West Scenic Acres

WEST SCENIC ACRES HOUSING CO-OPERATIVE LTD.

111, 435 BEAVER DAM ROAD N.E.

CALGARY, ALBERTA   T2K 6J9

TELEPHONE: 274-7226   FAX: 274-7897

Email: wsahousingco_op@shaw.ca

 

West Scenic Acres is a non-profit housing co-operative completed in 1991.  We are a three storey, 41-unit apartment block with two and three bedroom units.  Nine of our units are fully accessible for people with physical disabilities.  Some of the features for our suites include fridge, stove, dishwasher and laundry rooms on all floors.  Other features of the building include underground parking, an elevator, security cameras, a key tag entrance system, on-site maintenance, cleaning personnel, children’s play area and front patio. There is also a members meeting room with a dart board and card tables.

Monthly Housing Charges are as follows:

Two Bedroom Units            $880.00                (approximate 795 FT2)

Three Bedroom Units         $930.00                (approximate 974 FT2)

Wheelchair Accessible Suites

Two Bedroom Adapted       $910.00                (approximate 944 FT2)

Two Bedroom Adapted       $940.00              (approximate 1094 FT2)

Three Bedroom Adapted     $970.00              (approximate 1149 FT2)

 

The above Housing Charges include: Heat, Water and Sewer

You are still responsible for electricity, cable and telephones.

The Share purchase is $1,500.00.

Attendance at an information session is a pre-requisite for membership.

  For further information, contact the office at (403)  274-7226.

 Our office hours are:

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Please download, print and return the completed WEST SCENIC Application form.pdf with a $20.00 application fee to the above address.  This fee is non-refundable.

Application forms received will be keep on file for one year.

It is highly recommended that member applicants attend a free Information Session at SACHA held monthly - www.sacha.coop

 

New Member Information Checklist

1.       Shares are $1,500.00 and due upon moving in.  The office must clear alternate payment arrangements at the time of unit acceptance.  The board will consider a payment of $750 before moving in and the remaining must by paid with in the next 6 months after moving in.

2.       A $300 deposit is required to hold a unit once approved for Membership and is applied to your Share Purchase.

3.       Volunteering is the foundation of our Co-op.  Volunteering in some capacity throughout your stay at West Scenic Acres is a requirement of membership.

4.       The Co-operative requires a full 60 days notice of termination of Membership from the end of the calendar month.  (if you are moving April 30, notice needs to be given before February 28)

5.       A Housing Co-operative is not a rental tenancy situation.  Our rules and procedures are different.  We are govern by our by-laws, policies and shareholder’s agreement

6.       No interest is paid on Shares.

7.      Arrears, damage to your unit and penalties will be deducted from your Shares after move-out inspection has been completed.

8.       Your Housing Charge is due by noon on the first of the month.  Late payment penalties of $10 for the first day and $5 for every day afterwards will be applied to late payments.

9.       If a cheque is returned for any reason, the member fine is $20 payable at the same time as the cheque is replaced.

10.    An early move-out penalty will be deducted if you move out: during the first year $300 and during  the second year $150.

11.     Incoming members must meet a “Best use of space policy” and  have a good credit history.

What is Co-operative Housing?

Housing co-operatives are incorporated, non-profit businesses organized by people who work together to provide their own housing through joint membership.  A broad spectrum of individuals and families from all age-ranges, all walks of life, as well as all income levels have turned to housing co-ops as a way to enjoy a secure, affordable home designed to suit their needs in a strong community environment.

Co-ops are member-controlled organizations, and the people who occupy the housing owned by the co-operative corporation are its members.  Unlike tenants in a traditional rental situation, each household has one vote in the operation of the co-op.  Every year the members elect, from among themselves, a Board of Directors to manage the business affairs of the co-op.  Instead of rent, members pay a monthly housing charge to cover the cost of mortgage, taxes and all operating expenses.  There is no landlord, and housing charges rise only as costs increase.

Membership means joint ownership and control of one’s housing.  From the co-ops inception, the members decide on design, development and policy.  Later, they serve on committees responsible for activities including such things as member selection, maintenance, finance and newsletters.  All are asked to attend member’s meetings where they participate in major decisions.

Staff or other professionals may be hired to handle specific responsibilities, but the final decision and responsibilities rest with the members.  Members do not individually own the units they occupy, but enter into a Shareholder’s agreement with the co-operative, which provides security of tenure as long as the obligations of membership are fulfilled.

I understand that:

1.    Only members may occupy a housing unit.

2.    The Co-operative is formed for the purpose of providing housing at cost to its members.

3.    Membership includes the responsibility to participate in the operation of the Co-operative (i.e. serving on a committee, Board and attendance at General Meetings.)

4.    Accommodation depends on being approved for Membership by the Board of Directors.

If you would like to be added to the waiting list please download the WSAHC Application Form

and return it by mail to the address listed at the top of this page.