Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) - The Annex

The Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) Annex was a cornerstone of Toronto’s social impact scene for 15 years, housed in a stunning, renovated five-storey brick-and-beam building dating back to the 1920s. Located just south of Bloor on Bathurst, this space was far more than a typical co-working office; it was a vibrant, collaborative hub designed to foster connection among non-profits, charities, and social entrepreneurs. With its signature timber-panelled ceilings, exposed brick, and warm wooden floors, the building offered a unique, character-filled atmosphere that felt worlds away from the sterile corporate office towers downtown. It was known for its buzzing energy, where members could easily transition from focused work in private offices to spontaneous brainstorming sessions in the communal lounge areas.

While the building is no longer operating as a co-working space—having been purchased by the City of Toronto in late 2025 for conversion into an Indigenous-led shelter—it remains a significant piece of the Annex’s recent history. For those who frequented it, the space was defined by its community-driven programming, including regular lunchtime gatherings and networking events that turned a simple workspace into a true neighbourhood anchor. If you are looking for the current CSI experience, the organization has consolidated its operations at their Spadina Avenue location. The Annex site itself is currently transitioning, marking the end of an era for this beloved hub that once served as a vital incubator for Toronto’s next generation of social innovators.