St. Georges FAQ’s

Are you the type of person who likes to get actively involved in helping your community to thrive? Do you like working with others to accomplish a shared goal? If so, then you will find a co-operative community rewarding. The experience of a co-operative depends on the active participation of its membership and is enriched by everyone’s participation and commitment.

All Co-op members are expected to:

• follow the St. Georges rules and bylaws
• actively participate in the Co-op by volunteering 4 hours each month, usually by participating on the Board or on Committees
• mandatory attendance at the General Meetings (held 1-2 times a year)
• pay rent on time
• keep your unit maintained
• report any needed repairs to the Office by submitting a work order as they occur

All Co-op members must actively participate in the Co-op by volunteering 4 hours each month, usually by participating on the Board or on Committees.

St. Georges is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, steps from an abundance of green space and parks, neighbourhood amenities, excellent schools (including Francojeunesse across the street and Lisgar some blocks away), boutique shops, the Rideau Canal, the Transitway, the Byward Market and the University of Ottawa, making us perfectly situated for all of our residents’ needs.

Our Co-op spans the city block of Henderson Avenue, with 69 red brick townhouse style units and apartments and five wheelchair accessible units.

Yes, we have a laundry room located at 10 Henderson Avenue that is open to all Co-op members. Our machines are energy efficient. Some of the townhouse style apartments also include laundry hookups.

Yes, we have beautiful front and back yards with gardens and greenery. We also have beautiful maple trees that line our street.

Yes, we have a common room located at 10 Henderson Avenue that is open to all Co-op members.

Yes, we offer indoor and outdoor parking for members for a monthly fee. Our secure underground parking also offers an area for bike parking, with a bike repair station. Our indoor and outdoor parking also includes 24 hour video surveillance.

Yes, accessibility is important to us. Our Co-op offers five wheelchair accessible townhouse style apartments along Henderson Avenue. Our apartment building at 10 Henderson Avenue also includes an elevator to ensure accessibility at all levels of the building, to the common room and laundry room, and to all units.

We have a fob system for entrance into the apartment building at 10 Henderson Avenue. We also have 24 hour video surveillance.

For dispute matters, if you do not feel comfortable confronting the individual(s), members can complete a complaint form and/or approach the Co-op office and / or the Ombudsperson.

You will need to report any needed repairs to the Office by filling out a work order form. Click here for the work order form.

Yes, our Sustainability Committee informs the members about what is acceptable, as defined by the City of Ottawa, in the blue, black and green bins.

For rent charges, click here to see our Floor Plans and Rates page.

For all other fees, click here to review our Fees Bylaw.

To apply, click here to access our application form.

It usually takes 1-3 months to process an application, from submitting your application to having an interview to receiving approval that you have been placed on the waiting list.

The interview is an opportunity for the Co-op to assess whether you would be a good fit for our community. At the interview, a team of 2-3 members from the Membership Committee will assess your understanding of co-op living and principles. We will also assess whether you would be an active contributor/participant in the community (e.g. through your participation in the Board or Committees). You will also be kindly asked a series of simple questions so that we can get to know you better. Your answers to our questions will be recorded for the Board’s review. You are also welcome to ask any questions as well. Our interviews are friendly and welcoming.

Upon approval or denial of your application by the Board of Directors, you will be informed by mail or email as to whether or not you have been placed on our waiting list.

If approved for membership, your name will be placed on our Co-op waiting list. When a unit becomes available, we will consult our waiting list and contact people by order of application date. Once we come to your name on our list, you will be contacted. You will have roughly 1-2 months notice that a unit is available. You will have two chances to turn down an offer before your name is removed from our waiting list.

You must give the Co-op two full months written notice before you move out. The notice period must begin on the first day of the month. You are responsible for the rent and utilities for the full notice period, even if you move out earlier.

We prepared a report on the condition of your apartment before you moved in. Once you’ve given your notice, we prepare another report before you move out. By comparing the two reports, we track damages beyond normal wear and tear, and charge tenants/members for these damages.

During the notice period, staff will show your apartment to prospective tenants. You must leave your apartment/unit clean and empty when you move out or you will be charged for the cleaning.

St. Georges Housing Co-operative is named after the original municipal ward in which we are located. The St. Georges Ward was one of the original five municipal wards of the City of Ottawa, and was established in 1855.