A-Z handbook for co-op members
Find answers to some of the most common questions arranged alphabetically, from how the co-op organization works and its responsibilities and yours, how to deal with problems including maintenance, financial, and with neighbours. Updated frequently.
Accessibility, conflict mediation and human rights
Accessible Woodsworth
Includes accommodation for members with disabilities.
Conflict mediation
This committee strives to resolve conflicts between members in a fair and professional manner. See the Reconciliation Bylaw.
Human Rights Bylaw
A backgrounder on the co-op’s human rights bylaw. Includes the prohibited grounds of discrimination in housing.
Board of Directors
Board of Directors – keys tasks and responsibilities
Outlines governance (role and authority), board operations and decision-making, Board meetings, officers, financial oversight, budgeting and reporting to members, capital and investments, management and committee oversight, human rights, conflict of interest, privacy (PIPEDA), membership and occupancy issues.
Contacting the Board and Management correspondence – procedures
Information and advice for members from the Board of Directors about Office and Board correspondence, problems and forms, behaviour. Emergency subsidy. (October 2025)
There is a form requesting for a topic for a members’ meeting agenda.
Bylaws and policies
Bylaws and policies
This list of all Woodsworth’s bylaws which have been approved by a 2/3 majority vote at a GMM and are in effect. The policies have been approved by a simple majority at a GMM.
Bylaws and Policies, an overview
Core bylaws in Woodsworth
Bylaws related to maintenance, renovations, unit conditions
Includes several bylaws and specific polices related to paint, floors and more. All are in effect.
Topic guides to Woodsworth’s bylaws and policies – a reference document
Overviews of co-op regulations organized by topic.
Members’ meetings and participation
Woodsworth normally holds hybrid general members’ meeting offering members the opportunity to join the meeting in person or the live meeting online.
Member meeting process guide
For information for the Board and members on scheduling and planning members’ hybrid meetings. Role of the Board, staff, and members at the meeting. Voting.
Member meetings at Woodsworth – a summary of the bylaws
Our bylaws and Rules of Order set out how meetings are called, how they operate, and the powers members have. This document is a summary of our bylaws relating to member meetings.
Members’ Meeting Rules of Order — Quick Reference
A short guide to our rules of order. Useful for anyone chairing a meeting as well as participants. Motions, amendments, voting, procedural motions.
Rules of Order for Board and General Members’ Meetings
The approved rules of order for Woodsworth. Committees may also use Woodsworth’s approved rules of order at their meetings.
Conflict of interest – Organizational Bylaw, Article 19
Outlines how conflicts of interest are handled for the board, committees, and staff, including manageable vs. prohibited conflicts and a definition of “relatives.” Members may still speak and vote at meetings even if there is a conflict but are encouraged to disclose conflicts and act in the co-op’s best interests.
Participation
About participation in the co-op. What the bylaws say. Cleanup days – spring and fall
About co-ops
Co-op organizations
CHFT offers workshops for members especially in spring and fall. CHFC supports co-ops through an annual conference and online resources. SLNA liaises with government and the community at large on issues that affect St. Lawrence Neighbourhood. Woodsworth elects delegates for all three.
Co-op Basics: a video about co-operatives from Co-op Housing Federation of Canada (CHFC)
A video.
Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada
Learn about housing co-ops, what’s happening in Canada.
Co-op principles
Co-operatives around the world share the same seven principles as defined by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA).
Woodsworth’s history
About developing and building Woodsworth. Includes co-operatives in general, St. Lawrence Neigbhourhood and our namesake, J.S. Woodsworth.
For more information, see Topics on our home page, especially:
Board of Directors and reports
Co-op information
Includes Co-op contact phone numbers. City of Toronto emergency and non-emergency phone numbers.
Membership, long-term guests, relocation & unit allocation
For becoming a member or a long-term guest, leaving Woodsworth, member absences and principal residence, relocations and waiting lists, returning members, sublets, teens (Turning 16s).
Member meetings GMMs and AGMs
All articles about members’ meetings.
