivering workshops in 1996. Her roles in the sector have included co-op property management, non-resident board member, as well as positions in development and member services at the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto.

Renee Kominek

Renée Kominek has been a Manager of a housing co-op in Southwestern Ontario for the past 18 years and has been delivering workshops for CHF Canada to members in Southwestern Ontario and across Canada for the past 10 years.

Registration fees:


Registration type
 CHF Canada Members
 Non-members
Early bird by October 11th, 2025
 Regular after October 11th, 2025
First participant
 $135
 $155
 $355
Additional participants
 $85
 $105
 N/A
Young member (35 & under)
 free - after first member registration
 free - after first member registration
 N/A

Discounts

Early bird registration discount: Register online by October 11, 2025 and save $20 on each registration fee.
Additional participant discount: Once you've registered one member, you'll save $50 on each additional registration.
Young member discount: Once you've registered one member, each additional young member (under 35 years) is free.
Travel rebate for member co-ops: If you live more than 100km away from the event venue, and you are attending in person, we will provide a $100 travel rebate per co-op. If you would like to apply for a travel rebate, click here.

Scent free event

This is a scent-free event. Please do not use scented products like fragrances, perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, hand creams or hand sanitizers.

Cancellation policy

All cancellations must be made at least 3 days prior to the event, and a $20 cancellation fee will apply. No refund will be issued for cancellations received less that 3 days prior to the event.


Register

Questions:

Registration:
Motunrayo Bada, Education Program Coordinator
education@chfcanada.coop
613.230.2085


Event:
Denise McGahan, Program Manager, Co-op & Planning Services, Southwestern Ontario, CHF Canada
dmcgahan@chfcanada.coop
519.453.0999 / 800.644.3949