How to rent space for a last-minute meeting—or 15-minute nap—in Toronto
These three Toronto businesses let freelancers, entrepreneurs, artists and e-business owners book cool spaces for whatever they may need—from meetings with clients and photoshoots to a quick, quiet coffee and even an afternoon nap.
1. Breather
What it is: An app that rents out spaces by the half-hour, on demand. Think of it as the Airbnb of venue rentals. Who’s it for: Breather’s spaces are largely couch-equipped lofts, so they’re good for tête-à-têtes, photo shoots or a little down time. Why it works: It has the one-two punch of being long-term-commitment-free and convenient. Cool booking: A cute 420-square-foot space at 425 Adelaide West features Scandinavian-chic furnishings, its own kitchenette and Apple TV—in case a Netflix binge-fest, rather than a formal meeting, is in order.
2. This Space Works
What it is: A temporary rental service that predominantly hosts large gatherings. Who’s it for: Small businesses that need big spaces. Why it works: Reasonable rates (which are often discounted for longer rental times) and superchic spaces offer start-ups professional-looking places to host clients or briefings. Cool booking: A board-room at Learning Labs (Queen and Spadina) by interior designer Vicky Bouros can accommodate up to 60 people for $125 an hour (which includes a rental projector). It’s perfect for team seminars or group training sessions.
3. thisopenspace
What it is: A long- or short-term space-rental service. Available venues include Propeller Coffee, Super Wonder Gallery, the Thompson Landry Gallery and Rainhard Brewery, plus private homes and other properties. Who’s it for: Yogis looking to teach a class, vendors in need of a temporary shop, cooks searching for prep space—and even The Weeknd, whose recent pop-up was organized using it. Why it works: The spaces are extraordinarily diverse. Cool booking: A 70,000-square-foot grass field in the Canary District is available for $1,000 per day—perfect for outdoor boot camps.
