Our History

Co-op La Maison Verte: A unique story

Written by Bernarda Klatt, translated by Janis Warne

Coopérative La Maison Verte began as the initiative of a group of seven people living in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce district of Montréal: Dan Ahmad, Jennifer Auchinleck, Jean-Martial Bonis-Charancle, Roger Haughey, Hans Heisinger, Jason Hughes and Marc Poddubiack. After the 1998 ice storm, they got together to discuss what could be done to help people develop more self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyles in the neighbourhood.

In the group's view, increased economic dependence on the exploitation of natural resources and labour was putting the survival of the planet and human life in danger. The capitalist economic system, based on the search for unlimited profit, was leading to over-consumption and exaggerated materialism. The concentration of capital in the hands of a few large corporations was jeopardizing the development of local and alternative businesses. An unhealthy dependence on certain goods and services, without proper information on the composition and conditions of production, meant a loss of power for the consumer, increased individualism, and the weakening of social and community links.

The cofounders had to look no further for a perfect example of this than the collapse of the Hydro Québec network during the ice storm. Throughout that short period, they realized just how much people depended on electricity and led them to view their neighbourhood in a new light. While walking through the streets and helping others, they became aware that many people were living alone and isolated. They were surprised and saddened to realize that in their relatively well-off neighbourhood, some people were lonely and vulnerable. It was time to find alternatives.

Building the Co-op

All these factors provided inspiration, and the Coopérative La Maison Verte slowly began to take shape. The group decided on a co-operative structure to ensure the involvement of cofounders and future members in the decision-making process, an important aspect for the democratic development of such an enterprise. Priorities included making local products accessible to the public (in the interest of local economic development and to reduce the negative environmental impacts of transport), and creating a dynamic, community-oriented hub where friends could meet for discussion and reflection about the environment and sustainable development.

In 2000 the fledgling enterprise was incorporated as a solidarity co-operative with the Ministère de l'Industrie et du Commerce du Quebec, making it the very first environmental solidarity co-op in Canada, and one of the first in North America.

Financed initially by the cofounders and the first 200 members who had faith in its potential, a grant from local economic development corporation the CDN/NDG CDEC enabled the Maison Verte to start up activities.

The project was finalized that summer. Some of the founding members worked on renovating the store while others sought out suppliers and local media attention. Support from community-based organizations, including the La Maison du 21e siècle magazine and Éco-Initiatives, was key to spreading the word.

The Raging Grannies perform at the Co-op

The Maison Verte officially opened its doors on Sunday, November 25, 2000 with live music, food, and over 300 participants. The opening gave people the opportunity to discover the wide variety of products and services available in their brand-new neighbourhood store.

In the months that followed its opening, public interest grew along with a steady increase in memberships. This participation, even greater than what the founding members had hoped for, confirmed a real desire in the community to work towards more ethical lifestyles.

Today, the Maison Verte has over 6000 members and is, without a doubt, one of the most dynamic establishments on Sherbrooke Street West. Its small team continues to work hard, supported by the public, members and non-members alike, to keep it at the centre of community life in NDG and to provide its members with a range of products and services that correspond to their needs as responsible citizens.