The West Village Community Co-op is a grassroots development organization led by and for residents of Guelph’s west end. 

About Us

The West Village Co-op started in 1997 as a City of Guelph-funded Neighbourhood Group. It all started when a group of residents came together to create programming for local youth and families. In the years since 1997, many residents have come together to organize support, programs, events, and local leadership opportunities. In 2015, the group formalized and incorporated as a Community Development Co-operative with charitable status. 

Why We Do What We Do

Our community of West Guelph is a vibrant place where interesting and capable people from all over the world settle and build their livelihoods. We also recognize that there is not equity of opportunity for all people living in our neighborhoods.

Lack of access to opportunities for livelihood supports, such as affordable childcare, food, recreation and sports, housing, and work skills development contribute further to income and food insecurity. Limited English language capacity, low income, class differences, and complicated government service systems and silos mean that people in our community experience barriers to accessing government services, quality education, and health care. Further, their mental health is negatively impacted by isolation and limited spaces and opportunities to craft a local support network.

Our Vision

Our vision is of a thriving, vibrant, inclusive, and engaged community, powered by co-operation and local leadership. We work to empower people and celebrate diversity through community building, skill and asset development, and advocacy in West Guelph. 

Our Mission

We are guided by the interests and leadership of local residents. Our services and programs are dynamic and evolve to meet the changing needs of our residents. 

Community development activities include: Food supports, Education and skill development, Connections to community resources, Affordable and accessible Camps and Recreation programs, Fun and free family events to facilitate social connections between neighbours, building resilience.

Our Core Values

1. Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity, welcome all, and create safe spaces for people to enjoy life, take leadership, and act in ways that will benefit the whole community
2. Compassion: We care about the well-being of people in our community and listen deeply to our member's experience
3. Commitment: We’re passionate about what we do and committed to our co-op roots and community development principles – by community, for community
4. Collaboration: All that we do, we do together in connection with community and our partners
5. Courage: Together with our members we are brave and bold, pushing boundaries when necessary to create the conditions where everyone in our community can thrive
6. Responsiveness: We work with what members and neighbours tell us is needed and work with them to make it happen
7. Respect: We treat people with dignity and respect
8. Honesty: We cultivate trust and openness with our members and everyone we work with
9. Accessibility: We believe in doing what we can to remove barriers so everyone can participate in making our community a great place to live
10. Stewardship: We are responsible stewards of our financial, human, and environmental resources

Co-op Structure

Our group wanted a way to respond to our community’s needs that was rooted in grassroots democratic control with flexible, creative and responsive decisions. To achieve the community development vision, in a high needs area, with limited resources we needed people to recognize that they had value and collectively we are the solution.

A Co-operative structure and co-op principles was right for us! 

Our Programs

Camps and Recreation

We offer fun and affordable PA Day, March Break, and Summer Camps for children 4 - 12 years of age. Our recreation programs offer opportunities for skill development, time to connect with and make new friends, and lots of fun for a range of ages. Come out and try an activity, get your body moving and stay healthy!

Food and Gardens

The Food Hub serves as a West Guelph satellite location for the Guelph Food Bank, helping to address our community’s food access needs. Our Co-operative Garden provides spaces for members to grow fresh produce. Members can learn skills and connect with neighbours. The summer Co-op Youth Farm is an experiential learning program. High school students get hands-on experience in outdoor gardening, providing food & other skills. This program is an opportunity to earn high school credits. 

Community Resources

We work with other agencies to make access easier. Our agency provides help with Income Tax Filing, Free to Grow applications, Ontario Energy Support and other applications. Our agency also provides help with Back to School items and referrals to other community agencies.