Tonya Surman

Hector Kolonas and Tonya Surman eloquently traverse her 22+ years of experiences, challenges, and triumphs in establishing the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI), offering invaluable insights into the evolution of coworking spaces and the sustaining power of community.

Tonya Surman finally shared who they sold CSI Annex to, and what they’ll be doing with the building that housed one of the worlds most impactful coworking communities.

The City of Toronto acquired the property, and will be transforming it into a new Indigenous shelter set to open in 2028 or 2029 and offer culturally grounded, 24/7 support and a pathway to permanent housing. Nice!

Tonya Surman shares that the Center for Social Innovation (CSI) is making its next big shift. The firm who pioneered and inspired many of the early coworking communities, is refocussing from coworking to co-creation, and are hiring a new MD to drive this.

With $6M in community bonds, the CSI is now 100% community financed, has sold their 720 Bathurst location, and has less debt to service.

Charlotte Kirby shared some reflections on how her coworking story was ignited 10 years ago after an unexpected visit to the Center for Social Innovation (CSI) founded by Tonya Surman.

One of our team attended Coworking Canada to share some big market shifts all operators should be taking note of, and had the pleasure of learning from both Charlotte and Tonya throughout the event.