Strengthening Community Bonds to Build a Greener Future

Engaging the public in significant initiatives by issuing bonds has a long history in Canada, arguably originating with the war bonds used to finance the country’s early 20th century war efforts. Today, rather than using the proceeds of bonds to tear down a foreign enemy, they are being put towards the building of local communities.

CSI's Community Bonds

The Toronto-based Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) recently demonstrated how reaching out to the broader community has enabled it to expand on its mission of catalyzing and supporting new ideas to change its community. The original CSI building at 215 Spadina Street (CSI-Spadina) created shared workspace in downtown Toronto for over 200 members working at organizations with a social mission. CSI-Spadina provided them with a means to connect, learn and exchange ideas in a professional setting. This also provided CSI-Spadina tenants with a platform to engage their stakeholders and the community beyond the walls of their new home.