CoAction Social

COACTION STAFF ASSOCIATION’S FIRST IN-PERSON NETWORKING EVENT SINCE 2020!
What: Social gathering for members and allies
When: Monday, May 29th , 2023 , starting at 6 pm
Where: “Red Cranberries”, 601 Parliament St at Parliament and Wellesley
RVSP: Please email coactionsa@gmail.com.Reserved seating for 10.

Come out and connect with peers from other co-ops, see old friends and faces you have not seen for a long time, get guidance if you are new to the sector, provide mentorship and support after three long years of constant adjustments.

WHMIS Training

SAVE THE DATE!

COACTION STAFF ASSOCIATION presents:

Our first in-person workshop since March 2020!

WHMIS Training

When: June 7th, 2023, from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm

Where: Oak Street Housing Co-op, 120 Cornwall Street, community center

Closest intersection: River & Oak, River & Dundas, River & Gerrard

Light refreshments will be available.

Registration:

This workshop is free to existing Coaction members who have paid their current membership fee. Non-members: $50 payable by check addressed to Coaction Staff Association. Please RVSP to coactionsa@gmail.com, first 15 registrations will be accepted.

Job Posting: Administrative Assistant

Opening Date: March 15, 2023
Closing Date: April 7, 2023
Reporting to: Co-ordinator
Part Time: 21 hours per week with some evening for Members’ Meetings
Start Date: April 17, 2023
Location: 15 Forty Third Street, Unit 104, Etobicoke, Ontario M8W 3P7
Are you an administrative professional looking for an opportunity to work with an organization that plays an integral part in transforming Toronto? Do you enjoy a fast-paced, challenging, and engaging environment? Join our team!

The Organization
Forty Third Housing Co-operative (referred to as the Co-op), funded by the Province of Ontario and administered by the City of Toronto, is a 106-household, diverse community consisting of three walk-up (no elevator) apartment buildings.
The Opportunity
The Co-op seeks an Administrative Assistant who will support the Co-ordinator on the day-to-day operations of the Co-op. The successful candidate must be highly organized, able to deal with competing priorities, and have excellent communication and time management skills. We are looking for a self-starter who is capable of a high degree of independence, utilizing tact and good judgment.
What We Need
• Excellent attention to detail and responsiveness
• Prioritization skills and ability to multitask
• Demonstrated ability to deal with situations and issues proactively
• Quick learner, especially with new systems and technology
• Takes initiative and has strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Exceptional and empathetic interpersonal skills
• Excellent customer service skills in responding to inquiries from a variety of internal and
external stakeholders and people of diverse language and cultural backgrounds
Key Responsibilities
• General office administration on the day-to-day operations
• Support to all standing committees and the other permanent staff
• Work with members to coordinate moving in and out of the Co-op
• Prepare Subsidy calculations
• Prepare and distribute notices and information to all members

What You Bring
• 2+ years of related work experience in a co-operative housing environment or office
administration experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of office procedures and manual/electronic filing systems
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Superior time management and organizational skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency with computerized business applications
• Working knowledge of RGI/Waitlists is required -training will be provided
What We Offer
• A chance to make a difference in a supportive and inclusive community
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Health & Dental Benefits
How To Apply
Send resume and cover letter to: 43rdcoop@gmail.com
Attention: Hiring Committee, Forty-Third Housing Cooperative
Three professional references must be provided at the interview.
Two references must be from past employers and one from a professional relationship.
References will not be contacted unless you are shortlisted for the final round.
Please note that in addition to references, a police check will also be completed.
NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE
Forty Third Housing Co-operative thanks all applicants in advance. Only those candidates
selected for an interview will be contacted. Forty Third Housing Co-operative is an equal-
opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We will be happy to work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.

Job Posting: Manager

Opening Date: March 15, 2023

 Closing Date: April 7, 2023

 Reporting to: Board of Directors

 Full Time: 36 hours per week with some evening for Members’ Meetings

 Workdays: Monday to Friday – Monday 8 hours and Tuesday to Friday 7 Hours = 36 Hours

                    Some evenings required.

 Start Date: May 1, 2023

Location:  15 Forty Third Street, Unit 104, Etobicoke, Ontario M8W 3P7

The Organization

Forty Third Housing Co-operative is funded by the Province of Ontario and administered by the City of Toronto. It is a 106-household, diverse community consisting of three walk-up (no elevator) apartment buildings.
The co-op employs a part-time bookkeeper, a part-time administrative assistant, part-time cleaner and part-time Maintenance Worker

Reporting to the co-op’s board of directors, the manager’s job is to oversee and be accountable for the management of the co-op’s operations. Duties will include:

  • managing the co-op’s finances
  • developing and implementing an overall property maintenance and repair program
  • ensuring that the co-op meets its legal
  • developing and implementing a strategy to maintain full occupancy of the co-
  • supporting good governance in the co-op by the board and membership
  • efficient administration of the co-op’s office and management of other co-op

The successful applicant will be:

  • financially literate with strong property management skills
  • an efficient administrator and effective supervisor of other staff
  • familiar with computer programs in common use in an office environment
  • knowledgeable about HSA funded co-ops and the laws that apply to housing co-
  • experienced with rent-geared-to-income program
  • a good communicator – both orally and in writing
  • able to work effectively within a co-operative management and governance structure and relate to a diverse co-op community.
  • a self-starter with an ability to work with limited direct

Some evening work is required. The expected start date is Monday May 1, 2023. The co-
op offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.
What We Offer
• A chance to make a difference in a supportive and inclusive community
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Health & Dental Benefits

Salary
$74,000.00 annually

How To Apply
Send resume and cover letter to: 43rdcoop@gmail.com
Attention: Hiring Committee, Forty-Third Housing Cooperative
Three professional references must be provided at the interview.
Two references must be from past employers and one from a professional relationship.
References will not be contacted unless you are shortlisted for the final round.
Please note that in addition to references, a police check will also be completed.
NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE
Forty Third Housing Co-operative thanks all applicants in advance. Only those candidates
selected for an interview will be contacted. Forty Third Housing Co-operative is an equal-
opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We will be happy to work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.

Job Posting 

January 2023  

  

Full-Time Temporary Maintenance Worker  

Don Area Co-op is a 75-unit property located in downtown Toronto. It consists of 33 century homes and 8 townhouses built in 1985, scattered on four streets in Cabbagetown. The houses  are of varied structure and styles and require maintenance services on an ongoing basis. 

Employment is for a two-month contract, with the possibility of renewal. The Maintenance  Worker works an average of 37.5 hours per week, with some flexibility in scheduling relative to  special projects and the co-op’s needs. Some weekend work may be required. 

The Maintenance Worker: 

  • Carries out minor electrical, plumbing, tub enclosure, carpentry, roofing, eavestrough, lock,  painting and plastering repairs as assigned. 
  • Provides general care of the co-op’s buildings and grounds. 
  • Completes work orders and carries out tasks assigned by the Coordinator. • Ensures that work areas are left tidy. 
  • Assists in the maintenance and repair of tools and equipment. 
  • Advises the Coordinator when there is a need of specialized tradespeople. • Informs the Coordinator of work that is required. 
  • Fills in work orders with the appropriate information as directed. 
  • Purchases supplies approved by the Coordinator. 
  • Picks up and receives delivery of supplies. 
  • Advises the Coordinator when inventory items need restocking. 
  • Follows emergency procedures when emergencies occur during work hours. • Moves appliances and other equipment. 
  • Provides unit access to trades as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

  • experience in residential maintenance, preferably in the co-operative or non-profit housing  sector 
  • skilled in communication with an ability to maintain confidentiality 
  • skilled in time management and an ability to work independently  
  • First Aid and WHIMIS certification is an asset 

The successful applicant will be subject to a police check. 

Rate of Pay: $24.38 per hour 

Start Date: February 13, 2023 

Deadline for resume submission: January 31, 2022 

email: office@donarea.com 

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

Maintence Job Posting

Job Posting
January 2023
Full-Time Temporary Maintenance Worker
Don Area Co-op is a 75-unit property located in downtown Toronto. It consists of 33 century homes and 8 townhouses built in 1985, scattered on four streets in Cabbagetown. The houses are of varied structure and styles and require maintenance services on an ongoing basis.
Employment is for a two-month contract, with the possibility of renewal. The Maintenance Worker works an average of 37.5 hours per week, with some flexibility in scheduling relative to special projects and the co-op’s needs. Some weekend work may be required.
The Maintenance Worker:
• Carries out minor electrical, plumbing, tub enclosure, carpentry, roofing, eavestrough, lock, painting and plastering repairs as assigned.
• Provides general care of the co-op’s buildings and grounds.
• Completes work orders and carries out tasks assigned by the Coordinator.
• Ensures that work areas are left tidy.
• Assists in the maintenance and repair of tools and equipment.
• Advises the Coordinator when there is a need of specialized tradespeople.
• Informs the Coordinator of work that is required.
• Fills in work orders with the appropriate information as directed.
• Purchases supplies approved by the Coordinator.
• Picks up and receives delivery of supplies.
• Advises the Coordinator when inventory items need restocking.
• Follows emergency procedures when emergencies occur during work hours.
• Moves appliances and other equipment.
• Provides unit access to trades as assigned.
Qualifications:
• experience in residential maintenance, preferably in the co-operative or non-profit housing sector
• skilled in communication with an ability to maintain confidentiality
• skilled in time management and an ability to work independently
• First Aid and WHIMIS certification is an asset
The successful applicant will be subject to a police check.
Rate of Pay: $24.38 per hour
Start Date: February 13, 2023
Deadline for resume submission: January 31, 2022
email: office@donarea.com
We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

Co-op Staff and Covid 19

On March 23, 2020 the City of Toronto declared a State of Emergency in an effort to slow the infection rate of COVID-19.  Furthermore, the Province of Ontario ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of March 24, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

The Ontario Government has included co-operative housing providers in their list of essential services.

On Friday April 3rd, the Ontario Government revised the essential services listing which took effect on April 4th:

Maintenance
20. Maintenance, repair and property management services strictly necessary to manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties and buildings.
Source: https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces

Furthermore, on Tuesday April 14 at 3:30 p.m. EDT, the Ontario government extended the State of Emergency for a further 28 days until May 12, 2020.

The link:
https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/ontario-extends-declaration-of-emergency-to-continue-the-fight-against-covid-19.html

The question is:  “What is truly an essential service?”

How has your co-op responded to COVID-19 and the City of Toronto State of Emergency? 

Some practices and measures co-op staff and boards have put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are:

  • Co-op office closures
  • Cancellation of in person board and committee meetings
  • Board meetings held by conference calls
  • Staggered staff hours
  • Payment of housing charges by pre-authorized payments
  • Co-op staff working from home whenever possible
  • Monitoring of voice messages and emails
  • Performance of emergency maintenance only
  • No routine maintenance or repairs in residential units
  • Regular sanitizing of multi-residential common areas
  • Closure of Social Rooms and common washrooms
  • Limiting the number of people in enclosed areas like laundry rooms and elevators
  • Avoiding travel on public transit, taxis and ride shares

At the end of this post is a list of links to various tools and protocols that co-ops have implemented.  If your co-op has any documentation that you would like to share with other staff, please send it to coactionsa@gmail.com

Let’s face it, this isn’t going to be over soon.

Please stay home whenever you can to help stop the spread of the virus.

To all of our members and supporters, we wish you and your family members and friends continued good health.

Don Area Co-op Protocols
DonArea Co-op Covid Unit Entry

Windmill Line Covid protocols

Cawthra Mansions March 13th Covid info for members
Cawthra Mansions March 19th Covid quick update for members

Hugh Garner Notes from staff on Covid protocols

Workshop: Flooring Solutions

Presented by Kent Price
October 25, 2019

What types of flooring are available? Which one is right for this particular application?

Flooring can be a challenging issue for co-ops when it comes to durability, installation, cost, and the ability to repair or renew it. There are many different solutions for covering a floor and many factors to consider before investing in new flooring.

CoAction offered a half-day workshop to discuss and compare common types of flooring found in co-op units.


View the presentation on SlideShare

CoAction Board Report for 2018

Presented to the April 5, 2019 CoAction Staff Association Annual Meeting

Welcome to CoAction’s 40th Anniversary Meeting.


CoAction was formed 40 years ago, in 1979, as a way for housing co-op staff to meet one another and talk about our work. Formal incorporation took place 9 years later in 1988. We are a democratically-run non-profit co-operative.


CoAction provides a community structure in which staff find support, knowledge and skills development through our social and educational events. We have 36 members.


Volunteers are the lifeblood of CoAction. Our thanks go out to all those who contributed their hard work this year, and to the many members who volunteered their time and passion over the last four decades. CoAction would not exist without its dedicated volunteers.

A special thank you goes to retiring director Gerri Pennie. Her continued commitment and energy has been of immeasurable benefit to us all. We wish her the very best.


And a big thank you goes out to our Executive Director, Brian Eng for his excellent guidance and support.

The Income Statement for 2018 shows a deficit of just over $500, the bulk of which was due to the one-time expense of website development. Aside from that expense, the organization came close to breaking even last year.


In 2018, board members were:


  • Gerri Pennie, President

  • Lana Nwaokoro, Vice President

  • Karen Hurley, Treasurer
  • 
Denise Bezaire, Secretary

  • Kent Price, Director

  • Emily Wong, Director

  • There was one vacancy


The board met nearly every month, receiving financial and other reports from our Executive Director, and planning educational and social events. The board conducted a member survey about how the organization could better serve its members. Seven new CoAction members were welcomed over the year.


CoAction’s domain name was changed from “.org” to “.ca” and a gmail account was set up. We launched our new website in 2018, with many thanks to Brian Eng for the beautiful web design.

A Website/Communications Committee was formed to provide content for the newsletter and website. Serving on the committee are Denise Bezaire (chair), Lana Nwaokoro, and Kent Price.

Our Executive Director, Brian Eng, moved to the west coast last summer. Working remotely, he continues to provide board support, keeps the website current, and publishes our electronic newsletter “CoAction News”. Brian attends board meetings by phone, sometimes aboard the ferry to the mainland. We understand he was outside in shorts for our March meeting.

With Brian out of town, directors are fulfilling local duties while the board considers what the best staff complement would be. Job descriptions are under development and we might begin the search for a second staff person in the coming months.

Two members’ meetings were held in 2018. A brief AGM was held in February, where by-law amendments passed and board elections took place, and an April GMM made further changes to the by-laws and approved a new simplified dues structure. A board review of the Organizational By-law is currently underway.

Also in 2018, Karen Hurley was appointed as CoAction’s representative on the CHFT board for a two-year term.

In keeping with CoAction’s commitment to the principles of co-operation, we occasionally collaborate on projects with the other three staff associations in Ontario: CASO (London area), CSACO (Kitchener/Waterloo area), and CHCHNA (Hamilton/Niagara area).

We have a joint website, theStaffNetwork.coop. And if you’ll be attending the CHF Canada conference in London this June, drop by the staff associations table to say hello. We’ll be there promoting CoAction with our new brochure.

CoAction delivered several educational events in 2018. Visit CoActionSA.ca for workshop materials.


In March CoAction and CHFT hosted a joint staff education day. Workshop choices were:


  • Co-ops and e-Transactions

  • Fifteen Favourite Messy Human Dramas

  • Preventative Maintenance

  • Preparing for Your Board Meeting

  • Living Through Capital Projects

  • How to Survive Working in a Co-op


CoAction presented a new workshop in May: Can We Ask That? Protecting Personal Privacy.


September’s full day event was called Accent on Accessibility:


  • Your Co-op and the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act)

  • Planning for Accessibility – Asset Management Planning


Future Energy: A Workshop about Incentives and Other Possibilities was delivered in October.

We have a great educational program lined up for 2019.


In March we held a joint CoAction/CHFT Education Day.  The workshops we offered were:


  • Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers
  • 
Legal Issues Facing Staff
  • 
By-law Basics

  • Writing Business Plans

  • and there was a group discussion on working with volunteers.

This morning’s workshop was called: “There’s a New Board in Town”.

On May 10th we’ll bring back a popular workshop called Workplace Violence and Harassment.


CoAction is planning fall workshops on topics to interest maintenance and administrative staff alike. We are working on the following topics:

“Flooring Solutions” will examine and compare different types of flooring commonly found in co-ops and their pros, cons, and alternatives.

Sustainability is a topic we will address by looking at ways co-ops can encourage better participation in waste reduction, recycling programs, reduced car use and other topics that can lead to environmental sustainability.

Energy Reduction is another topic up for discussion with a look at specific programs and incentives such as lighting upgrades from Toronto Hydro.

And, we plan to offer First Aid / CPR training again.

Please give some thought to any gaps in your training that we could help fill with a workshop. Suggestions for new topics are always welcome.

We hope everyone is subscribed to our newsletter. You can sign up on our website at CoActionSA.ca.

Everyone is welcome to join us at the Pear Tree on Parliament Street after the meeting for a CoAction and Friends Social and help celebrate our 40 years.
In the meantime, let’s enjoy a slice of cherry cheesecake after the board elections.