Community Bulletin

Welcome to the Community Bulletin of Linden Housing Co‑operative!  This page is your go‑to source for the latest updates and developments in this journey to create an affordable, eco‑conscious housing community.  As we navigate through various stages of development, from planning and fundraising to construction and beyond, this bulletin will keep you informed and engaged.   The Community Bulletin will provide transparent, timely, and exciting news about Linden’s progress, milestones achieved, and the vibrant community that together is being built.  Stay tuned for regular updates as Linden’s vision is transformed into reality, step by step.

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  • Construction is underway at Linden Housing Co-operative

    Dear friends and supporters,

    I’m pleased to share an important milestone with you: construction has officially begun on Linden Housing Co-operative.

    After years of planning, community engagement, and partnership-building, Linden is now moving from vision to reality. Occupancy is currently anticipated for December 2026.

    Since our last update, several major steps have been completed:

    • We have received our full building permit from the Town of Perth and have entered into our Site Plan Control Agreement, allowing construction to proceed.
    • We have been exempted from paying development charges to the Town of Perth and Lanark County.
    • Lanark County has awarded Linden a $250,000 Affordable Housing Capital Grant.
    • As part of Lanark County’s commitment to affordable housing, 10 co-op units will be filled through the County’s Rent-Geared-to-Income program, using the centralized County waiting list.

    We are deeply grateful for the community’s encouragement and support.  This project exists because of sustained community belief in the importance of co-operative, affordable housing.

    If you know someone who may be interested in living at Linden, applications for membership are expected to open in late summer or early fall. Anyone wishing to be notified when applications open can email info@lindencoop.ca and ask to be added to the membership interest list.

    You can find more information and future updates here at lindencoop.ca.

    Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

  • Breaking Ground (Almost!)

    Our Conditional Building Permit Has Arrived

    We’re thrilled to share a major milestone in our co-op’s journey — yesterday, we received our conditional building permit! This essential document allows us to begin drawing on our funding from CMHC and brings us one big step closer to making our shared vision a reality.

    In the photo below, you’ll see our project manager Lindsay Blair and our Board Chair Steven Welchner proudly holding the blue permit — a small piece of paper with huge significance. It represents countless hours of dedication, collaboration, and perseverance by so many in our community.

    While there’s still work ahead, this moment marks an important point on our journey.

  • Taggart Parkes Foundation Proposal Award

    Exciting News and a Heartfelt Thank You to the Community Housing Transformation Centre and the Taggart Parkes Foundation!

    We are thrilled to announce that Linden Housing Co-operative has recently received two significant grants.

    The Community Housing Transformation Centre (“Centre”) has awarded Linden $40,000! This grant is a game-changer for us, focusing on enhancing our organizational capacity, which is crucial as we continue to develop and refine our co-operative housing model.
    The Centre is a sector-led organization, supported by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation through Canada’s National Housing Strategy. The Centre is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home – working toward a more sustainable and economically viable model of community housing. Their support reflects a shared commitment to building vibrant, inclusive communities across Canada.

    This generous grant will enable us to engage with our community to understand the range of services and amenities desired in our future co-operative. This engagement will assist us in creating a co-op that fosters a thriving community life. Additionally, the grant will support us in hiring a consultant who will help us develop crucial governance documents. These will include recommendations on establishing and maintaining reserve funds, setting housing charges, crafting membership policies, and developing effective conflict resolution strategies. Our goal is to create robust frameworks that not only serve Linden but can also act as precedents for other emerging co-operatives, which will in turn simplify their own journeys.

    We also received a $25,000 Award from the Taggart Parkes Foundation, in honour of John Gibb-Carsley. We are so grateful to the Foundation for its support, and so touched by its dedication. John, who recently passed away, is Victoria Gibb-Carsley’s father. Victoria is the Executive Director of the Perth and District Community Foundation. Victoria, on behalf of the Foundation, wrote a very strong letter in support of our Proposal to the Foundation.

    We will continue to keep you updated on our progress and how these developments are bringing us closer to making Linden Housing Co-operative a reality. Your ongoing support and enthusiasm mean the world to us.

    Our next milestone will be to obtain a zoning amendment for the land we have identified at 79 Wilson Street West (across from the pool). Our hearing in front of Perth Council will occur on Tuesday, August 6 at 5 pm. Hopefully many of you can attend in person to show your support.

    Thank you once again to the Community Housing Transformation Centre, the Taggart Parkes Foundation, and to each of you who contribute, share, and cheer us on. We’re building something great together!