Applying for membership
Are you interested in becoming a member of Abby Road Housing Co-operative Ltd. and helping shape our inclusive, member-governed community? Here’s what you need to know before you apply.
MEMBERSHIP
Who can apply
Abby Road Housing Co-operative welcomes applications from people of all abilities and backgrounds. We are open to all individuals without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, marital status, nationality, ancestry, or disability.
Our community includes able-bodied and physically disabled residents who live side by side, sharing responsibility and building the future together.
Membership is not offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Instead, the Membership Committee and Board of Directors review applications to determine which candidates best meet the current and long-term needs of the co-op.
Membership requirements
To become a member, applicants must demonstrate:
Cooperative Spirit: A willingness to participate, volunteer, and contribute to the community’s success.
Independent Living Ability: The ability to live independently and meet the financial and social responsibilities of membership.
Respect for the Community: Alignment with our values of inclusion, volunteerism, and democratic decision-making.
Membership share
To join the co-op, approved applicants purchase one membership share valued at $1,000. This share represents ownership in the co-operative and grants you voting rights and participation privileges.
The share is refundable when membership ends (no interest or capital gain is earned).
Equal opportunity
Abby Road Housing Co-operative Ltd. is committed to inclusion, accessibility, and respect for all members. We do not discriminate based on age, gender, race, religion, disability, or background. We believe a strong community is built when everyone contributes in their own way.
CONSIDERATIONS
Selection criteria
When evaluating applicants, we consider the following:
1. Needs of the co-op
Preference is given to applicants whose skills, experience, or interests align with the co-op’s current needs — for example, maintenance, administration, accounting, community engagement, or governance.
2. Personal circumstances
Applicants who may be unable to volunteer in traditional ways due to physical or other limitations can still demonstrate value to the community through equivalent contributions of time, skills, or expertise.
3. Maintenance responsibility
Applicants must show that they have cared for previous homes responsibly, keeping them in good repair. We confirm this through landlord references and interviews.
4. Financial reliability
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to pay monthly housing charges on time. Credit and reference checks are part of this process.
5. Eligibility for rental assistance (if applicable)
If a subsidized unit is available, applicants who qualify under federal rental assistance programs (CMHC or FCHI-2) will be given priority. Learn about subsidy information.
PROCESS
How to apply
Membership applications are carefully reviewed in several stages.
Please ensure you have read our About Us and Membership Information pages before submitting your application.
Step 1: Complete your application
Submit a fully completed Membership Application Form, including:
Two references (one must be a previous landlord)
Contact and household details
Financial information for a credit check
Volunteer experience or relevant skills
Required signatures, initials, and dates
Attach a $35 non-refundable administration fee paid by cash or bank-certified cheque (no e-transfers or credit cards).
Mail or Deliver to:
Abby Road Housing Co-operative Ltd.
Attn: Membership Committee
100, 10950 82 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2R9
Only fully completed applications will be considered.
Step 2: Interview and evaluation
If selected, applicants will be invited to an in-person interview with the Membership Committee at Abby Road.
Bring a current criminal record check (dated within the last 6 months).
During the interview, we’ll talk about:
Your experience living independently
Your interest in cooperative living
Your skills, volunteer background, and goals
Step 3: Committee review and board decision
After the interview, the Membership Committee:
Checks references and verifies information provided
Reviews your fit with co-op needs and community values
Recommends approval or rejection to the Board of Directors
The Board’s decision is final.
Approved applicants are added to the waiting list until a suitable unit becomes available.
Application checklist
Before submitting your application, please confirm that you have included:
Completed Membership Application Form
Two references (including one previous landlord)
Financial and contact information
Volunteer or skills details
Required signatures, initials, and dates
$35 non-refundable administration fee (cash or certified cheque)
ASSISTANCE
A supportive community
Abby Road is not social housing, public housing, or an assisted living facility. We are a non-profit, independent housing co-operative where every member has a voice, a vote, and a responsibility to contribute.
Some members live completely independently; others access Abby Road Support Services, a self-directed, 24-hour program for members with physical disabilities who qualify for daily living assistance.
Either way, we are all part of the same cooperative community.
Ready to apply?
If you share our values of cooperation, independence, and inclusion, and you’re ready to make a positive contribution to our community, we encourage you to apply.
