The world of flexible workspace doesn't just survive on desks and Wi-Fi, it thrives on community. Coworking Canada is the living embodiment of that idea. It has become the essential hub where industry visionaries, dedicated operators, and true believers come together. Here, they openly share synergies, swap notes, and exchange practical ideas about what's truly working. To understand its unparalleled uniqueness, you have to look at its origins.
We spoke with Ashley Proctor, the respected Founding Executive Director of Coworking Canada and a true pioneer who helped launch the global coworking trend. Her deep passion and knowledge offer an invaluable look into why Coworking Canada matters so much. Her stories reveal more than just how a conference grew; they show the organic evolution of a powerful, nationwide community.
A deep-rooted memory: the longhouse moment
Ashley shared a special memory that perfectly captures the heart of Coworking Canada: its deep community roots and its vision for inclusive growth.
"My most cherished memory," she recalls, "is from our 2017 conference at 312 Main, Vancouver’s Centre for Social and Economic Innovation." This location was deeply personal to Ashley, who helped build the space between 2015 and 2018. Even though the building was still under construction during the event, they chose it deliberately to showcase its transformative potential.
"The atmosphere was raw and unpolished, but the energy was electric," Ashley explains. People gathered in the unfinished space where a communal area, inspired by a traditional longhouse, was slowly taking shape. This design, influenced by Indigenous gathering places, served as a powerful symbol of coming together.
A truly unforgettable moment happened right there. "A significant moment occurred when the first log for the longhouse arrived," Ashley shares. Cut by hand on reserve land and carrying deep spiritual meaning, the arrival prompted everyone at the conference to pause. Indigenous Elders then performed a blessing ceremony for the sacred event. "Everyone in the audience witnessed this powerful moment, a testament to the cultural significance of the longhouse."
Years later, when Coworking Canada returned to 312 Main, the longhouse was fully completed. Ashley reflects, "It felt truly great to see people connecting and collaborating in a space that represents an imaginative idea transformed into a perfect, lively community!"
This spirit of unity extends beyond the physical space. Ashley also fondly remembers a surprise video tribute Tony Bacigalupo and Bernie Mitchell put together at a recent event. It was filled with heartfelt messages from coworking operators worldwide, demonstrating the vast impact of Coworking Canada and her work. She admits, “It was an incredible experience. It truly validated that Coworking Canada and my work connected the world digitally. Hearing that was the most prestigious experience for me.”
From local gatherings to a national force
Ashley's early memories show just how much Canadian coworking has changed.
"Since our first event, the Canadian coworking landscape has transformed," she notes. The Coworking Canada conference was initially the only way for Canadian coworking professionals to share insights. "But, things are dramatically different now," Ashley says*. "There's a far greater variety of spaces, and the market is much more sophisticated*."
This explosion of options brings incredible opportunity, but it also presents a new challenge: operators must now work harder than ever to prove their value. They face the daily task of balancing the hard work of building a community with the financial realities of running a sustainable business.
More groups and networks now support the movement. There's a notable shift toward niche and targeted spaces that cater to specific professions or work styles. Crucially, coworking isn't just an urban phenomenon anymore, it has a stronger, growing presence in rural areas. This shows how profoundly Canadian workers' needs are changing, making flexible work accessible everywhere.
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The Coworking Canada event model: real connections, practical learning
To help operators meet this challenge, Coworking Canada has always prioritized real connections and practical, hands-on learning. Its thoughtful, multi-day event structure is designed to help operators at every stage of their journey:
- Day 1: Big ideas (conference sessions). Inspiring speakers share new trends and big-picture insights about the future of work.
- Day 2: Solving problems together (unconference). This highly interactive day allows attendees to build the agenda. They break into groups to deep-dive into real-world challenges, share best practices, and foster essential peer-to-peer learning.
- Day 3: Learning by doing (tours). This day involves visiting various types of spaces, from artist studios and libraries to shared kitchens and large coworking hubs. Each tour offers great ideas on design, community building, and what makes a flexible workspace successful.
This adaptable model, Ashley explains, "empowers people to take what they need" from the event. Everyone who attends brings their own knowledge, creating a rich environment for shared learning. "The variety of topics and different approaches makes our event beneficial for Canadian operators and international audiences alike," she adds. Coworking Canada has consistently inspired and innovated globally.
The future: coworking as essential infrastructure
Having been part of this movement for two decades, Ashley believes the Canadian coworking story is only just beginning, a bold statement that underscores the huge potential still waiting to be unlocked.
Ashley sees a future where coworking hubs are recognized as essential infrastructure. They will drive local economic growth and community development. This is already evident in rural areas, where these spaces naturally become centers for small businesses, community events, and information sharing.
“I believe that coworking spaces are taking on much more important roles in our communities than simply offering desks,” Ashley states. This vision of a community-centric hub is powerful, but its success hinges on operators building sustainable, long-term business models around it. They help new businesses launch and grow, create a vital sense of belonging that supports mental health, and keep local talent rooted in the area. As more people understand these critical benefits, Ashley is confident that "Canada will continue to lead the way in strengthening and building vibrant coworking communities."
At its heart, the coworking movement, championed by Coworking Canada, is about connection. When spaces intentionally bring together leaders, business owners, and neighbors, they spark new ideas and make local society stronger. "The more of our neighbours and community leaders who experience the magic of coworking," Ashley concludes, "the stronger our communities will become overall."
Be part of the ongoing story
Coworking Canada is committed to sharing knowledge and insights through best practices, and it warmly welcomes people from all over the world. While the event showcases Canadian spaces and speakers, its global view ensures that insights from Canada, a recognized leader that pioneered initiatives like the Coworking Health Insurance Plan (COHIP) are shared widely.
Ashley Proctor's journey and Coworking Canada's lasting success prove the enduring power of community, vision, and hard work. To join this important conversation, connect with others, and help shape the future of flexible work, find out more about the next Coworking Canada event.
