This case study aims to explore the unique structure and impact of the Vancouver-based Community Land Trust Foundation of British Columbia (CLTFBC) which leverages a community land trust (CLT) model as a tool to operate housing co-ops. As housing unaffordability has escalated to a crisis level, there is growing recognition of the value of coop housing and community land trusts (CLTs) in providing secure and affordable tenure to renters in Canada.

While there is no legal definition of a CLT in Canada, the CLTFBC differs from existing CLTs in several ways. Unlike many neighbourhood-focused CLTs with high community participation, CLTFBC operates as a consolidated, long-term asset management tool to administer housing coops, resulting in less community involvement and more community service. This case study illustrates how this CLT model has been used to benefit the wider coop and non-profit housing  community in British Columbia, Canada, and how it may continue to benefit the Canadian CLT community in the future.

The case study’s analysis of CLTFBC’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats provide valuable insights for other CLTs looking to adopt a supportive coop housing approach. While smaller CLTs don’t need to replicate this exact model to succeed, CLTFBC’s achievements have inspired broader government support and boosted recognition of the model’s value. Through ongoing advocacy, the CLT community can raise awareness and support the scaling of similar initiatives to address affordable housing needs. As a leader in this area, CLTFBC is well-equipped to guide other large-scale projects in developing secure, affordable housing.

To read the full case study please click here.

The study was commissioned by the Canadian Network of Community Land Trusts and written by Penny Gurstein, Professor Emeritus, University of British Columbia.

 

Advocacy Canada Study