The Centre for Social Innovation Annex

Amazing workspaces, and super friendly, helpful front desk service EXCEPT for Clarissa C. I work here occasionally, and often need to sign out materials when I arrive at 8:45am; everyone else at the front desk has swiftly helped me at this time, except for Clarissa C. who told me she needed to get things done before 9am, so I would have to wait until 9am until she could help me. A small blip in my experience here, but not big enough for me to say that this CSI is an awesome workspace and community still.

I work here so I’m biased but its an amazing atmosphere. Everyone is extremely friendly but at the same time working hard so it keeps you motivated. Its a no brainer option for any business with fewer than three employees, cheaper than an office with way more perks.

This place used to be a community hub with free internet, open for people to meet up to work, socialize. The free internet is gone and it seems they are now catering mostly to the individuals that work there. Last time I met I was asked if I was there for a meeting. I thought this was a public space? Very disappointed at what this has become.

the coffee was good, their Turkey cranberry sandwich was excellent. The space itself it pretty cool. It’s huge and there’s lots going on.

Another morning spent at CSI Annex in the Coffee Pub. I have to admit, that I do love the CSI co-​working model. You’re surrounded by people who are making a difference in the world — it’s so empowering!
THOUGHTS:
Only good ones in here. I overheard the community animator saying «Hello, Welcome to work _(insert name here)___» with a big glowing smile on her face. Who wouldn’t want to come to work to see that?
CSI Annex also has The Coffee Pub, which is the coffee bar that operates out of the space. I have had two awesome lattes from there (served in Beer mugs, no less), and the price is comparable ($ 3.50), but I stay away from their baked goods and sandwiches as those tend to be on the pricy side.
FEELINGS:
Love. Lovelovelovelovelove. I can’t help it. The people in CSI are just great people. So there is love, but sometimes there is a little stab of jealousy at the awesome jobs these people are finding money to do… finding so much for it, that they can afford to work at CSI on an ongoing basis (see
for their rates).
OVERHEARD:
A guy behind me reciting a presentation. Two people beside me talking about an upcoming project, and seen on the walls — poetry! Written on the blackboard. Until recently all that was overheard was construction in this pub, but they’ve recently completed all that.
GREAT PLACE FOR:
— meeting up with a business partner
— brainstorming
— coming up with good ideas
— saving the planet
— doing good
— causing change
— meeting others who can help you move your project along

FULL DISCLOSURE: I worked in this building for a year and am thus entirely biased.
The Centre For Social Innovation (CSI) Annex location is one of three shared work space communities for individuals, organizations and businesses with sleek social mandates. The building opened its doors in late 2010 after being fully renovated. Five floors and 36,000 square feet of positivity, optimism and inspiration flood the space. Entrepreneurs sip espresso from the CSI Coffee Pub, a new addition to the ground floor that came into the location earlier this year (try their cortados! omg!). It is at once an incubator and a community best suited for startups, non-​profits, individuals and socially-​minded small businesses. A place that seems to run on ideas. Never before have I worked in such a beautiful building with members and staff just as inspirational and bright as the luscious light that shines through much of the space.
Many people hot desk here and use it as a supplement to their home offices, but small organizations also rent office space and larger organizations such as the Fringe Festival occupy much bigger suites upstairs. Each floor seems to have its own unique feel yet maintains the overall open-​concept community vibe. It’s an incredible event space, housing workshops such as Ladies Learning Code and fundraisers for members such as Good Foot Delivery, a small courier service that employs people with developmental disabilities. I have truly met some of the best people ever here, people who see the world in ways I never imagined possible before.
There are numerous membership packages available, most of which include access to the various meeting spaces in the building. Many of these rooms have exposed brick and interior details that provide deep richness to the space. I was entirely unaware places like this existed prior to working here. To say my eyes have been opened is an understatement. This space is available for outside rentals too and I highly suggest considering it. It’s located just south of Bathurst station and accessible (to members) ²⁴⁄₇.

I am not a member of the Centre for Social Innovation or CSI as it’s known by those in the know, but I have attended meetings in this building and do think it’s quite lovely. They’ve made a lot of improvements to it over the past few months as well, making it a brand new facility.
CSI is an open-​concept, shared working community. You purchase a membership and can use this place like an office. It’s great for networking, full of start-​ups and ambitious people. Worth checking out if you’re an entrepreneur looking to expand beyond your home office.