A Brief History

   The Life Lease model was developed in a response to the projected new housing trends of the nineties and into the new millennium. The current demographics clearly indicate that our population is aging at an increasingly high rate. Current statistics predict a major increase in demographic of 55+ seniors.

   Canadian seniors are looking for a Life Style change to better suit their needs. The younger age group of "empty nesters" is looking for flexibility, low maintenance and security - leave for extended trips - no residential worries at home - no maintenance. Many older singles and couples cherish the community support provided through living in a life lease complex with common amenities.

   The life lease model has been used to develop "Independent Living" housing projects and can be used to develop "Enriched Housing" projects where residential needs are supplemented by a variety of other services (laundry, light housekeeping, meals, medical services, etc.).

   As experience with the life lease model grows it has become apparent that persons living in Life Lease complexes as well as those interested in such living accommodation often misunderstand the concept. Experience also reveals that the concept, in practice, has many differences from complex to complex.

   Initially, Garry Brickman, Don Boehmer, and John Lohrenz, among others, in conversation, could see the need for a means of communication among life lease complexes to share ideas and concerns peculiar to life lease buildings.

   After a number of exploratory discussions at meetings of life lease tenants, it was thought useful to form an association to consider various legal issues presented by The Life Leases Act and Regulations affecting life leases, consider policies followed by the Residential Tenancies Branch, and policies adopted in the different complexes regarding governance, management, and individual policies and practices.

   The Manitoba Life Lease Occupants' Association is an unincorporated entity that came into being on October 4, 2005. Its membership is comprise of tenant organizations in life lease complexes who have joined together for the purposes of education, monitoring laws and policies affecting life lease properties, and to provide a resource for tenant concerns.

   Soon there were members from Brandon, Selkirk, Swan River and Winnipeg eventually exceeding 20 complexes. Efforts to locate complexes continue. (There is no registry listing them for easy identification)

Constitution

The MLLOA functions under a Constitution adopted on October 4, 2005 and updated and amended periodically. The Name, Mission Statement and Purpose noted on the home page is a part of that Constitution.

Click on PDF icon below to view a copy of the MLLOA Constitution.