FAQ

The Cooperative’s projected address is 3505 avenue Papineau. It could change, depending on a decision by Canada Post, but the building itself isn’t going anywhere!

The Cooperative will have 52 studio apartments, five 2 bedroom, twenty 3 bedroom and three 4 bedroom apartments.

In the interest of equity. All studio apartments have the same rent. For co-living units, prices vary based on the unit’s size and how it is divided, whether it has a balcony or not, etc.

Heating is included in your rent. Thanks to energy-efficient central heating with hot water and improved thermal insulation, the units are very comfortable. It is also possible to manually adjust the heating in each room with a wall-mounted thermostat.

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible without a specific agreement with the building manager. In many cases, the appliances included in the unit have been specially designed to optimize space.

Only in certain units. None of the studio apartments can accommodate a washer and dryer. For the larger units, only those on the ground floor will have the necessary connections. Why was the building designed in this way? Because there is a communal laundromat on the main floor and it reduces costs for ventilation in the building.

The Cooperative is responsible for the laundromat. As such, any revenue left after maintenance costs for the machines will automatically be paid to the cooperative, which can use the funds to undertake projects chosen by its members.

Yes! To ensure that the cooperative is accessible to as many people as possible, eight units are adapted for residents with reduced mobility. The following adaptations are available:

Electrical outlet for the toilet and bathrooms;
Complete turning radius in the living room and kitchen of studio apartments;
Removable section under the sink, allowing access for a wheelchair;
Space under the bathroom vanity to accommodate a wheelchair;
Lowered electrical socket for those in a wheelchair;
Two peepholes on the door―one higher and one lower;
All common areas are wheelchair accessible;
Automatic doors on the ground floor, with push buttons to open;
Hallways on the main floor have been adapted for individuals with reduced mobility;
Laundromat: two accessible machines (1 washer and 1 dryer).

The Cooperative’s building is owned and administered by UTILE, a non-profit organization. This means that there are no shareholders or owner with an interest in aggressively increasing rents for profit. Rent increases will be limited to the rate of inflation, making the Woodnote more and more affordable over time!

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible for us to offer this option. Renting for a full year allows us to significantly minimize management costs, which is an important factor for the affordability of our units.

No, the apartments are not furnished. However, the kitchens include all necessary appliances (refrigerator and stove). There are also furnished common spaces available in the Cooperative, including a laundromat.

Unless your unit is specifically designed to accommodate it, all portable appliances (such as washers, dryers, or dishwashers) are prohibited. These machines connect to the unit’s taps and damage the building’s plumbing.

Not this year, but we do offer virtual visits to models of certain units (studio and co-living). If you’re interested in viewing them, visit our Appartments page!

The rent for each unit includes a high-speed internet connection, the modem, and router! So you won’t have to worry about finding an internet service provider yourself.

People who will be signing their lease for a unit on the first or second floor are assured to move in from the 1st of July. As for the rest of the units situated on the third and fourth floor, we will be able to confirm the move-in date once the application process will open in March.

Once your lease has been signed, you’ll receive an email in May with a welcome kit that includes all of the necessary information for moving in.

Woodnote does not offer any parking for cars. Instead, the building was designed with a focus on cycling, which is why it has a secure interior parking area with 90 bike racks that can only be accessed with a tenant’s smart key. If you do have a car, the City of Montreal offers paid parking (with permit) on rue Papineau and neighbouring streets.

All of the Cooperative’s members have access to the common areas during the reserved times for residents. These spaces can therefore be used as study rooms, meeting spaces, and much more. Free Wi-Fi is also available. However, because a coffee shop will be opening in the common room in 2020, certain opening hours will allow the café’s clients to use the available services. It should be noted that residents will never be required to purchase anything from the café to have access to the space during business hours.

Of course! It’s your home. But don’t forget that you are part of a community and that it’s always best to let your neighbours know if you think you’ll be making noise that could be distracting. As always, try and think of those around you!

Unfortunately, animals are not accepted, unless they are service animals (e.g., guide dogs for the visually impaired).

Yes, it is possible to sublet your apartment for a maximum of four months. It is strictly prohibited to sublet your apartment using the Airbnb model. Please note that the person(s) who signed the lease remain responsible for the unit, even when during a sublet.

No, smoking either tobacco or cannabis is strictly prohibited in the apartments and common areas (interior and exterior). Please note that smoking cannabis in public spaces is now prohibited in Quebec.

We don’t take responsibility for matching roommates together. It is your responsibility to find one or more roommates if you want to apply for a larger unit.

Yes, it is possible to share your room with your spouse. However, it’s important to note that priority will be given to groups with one Concordia student in each room when allocating co-living units.

No. The Woodnote Cooperative is not responsible for its tenants’ property. Although it isn’t obligatory, we recommend that you get home insurance, as the building’s insurance plan does not cover damages to or loss of personal property for residents.

There is no gym in the building, although a fitness centre, the Centre Père Sablon, is only a five-minute walk away. It includes a training room, pool, and a variety of classes. What’s more, Woodnote is directly across from one of the largest green spaces in Montreal! An ideal spot for outdoor physical activities in both summer and winter.

Since the project was designed by and for Concordia students, you have to sign a letter of agreement mentioning you will move out of the building once your studies are completed. Thus, future generations of students will be able to experience the same cooperative living environment from which you have benefited! However, we do not want to put anyone on the street and at the end of your studies, you will be able to benefit from a single "grace year" if necessary before relocating.

Day-to-day management of the building is overseen by an experienced non-profit organization, SHAPEM (Société populaire d’habitation de l’Est de Montréal, or Montreal East Popular Housing Corporation). As such, they’re responsible for maintaining common spaces, making any necessary repairs, handling complaints, lease issues, etc.

The legal owner of the building is UTILE Papineau, an NPO created specifically to ensure the long-term affordability and maintenance of the building. It is managed by UTILE, the social developer who built the project. The UTILE board of directors is primarily composed of student associations and tenants. It has no owners or shareholders trying to derive profit from the building.

Yes, a concierge will be present at Woodnote during the week to maintain common spaces, complete daily maintenance tasks, make minor repairs, and more. Each tenant is responsible for maintaining their own apartment.

The building is a new construction and is located in one of Montreal’s safest neighbourhoods. To ensure the security of residents, a double-lock system has been installed. That is, residents must use a smart key to access common areas or the main entrance, and a unique key for their unit. What’s more, each unit has access to an emergency exit that leads to either rue Papineau or the alleyway.

Not at all! While the cooperative prioritizes students, it is otherwise different in almost every way from a student residence. It’s much more like having your own apartment. You have full control over who you live with, the food you want to eat, and even how you organize the space inside your apartment. The cooperative’s community gives you the option of either spending time in your private unit or socializing with other members in the common areas!

Yes, every person residing in the building has to pay a fee to join the cooperative. There are two membership fees. The first is a one-time $10 fee to become a member of the cooperative, while the second is an annual $30 fee that allows the cooperative to organize activities at a reduced cost for the community. As a member, you are also eligible to be elected to the cooperative’s board of directors, which makes decisions about the building’s communal life!

Over the course of the year, there is a general assembly that gives member-residents the opportunity to vote on important questions facing the cooperative and its activities. It also elects the board of directors. For its part, the Board is responsible for making important decisions throughout the year. It is composed of 6 residents, 1 housing expert from HOJO (Housing and Job research centre at Concordia), 1 expert in student housing from UTILE (Unité de travail pour l’implantation de logement étudiant), and one person representing the community in Montreal.

The Board makes sure the cooperative’s financials are sound and oversees its activities, including communal life in the building. The Board is responsible for orienting the cooperative and making sure it’s fulfilling its mission and respecting its vision. Generally, the Board meets every month for two to three hours.

Not at all! Members of the cooperative are only asked to give four hours of their time each semester. There are a thousand and one ways to get involved; all you need to do is find one that’s interesting to you. The annual general assembly is also an opportunity to share ideas for how members can be involved.

We are well aware of the issues and systemic barriers many people face as a result of discrimination when trying to find housing. This is why we made sure to include a policy on equity in our selection policy, to ensure we avoid any issues with discrimination and prioritize those affected by it when considering applications. You can read our official policy here.

Candidates must submit their applications by following the steps on the APPLICATION page. Once your application is received, the building manager will validate that every individual meets the financial and student status requirements. Once validated, the application is sent to the selection committee for consideration. This committee primarily considers applicants’ answers about their willingness to get involved in the cooperative, the challenges they’ve faced accessing housing, and their financial needs.

Priority for choosing units is given according to the order in which applications were received. It should be noted that individuals must pass two steps in the selection process (eligibility and points) to become a tenant.

The selection committee is composed of an expert from HOJO, a representative from UTILE, and one member of the cooperative.

Considering that this project was developed for Concordia students, the selection process will privilege undergraduate Concordia students who are taking at least two classes, because the project’s initial funding was provided by the CSU (Concordia Student Union). Having said that, it could eventually be opened to students from other universities. Don’t hesitate to apply so you can be included on the waiting list. Keep in mind that studio apartments on the ground floor are reserved for students with reduced mobility, regardless of which university they attend.

Yes! We are creating a waiting list and there is a chance you could get an apartment among those that are still vacant as of April 1, 2020.