About Cohousing Options Canada

Kristopher is a community builder focused on advancing a more sustainable future for his son, family, friends and the people of Canada. He is an experienced leader and advisor in the field of sustainability with more than 15 years experience. Kristopher specializes in developing and implementing strategies that bring together commercial, public, indigenous and community partners to create individual, social, economic and ecological value. 

Highlights from his career include: advancing the Community Wealth Non-profit development approach to workforce housing, indigenous housing and cohousing that makes home ownership accessible to those with annual incomes of $30,000 a year, advancing the indiginization of the trades,  serving seven years as the Executive Director of the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association, initiating Ontario’s successful Green Energy and Economy Act campaign, recruiting executives for Fortune 500 multinationals in Asia and researching economic reform in Africa and the sensitive topic of social friction in Ontario’s electricity sector.

 Kristopher currently serves as the Executive Director of Cohousing Options Canada, Sustainability and Innovation Advisor for the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, a Consultant and Director of Roots to Roofs Community Development Society, President of Smart Net Coalition Board and a Director of the Aboriginal Skilled Workers Association. 

Michel (Mike) Labbé is the CEO Home Opportunities and a Development Consultant. He has been involved in the production of affordable housing for 35 years, the first 13 working on subsidized rental projects with Lantana Non-profit Housing Corporation. A trip to work in the Townships of Johannesburg, South Africa and the disappearance of government grants contributed to Mike’s shift in focus to cost-effective ownership housing.

In 1992, Mike founded Options for Homes Non-Profit Corporation which he ran as it’s President until 2016. Mike was instrumental in developing a model that can provide mixed income housing to thousands of households without any permanent government subsidy. During his tenure the organization became one of Canada’s leading social enterprises providing homes to over 6,500 households across Canada.

In 2015 Mike established Options International to shift his focus to a broader poverty alleviation strategy overseas and in Canada leaving Options for Homes in the capable hands of new leadership. 

 2019 saw Mike found Home Opportunities in order to focus on creating a new model that strives to reduce poverty through the wealth that is created. Mike continues to work on and contribute to new innovative social enterprises and solutions connected to food, workforce training, housing and more.

Alexander Theodorakidis applies broad industry experience, expert knowledge and relentless energy to solving business problems. A graduate of Humber College with a diploma in Hospitality Management, Alexander’s career has branched into other industries and disciplines. 

Today, Alexander specializes in working with companies strategic planning, digital marketing, project management, systems efficiency and facilities management.

Born in Toronto and raised in Brampton, Alex loves hiking, fishing and camping in the Ontario backwoods and spends his spare time reading and playing soccer.

Elvira was born and raised in gorgeous Saint-Petersburg, Russia. In 2003 her parents sent her to Toronto to help improve her English and the rest is history. She graduated from the University of Toronto in 2009 with a degree in History & Political Science and has a passion for a good political debate or an insightful history book. Elvira has since worked as a researcher for the G8/G20 Research Groups to learn more about the world around her and has ten years working in public, private, government and academic environments. Elvira has worked in various campaigns, consulting companies, and organizations over the years, which taught her a great deal about Toronto’s culture and diversity.

Elvira has always loved helping people, engaging people, and working in the community. When she is not at work you can find her in the gym or hanging off trees in the summer with family and friends at a park. Elvira loves sports, books, wine, travel and most of all she loves her two adorable kids and family.