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Co-ops usually arise when a group of people share a common need that cannot be met by individuals acting alone. This is clearly the case for the many recreation co-operatives across Canada. They are consumer co-operatives that provide services that governments and municipalities are unable or unwilling to provide.
Using the co-op model, hundreds of small communities have created community halls and every type of recreation and fitness facility. People who share an interest in golf, sailing, skiing or canoeing have also created co-operatives to pursue their interests and passions. When people pool their collective efforts to get the job done, they are  meeting not only their need for shared facilities, but also their need to come together and build a community spirit.
Sometimes a recreation co-op is formed to buy a private sector business that is on the verge of closing. If the community wants the business to continue, sometimes the only way to do this is to form a co-operative with community equity and resources.
We know there are hundreds of co-ops across Canada involved in recreation activities, and thousands across the globe. Yet there is not a large body of information available. The online tools and guides that appear on this page are the best of what is known to exist at this time, and we hope it offers a useful peek at the possibilities of this sector. New materials will be added as they become available or as further research is completed in this area. NOTE: If you are aware of other tools or guides that should be added here, please let us know by sending an 
 Recreation co-operatives - Canadian examples
There are hundreds of co-operatives operating across Canada that meet a wide range of social and recreational needs for their members. Here are a few sample co-ops with websites where you can see many of the details of how these co-operatives operate.
 Fox Glen Golf Club Co-operative (ON)
Bergheim Recreation Co-operative (SK)
Elkader Fitness Co-operative (SK)
Van Isle Sailing Co-op (BC)
Lower Mainland Yacht Co-op (BC)
Fitness Co-ops in the Prairies
This brief profile shows how a lot of Manitoba communities are creating community owned fitness co-operatives. It includes some details of how these co-ops set up and operate.
History of Recreational Co-ops in Saskatchewan
This entry in the Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan tells how the province's communities created all types of recreation co-operatives starting in the 1920s - everything from community halls and gymnasiums to golf courses and community theatres.
Recreation Co-operative - UK example
This example from England shows the scale at which recreation co-operatives can operate. Known as a 'mutual' in England, this co-operative has 90 fitness centres and 700 staff. It is owned and governed by its user-members and employees.
Culture and Recreation Co-operatives - Australia
This site from a region of Australia shows the range of possibilities for co-operatives in the realm of culture and recreation. Here you will find links to co-ops that operate yacht clubs, canoe clubs, theatre and music venues, ski lodges, squash courts, gymnastics clubs, etc.
Can the Co-op Model Save a Ski Area?
This article looks at a co-op ownership option for a BC ski hill that was recently for sale. The article also contains links to two ski co-ops in Vermont. We know there are a number of ski hill co-ops in Quebec, but unfortunately there are no websites available in English.
Mountain Equipment Co-op
This consumer co-operative offers recreational products to over 3 million members worldwide - with a focus on self-propelled sports and protecting the natural environment. Formed in 1970 by 4 mountain climbers, MEC has grown to be one of Canada's largest co-operatives, now with 14 stores doing $260 million in annual sales.
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