Over the past few months I have been working more and more with various people in the community on a number of different projects.  Each time we meet to discuss either a specific topic or perhaps just to have a casual conversation we typically find ourselves in a coffee shop, local pub or some open public place.

Although I am not going to complain about being productive while enjoying a cold beverage, I started to think about meeting/working spaces in London, Ontario and I found myself asking the following question:

 Does London have any co-working/shared working spaces?

Lately I have been trying to find a place/space where, for a small monthly fee, I could go and work either daily or from time to time, whatever my preference may be. I want to find a place where I can bring my laptop, some paper, a book or two and work on whatever I feel like and interact with other's who are looking to bounce ideas off one another.

Personally the key to this space being attractive to me is that it would have to be either located in the downtown core, the East Village or perhaps Old South. These locations are key as they are not only easily accessible by walking, biking and public transportation but in each location there is a sense of both community and creativity, something that I think a space like this needs.

For a while Vancouver had a great place called Workspace which provided (what I thought) a successful shared work environment in Gastown, however, last summer Workspace closed, a move that was a surprise to many who used the space on a regular basis. Rebecca Bollwitt of Miss604.com had this to say about Workspace:

The concept was simple, create a big open membership-based space with optional offices where those without actual office space could conduct meetings or do work in a professional setting. It was the brainchild of Bill McEwen who has since moved on, leaving the reigns in Dane Brown’s hands. “It definitely hurts to have to close the doors,” he told me. “We had an amazing 3 year run. It doesn’t seem that long ago that Bill MacEwen and I were pulling all-nighters, trying to make sure everything was ready for the opening party.”

-miss604.com

I know of Coffee Office on Dundas street, but that isn't exactly the type of thing I was thinking of. Although I have never used the space/services provided, it seems from what I have read, seen and heard that Coffee Office is something a little more formal, a little more individualized and a little more expensive than what I envisioned. (ok, I just checked, not too expensive $90/month, but that really doesn't get you much and the physical space is not something that lends itself to being an open, collaborative and creative space/community)

I know at one point I found the following sign on Dundas St (North Side) between Wellington and Clarence St, the same building where Arts for Aids (I think thats the name) is located. I remember emailing the contact on the sign and visiting the website the same day I took the picture but I never received any information from either source. No longer can I find any more information.

 There is a chance that something of this sort might be opening up in the near future in London, but from "rumours" I have heard the location isn't someplace that is particularity accessible or convenient for myself. Although that may seem like something petty, location becomes a key factor when you strive to live your daily life without an automobile. With that said, this perhaps might be my only choice.

 I have been looking for some time but have yet to find something. There is a very good possibility that something exists and I haven't come across it yet, and if thats the case all I need is someone to point me in the direction, otherwise does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on how a person/group would go about creating such a space?

I am hoping that the LondonFuse community can help to answer either of the two questions I raised as I am very serious and interested in this and I know others are as well.