Application Process

The application process involves three steps:

1. Application form, and things to know about the co-op before applying

Application forms are available at the co-op office, located at 135 James Henry Drive in Aurora (see map). You can pick one up or call the co-op office to have one faxed to you.

Approximately half of our members are considered “market renters” and half are “subsidized”. Market rent means you pay the entire housing charge (rent) as established by the co-op. Subsidized means a member has applied for a subsidy from York Region Housing for financial support to live at the co-op. If you require information about applying for subsidy, contact the co-op office.

If you are paying full market rent, you are entitled to choose what size unit you wish, depending on availability. If you are subsidized, York Region will decide on the size of unit you are entitled to receive.

To find out the current number of vacancies, contact the co-op office during business hours.

In the application you must provide information including employment history, previous residences (including landlord references), the number of people who will be living in the unit with you, the number of vehicles registered to the occupants, and the type of pets (if any) you have (see below for more information).

The co-op is authorized to run a credit check to determine your financial status. Strict confidentiality is held regarding the financial status of each member.

Here are some other important items to consider:

Participation

• all members over the age of 16 are required to volunteer a minimum of four hours per month to assist in the management of the co-op. This obligation is typically fulfilled by participating in one of the co-op's various committees. Refer to the Participation page for more information.
• similarly, members are required to attend four quarterly members meetings, usually held off site at a location within the town of Aurora. Meetings are necessary to discuss co-op issues and elect new Board of Directors (BOD) members.

Pets

• the current policy is one dog and one cat OR two cats
• all cats must be indoor cats
• all dogs must be on leash out of doors and cleaned up after
• all vaccinations and spay/neutering must be up to date
• no exotic animals, including rabbits (Town of Aurora by-law)
• no aggressive dogs

Parking

• two spots per household, in garage and on driveway
• very few “extra” parking spaces
• a long waiting list for paid external spots
• no street parking (big fines/and or towing)

2. Interview

Your application is then forwarded to the Membership Committee for consideration, and an information session interview arranged. The purpose of the interview is to ultimately determine whether the members feel they would like to have you as a neighbour. The atmosphere is casual and you don't need to prepare anything - come as you are!

The decision whether to approve you for membership will be made at a confidential meeting of the committee. Their decision will be passed to the Board of Directors, who vote to approve or disapprove the committee's recommendation. The co-op office will inform you of any decision as soon as possible.

The process can take up to 60 days to complete, so please be patient.

3. Acceptance and moving in

Upon acceptance of your application you will be required to pay the following:

• $200 deposit to reserve spot
• $30 one time membership fee per member
• first and last month’s housing charge (rent)
• damage deposit equalling 40% of one month's housing charge, refundable upon your move-out and leaving unit in good condition

Coordinate your move in date and picking up the keys to your unit with the co-op office.