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What is the project based on?

Mount Orford Multi-Stakeholder Co-operative is the only alternative that is bound to succeed and which directly involves the citizens of Quebec. In fact, we are all part of the solution!

Mount Orford Multi-Stakeholder Co-op will contribute in creating collective wealth which will be of benefit to everybody. Indeed, the Co-operative is the only real alternative to solve the problem of Mount Orford, and its success lies with the Quebecquers’ engagement and solidarity. At last, the citizens will finally have their say and be heard.

What is the project based on?
It is important to mention that the project elaborated by Coop Orford will be subsequently presented to the members of Mount Orford Multi-Stakeholder Co-op. The members themselves will dictate the orientation of the co-operative development during the general assembly. In addition, the project is oriented towards increasing public awareness regarding environmental protection, and is based on six major values:

1. Access for the majority to the mountain, to all activities and services offered by the co-operative (including skiing and golfing)
2. Family;
3. Education and growing awareness of co-operation and environmental protection;
4. Job creation and preservation;
5. Long-term environmental protection of the territory (the sole construction of a “green” country inn with 50 rooms will be allowed);
6. The will to co-operate and establish partnerships with Mount Orford’s National Park and any organization interested in the success of the project;

In the medium term, Coop Orford wishes to see Mount Orford sector become a center for environmental research and education.

The Project

At the general assembly, Coop Orford will propose to the gathered members:

1. The management of the ski resort and golf course based on the six values mentioned above, and focusing on Mount Orford’s natural qualities.
2. The building of a green country inn, which will eventually become an environmental research and interpretation center. This center is foreseen as becoming a Canadian reference in green building and new wave tourist accomodation. This green country inn meets the educational mission of Mount Orford Multi-Stakeholder Co-operative.
3. A partnership with Le Centre de villégiature Jouvence regarding their educational mission about environmental learning and sustainable development.

4. To transform the yurts located on top of the mountain in shelters for skiers, hikers and snowshoers. So far, these yurts have been used as fast food restaurants, which does not tally with Coop Orford’s values and preoccupations.
5. To offer a shuttle service to meet the customers and members’ needs, and to stimulate the village of Orford.
6. To refurbish the skiing area in order to improve its quality and accessibility for all the family. That would include, amongst other things, replacing Mount Alfred Desrochers’ obsolete chairlift.

 

What is a Co-operative?

(From the Canadian Co-operative Association)

A co-operative is an organization owned by the members who use its services. Co-operatives can provide virtually any product or service, and can be either a non-profit or for-profit enterprise. (Multi-stakeholder co-operatives : The membership of these co-operatives is made of different categories of members who share a common interest in the organization).

Co-operatives exist in every sector of the economy and can touch every aspect of our lives. You can be born in a health care co-op and buried by a funeral co-op. In between you can work in a worker’s co-op, live in a housing co-op, buy your groceries, clothing and other items from retail co-ops, send your children to a child care co-op, do all your banking at a credit union, and purchase your insurance from an insurance co-op.

Co-ops and credit unions provide consumers with a distinct values-based and community-owned and controlled alternative. Unlike the private, public, or voluntary sectors, all co-operatives around the world are guided by the same seven principles:

1. Voluntary and open membership
2. Democratic member control
3. Member economic participation
4. Autonomy and independence
5. Education, training, and information
6. Co-operation among co-operatives
7. Concern for community

Collectively there are over 10,000 co-operatives and credit unions in Canada providing products and services to over 10 million Canadians.

 

How do co-ops differ from other businesses?

Co-operatives and credit unions are driven by both economic and social concerns. They are community-based organizations that care not only about the bottom lines of their businesses, but about the needs of their members and the quality of life in their communities. Co-operatives and credit unions differ from other businesses in three key ways :

1. A Different Purpose
The primary purpose of co-operatives and credit unions is to meet the common needs of their members, whereas the primary purpose of most investor-owned businesses is to maximize profit for shareholders.

2. A Different Control Structure
Co-operatives and credit unions use the one-member/one-vote system, not the one-vote-per-share system used by most businesses. This helps the co-operative or credit union serve the common need rather than the individual need, and is a way to ensure that people, not capital, control the organization.

3. A Different Allocation of Profit
Co-operatives and credit unions share profits among their member-owners on the basis of how much they use the co-op, not on how many shares they hold. Co-operatives and credit unions also tend to invest their profits in improving service to members and promoting the well-being of their communities.