Micheline's Put-in
 
Finding the co-op in a co-op
For the last 20 years, I've done what many Montrealers have done (do) as far as my living situation goes and that is to jump from apartment to apartment. If I got tired of one place, I would find another once my lease had expired. There was always a great deal of choice and the way the city is designed, it's fabulous public transit system (there is no sarcasm intended here) and, what was once upon a time a renter's market, this way of life suited me beautifully. I always found great places all while having to apply very little effort. However, as life would have it, things change. Though the transit system remains in the good to excellent range, prices to rent have ski rocketed, forcing many to move away from the city's core making accessibility less convenient.
At about this time last year, my situation was such that I needed to find a cheap place to live but that was suitable for my infant son and me. Ideally, it had to be in an area that provided easy access to my work which is located downtown. Also this new place had to be close to everything. Though I do have a van it is on its last legs and I don't foresee myself being capable of buying a new on any time soon. Finally, being a single parent, I needed something that was affordable which to me meant in the $400 to $500 range (up until about 5 years ago, this was quite plausible in the Montreal area - not today where the prices have almost doubled).
At the time, I was living in Pointe St-Charles where rents are considerably lower than other areas. Be it as it may, they are still higher than what I was willing to pay. I began my search for other options. Following a few inquiries, I was lead to what was deemed as the new way Montrealers (with low income) were going: living in a co-op. A co-op is a government subsidized living space where all the responsibilities lie on the tenants - from managing the mortgage (which consists of a government loan) to budgeting for repairs to making sure that the walkways are cleared of snow. Everyone gets a regular lease which provides the actual market rental price of the dwelling. Over and above this, we are given a co-op contract which provides us with a considerably lower price than what is stated on the lease (the government subsidy). In order to be eligible to pay the contract price however, one must be A) a member of the co-op and this is done by paying the one time $100 fee and B) by participating in the management of the co-op by fulfilling an assigned duty. In my case, I'm part of the finance committee. I was also in charge of the move-in. If one reneges on either of the two conditions, they are forced to pay the lease price.
The tricky part in all of this is how to ensure that everyone does their equal share - or does something, period! For instance, our building is still under construction. Though I was granted parking (which I will have to pay extra for) I would have to wait until spring before myself or anyone can use the parking space because the area was not ready yet. Yesterday, I opened my blinds to my backdoor which looks out to the soon-to-be parking lot only to see FIVE parked cars. I was livid. It was -20 degrees outside and God-only-knows that I would have appreciated parking there instead of 2 blocks away. Apparently, there are a few tenants that don't believe in the regulations. In the past, I could complain to the owner. Now I don't really have an individual to whom I can complain to. I have to wait until the next members' meeting which could take a few weeks. Being the person that I am, there was no waiting a few weeks. I began running around looking for my member's manual. I was sure that I had a list that contained the various committees and their members. But which committee did this situation fall under? There is NO parking lot committee. Anyway, I never found my list and decided to .let it go for the time being. The next morning, I looked out the window and saw that all the cars had been moved. I was pleased. I gathered that someone else noticed this and spoke up. I was relieved. Then a few hours later, I noticed a woman parking very close to my back door (I'm on the look out now….this thing has turned me into Gladys Cravits from Bewitched!!!). When I saw her arrive, I bounced off my couch and ran to my back door (sliding door). Only I could not get the lock undone in time to stop her….After a few choice curse words, I once again decided to let it go…for now….
Aside from my neurotic tendencies, I'm actually appreciating this new living arrangement. It's permitting me to be more involved in my home situation which I believe is a good standard that I set for my son. Also, this "commune" like style brings out the community sense in people which for some time, was lost on most of us Montrealers.
© Micheline's Put-In
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