Frequently Asked Questions

What is a land trust and how does it work?

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Land is a finite and valuable resource, especially in our urban areas. A land trust holds land in perpetuity, for a defined social and/or environmental purpose. In the case of Community Land Trust, our purpose is community-based housing. CLT both owns and leases land over the long term, and is responsible for the housing assets on these lands. Because these assets are aggregated (and not individually owned), CLT is able to leverage this to further grow the community housing sector. See the Land Trusts page for general resources on the topic.

How can I live in a Community Land Trust home?

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We have homes available at a variety of locations and price points. Many of them are pet-friendly, too! We encourage you to browse the Find a Home section to review housing in co-operatives and with our non-profit housing partners.  Eligibility criteria and application processes will vary by site.

Do all Community Land Trust sites function as co-operatives?

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While most of our sites are run as non-profit co-operatives, some are operated in conjunction with non-profit housing societies. For more information on co-operatives, please see this informational page from the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC. For more information on non-profit housing societies, please see this informational page at the BCNPHA. Community Land Trust ensures that properties are professionally managed and maintained over the long term, while the co-operative or housing society focuses on community building and meeting residents’ joint needs.

If you choose to join one of our partner co-operatives, you’ll be able to vote on community affairs and have the opportunity to join the board or resident committees to further support the community’s development. With the support of our sector partners, you are provided with training, guidance, and resources to create the community you wish to live in.

Where does Community Land Trust work?

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Community Land Trust works to implement its mission of affordable housing in over a dozen communities throughout BC, with a strong concentration of activity in the Lower Mainland region. We actively seek to partner with local municipalities and affordable housing providers to expand the scope and impact of our work.

How much do Community Land Trust homes cost?

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Community Land Trust homes come in a variety of housing types and levels of affordability – most below market value. All new co-operative housing applicants are income-tested, and housing charges (rents) are initially set at a maximum of 30% of the household’s income (a widely-held indicator of affordability). As a whole, housing charges do increase over time to cover operating costs and ensure the long-term viability of the sites we work with. For sites operated by non-profit housing societies, applications and terms of residence are managed directly by those organizations.  Each of our sites has distinct housing profiles and we invite you review the information in the Portfolio or Find a Home section.

Who owns and runs Community Land Trust?

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Community Land Trust is owned by the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC. We have our own dedicated staff and also work in close collaboration with CHF BC staff and other sector partners.

How can Community Land Trust work with existing co-operatives?

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Community Land Trust is eager to enter into relationship with partners that own and/or operate existing housing and are interested in leveraging CLT’s resources to preserve and expand affordable housing. We have worked with a number of co-operatives to support major renovations and redevelopment, providing expertise and peace of mind that their communities will be sustained over the long term. We invite you to review the profile of Bakerview Co-operative.

Does Community Land Trust invite private investment?

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Yes. If you or your organization are interested in investing in the long-term delivery of community-based housing and ensuring that community-serving lands are preserved and protected from the private market, let’s discuss what opportunities are available. Contact Tiffany Duzita, CLT’s Director, at tduzita@cltrust.ca.