In loving Memory

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Lynn Hannley, the esteemed managing director and founder of The Communitas Group. Lynn passed away on Saturday, April 26th.

Lynn’s deeply engaged approach and empowering leadership were fundamental to all client engagements at Communitas. Her extensive knowledge encompassed a wide range of areas, including financial and marketing analysis, project planning, housing policy research and development, the establishment of legal and incorporation frameworks, adult education, community economic development, and research across diverse fields such as housing, education, community and community economic development, health systems, and social programs and policies.

Throughout her distinguished career, Lynn generously shared her expertise through her service on numerous Boards of Directors. Furthermore, she was a published author, contributing valuable insights to the fields of housing, land use, co-operatives, and social policy. Lynn made considerable contributions to the advancement of affordable housing in Canada, and her impactful work garnered widespread recognition through several prestigious awards. Her involvement in the establishment and mentorship of numerous businesses, cooperatives, societies, and non-profit organizations is extensive; however, notable examples include the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness (ECOHH), Cooperative Housing Federation of Canada, Northern Alberta Cooperative Housing Federation (NACHA), Canadian Worker Cooperative Federation (CWCF), Multicultural Health Brokers, Win House, Operation Friendship, Boyle Street Co-op, and NiGiNan Housing Ventures. 

Lynn was a valued mentor to many and was highly respected across the cooperative and housing sectors nationwide. Her passing creates an irreplaceable void. We hope that her legacy will continue through the ongoing growth and development of the cooperative sector and active advocacy for housing and homelessness. In place of flowers, please consider making a donation to ECOHH, NACHA or CWCF (please note, no tax receipts will be provided)

Warmly, 

Pam Iriye on behalf of the

The Communitas Group