Coworking Spaces in Montreal: Pros, Cons, and Local Trends

Shared office spaces – commonly known as coworking spaces – have evolved from a niche concept into a mainstream workspace option around the world. In this article, we’ll explore what coworking is and how it has developed, then dive into the current state of coworking in Montreal. We will analyze the benefits and drawbacks of these shared offices, discuss which types of workers benefit most, compare coworking with traditional offices and working from home, and examine the economic and urban context in Montreal, including post-pandemic real estate trends. Throughout, we’ll back up insights with citations from academic studies, industry reports, providers, and local media, ensuring a comprehensive and Montreal-tailored perspective.

What Are Coworking Spaces? The Evolution of a Concept

Coworking spaces are shared work environments where individuals or teams from different companies share facilities like desks, meeting rooms, internet, and amenities. Unlike a traditional office, coworkers are typically on flexible memberships or short-term leases rather than long-term fixed contracts. The modern coworking movement traces back to the mid-2000s: the first official coworking space is credited to software engineer Brad Neuberg, who in 2005 opened a collaborative workspace in San Francisco to combine the freedom of freelancing with the community of an office coworkingresources.org coworkingresources.org. The concept quickly caught on globally after the 2008 financial crisis, when vacant offices were repurposed into coworking hubs sciencedirect.com. Early coworking spaces primarily attracted freelance tech workers and entrepreneurs, but over time the model evolved to accommodate startups, small businesses, and even branches of large corporations.

By the 2010s, coworking experienced explosive growth. Major providers emerged – most famously WeWork (founded 2010) and IWG (parent of Regus and Spaces, long-time serviced office brands) – offering stylish, amenity-rich spaces in cities worldwide. Coworking became a regular part of work life for freelancers, remote workers, and startups alike. Montreal saw its first coworking spaces during this early wave; for example, Station C (opened around 2008) is often cited as Montreal’s first coworking hub, pioneering the concept locally. In the following years, numerous spaces sprouted in the city, ranging from small artist-oriented lofts to large international brand outposts.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 delivered a severe shock to the coworking industry, as communal offices emptied out during lockdowns. Many coworking businesses lost significant membership when workers stayed home (one Vancouver operator reported losing 75% of clients early in the pandemic) montreal.citynews.ca montreal.citynews.ca. Globally, the number of coworking spaces actually dipped in 2020 for the first time montreal.citynews.ca. However, as remote work became a long-term reality, coworking spaces adapted and rebounded. By late 2021, operators observed workers returning or trying coworking for the first time to escape home-office isolation montreal.citynews.ca montreal.citynews.ca. A 2020 study projected the number of coworking spaces worldwide would reach 40,000 by 2024, accommodating some 5 million people – a 158% increase from 2020 montreal.citynews.ca. Here in Canada, there were already 617 coworking sites by 2021 montreal.citynews.ca, and growth has likely continued since. In short, the pandemic was a temporary setback rather than the end of coworking. In fact, many argue it accelerated the trend toward flexible work. One global real estate firm, JLL, predicts that 30% of all office space could be flexible or on-demand by the end of this decade (up from about 3% pre-pandemic) storeys.com storeys.com.

Montreal’s coworking evolution has mirrored these global trends while taking on its own character. The city’s coworking sector started as an ideal solution for startups and small businesses that didn’t want to lock into expensive long-term leases cbre.ca. Over time, flexible short-term workspace options also began attracting larger organizations. Even prior to the pandemic, big firms like marketing agency Cossette and pharma company Novartis used coworking offices in Montreal – for satellite teams or to house employees during expansion – illustrating that coworking had moved beyond just freelancers cbre.ca. The rapid expansion phase peaked in the late 2010s; at its height, WeWork opened multiple Montreal locations and global coworking brands competed for prime downtown real estate. WeWork and IWG came to dominate much of the market – by 2020 Montreal had an estimated 1.1 million square feet of coworking space, with those two companies holding the largest share cwrealkapital.no.

However, the industry’s volatility also hit Montreal. In late 2023, WeWork (which at its peak ran 777 locations in 39 countries) filed for bankruptcy, casting doubt on the viability of the coworking model cbre.ca. WeWork rapidly downsized: in Montreal the company surrendered two floors – about 60,000 sq. ft. – of its space at 1010 Sainte-Catherine Ouest back to the landlord in 2024 cbre.ca. Meanwhile, IWG (Regus/Spaces) restructured during the pandemic but then bounced back to profitability storeys.com. IWG shifted toward a franchise-like model, partnering with building owners and other operators, and announced new Montreal expansion. In fact, IWG opened a new 35,000 sq. ft. Spaces coworking centre in Montreal’s Square Victoria area in late 2023 storeys.com. Other operators have also adapted by teaming up to share networks – for example, several Canadian coworking firms (ClickSpace, Lauft, Werklab, etc.) created a coalition offering members access to multiple cities, including Montreal cbre.ca.

The net effect is that coworking in Montreal remains very much alive and evolving. As one local office leasing expert noted, the sector’s modus operandi has always been about flexibility and adaptation cbre.ca. Next, let’s look at the current landscape in Montreal: who the major players are, how popular coworking is now, and what makes the scene here unique.

Coworking in Montreal: The Current Landscape

Montreal’s coworking scene in 2025 is vibrant and diverse, comprising global chains, local startups, and everything in between. On the corporate end, major providers include WeWork and IWG’s brands (Regus, Spaces, and HQ), which collectively operate multiple centers in the city’s core. Even after WeWork’s pullback, these big players still account for a significant portion of shared office capacity. WeWork maintains locations such as its offices at Place Ville Marie and Ste-Catherine Ouest, while IWG’s Regus and Spaces have centers across downtown (for example, Spaces recently launched a large site on Rue du Square-Victoria) storeys.com. Industry analyses note that WeWork and IWG historically held the largest presence in Montreal, with WeWork alone occupying around 260,000 sq. ft. of downtown office space at one point cwrealkapital.no. Today, IWG continues to grow – their CEO noted the company plans dozens more locations across Canada to meet rising demand for flex space storeys.com.

Just as important is the homegrown coworking community. Montreal boasts dozens of independent and specialty coworking spaces that cater to various niches. A recent listing shows over 60 coworking locations in the Montreal area coworkingmag.com – a mix of sleek high-rise offices and funky converted spaces. Some notable examples include Crew Collective & Café, a stunning coworking café housed in a 1920s bank building in Old Montreal (so famous for its ornate interior that it was named “the most beautiful co-working space in the world” by Forbes mtl.org). Anticafé offers a novel model where users pay by the hour for workspace – with unlimited coffee, tea, and snacks included mtl.org. There are also coworking hubs aimed at specific communities: Montréal Cowork in the Plateau focuses on integrating newly arrived immigrant entrepreneurs into the local business network mtl.org, while MTL Lab provides coworking within a tourism and culture startup incubator (in the Quartier des Spectacles). In Mile-Ex, the Fabrik8 space blends offices with a gym, rooftop sports facilities and more mtl.org, reflecting an all-in-one approach to lifestyle and work. Even the City’s summer public spaces have been enlisted – the Îlots d’été initiative created over 40 free outdoor coworking “islands” around Montreal, complete with Wi-Fi, power, shade, and seating for anyone to use during the summer mtl.org. This range of options means Montreal workers can choose from conventional downtown offices or alternative environments like cafés, heritage buildings, and even parks.

Who, exactly, is using these coworking spaces in Montreal? In line with global trends, a large portion are young professionals in tech and creative fields. Surveys indicate about 65% of coworkers worldwide are under 40 years old drop-desk.com, and the IT/software industry represents the largest segment of users, followed by fields like marketing, PR, and design drop-desk.com. Montreal’s thriving tech sector – which added over 51,000 tech jobs from 2017 to 2022, one of the highest growth rates in North America cbre.com – naturally feeds into this pool of potential coworkers. Many startups emerging from the city’s AI and gaming industries, for example, opt for coworking to launch their operations. Freelancers remain the single largest demographic in coworking globally drop-desk.com, and Montreal’s gig economy (from graphic designers to journalists to consultants) is strongly represented at local coworking hubs. It's common to see a mix of solo entrepreneurs, remote employees of out-of-town companies, small startup teams, and even grad students or researchers sharing the same facility. Notably, larger organizations are increasingly present too – many coworking centers in Montreal report that some of their offices are occupied by teams from established companies. In fact, as of 2020, fully 65% of WeWork’s members were employees of large firms rather than individuals drop-desk.com, a trend that likely extends to other providers. Montreal brokers have started closing coworking deals for teams of 50 or even 100 employees at a time, as corporations embrace off-site flex space for specific projects or interim needs cbre.ca.

Overall, coworking in Montreal is popular and growing in the post-pandemic era, but also in a state of flux. The sector’s earlier breakneck growth has moderated, and providers are adjusting strategies. Still, demand is on the upswing again: “The demand is picking up,” observes Nari Aznavour, a leasing specialist in Montreal, noting that coworking operators are now leveraging their strengths to attract major players and larger user groups than before cbre.ca cbre.ca. In the wake of COVID-19, many companies and individuals are re-evaluating their workspace needs, which often leads them to flexible solutions. Montreal’s office market currently has higher vacancy and more space choices than it did pre-pandemic, giving tenants leverage to seek flexible terms cbre.ca. Even so, coworking remains an attractive option because it offers unique advantages not easily replicated by a sublease or work-from-home setup. Let’s examine the key benefits of coworking, followed by the drawbacks, to understand why people choose these spaces and what challenges they face.

! https://www.mtl.org/en/experience/stunning-co-working-spaces-montreal Crew Collective & Café in Old Montreal is a coworking space set in a former bank hall, offering an inspiring blend of historic architecture and modern workspace mtl.org. Montreal’s coworking scene includes not only global operators but also unique local spaces like this, reflecting the city’s culture and creativity.

Benefits of Shared Office Spaces (Coworking)

Coworking spaces have surged in popularity because they offer a host of benefits compared to traditional office setups or working from home. Some of the most commonly cited advantages include:

• Flexibility and Short-Term Commitment: Coworking provides extreme flexibility in lease terms. Individuals and companies can rent a desk or office by the month, day, or even hour, without the multi-year contracts typical of commercial leases. This is ideal for startups and freelancers unsure of where they’ll be in a year, or larger firms needing temporary project space. For example, when a Montreal tech company outgrew its office, it placed a 100+ person team in a coworking center (iQ Offices) while awaiting a new headquarters cbre.ca. Coworking’s “elastic” model allows teams to grow or shrink quickly as needed cbre.ca. If a project ends or a business downsizes, they can simply reduce memberships instead of being stuck paying for empty office space. Flexibility extends to location as well – many coworking providers give members access to their networks in multiple cities, so a member in Montreal might drop into spaces in Toronto or abroad with little hassle cbre.ca. In a world where business conditions change fast, this agility is a major draw.

• Lower Upfront Costs and Turnkey Offices: On the surface, the monthly fee for a coworking desk or office may seem higher per square foot than a traditional lease. However, that fee includes nearly everything – furniture, utilities, cleaning, internet, reception services, and often perks like coffee and office supplies. Companies save on upfront capital expenses because they don’t have to build out space, buy furniture, or set up infrastructure cbre.ca. As one report notes, a traditional office requires hefty deposits, renovations, and fit-out costs, whereas a coworking space is ready-to-use (“plug-and-play”) on Day One cbre.ca. This can be especially cost-effective for small organizations. A recent analysis in Montreal found that an open workspace membership averages about $275 per month and a dedicated desk around $350 coworkingcafe.com – for a single person that may be more than a share of a long lease, but there are no extra bills for electricity, cleaning, or common-area upkeep. Moreover, you can rent exactly the amount of space you need (e.g. 3 desks for 3 months), instead of leasing an entire office floor that might sit half-empty. When considering all-inclusive pricing, one coworking provider estimates businesses can save hundreds of dollars per employee per month compared to the full costs of equipping a private office regus.com reddit.com. In short, coworking shifts office expenses from fixed assets to a pay-as-you-go service.

• Amenities and Services Boosting Productivity: Coworking spaces come equipped with amenities that many small businesses or home offices lack. Most offer high-speed internet, printing, meeting rooms, kitchens with coffee and snacks, lounges, phone booths for private calls, and 24/7 access. Higher-end spaces add perks like free microbrew coffee, on-site gyms or showers (e.g., La Piscine in Griffintown includes bike parking, a kitchen and even showers for cyclists mtl.org), and organized professional services. These amenities allow workers to focus on their job while the space operator takes care of office management. As an example, coworking members don’t need to worry about cleaning the office or stocking the fridge – it’s handled as part of the package. Event spaces and boardrooms are available on demand, which is a big plus for freelancers or small firms that occasionally need to host client meetings in a professional setting. In Montreal, some coworking spots even feature creative extras like an in-house café (as with Crew Collective) or recreational facilities (Fabrik8’s gym and rooftop sports). All of this can contribute to higher productivity and comfort for workers, who have everything they need at their fingertips. One CBRE Montreal expert pointed out that coworking provides a full “shared office ecosystem,” eliminating the need for each company to hire its own office manager or buy its own copier or coffee machine cbre.ca – those efficiencies are baked into the coworking model.

• Community, Networking, and Reduced Isolation: A hallmark of coworking is the sense of community it fosters. Unlike a solitary home office or a small private suite, a coworking space is a social environment (albeit a professional one). People from diverse industries work side by side, which creates opportunities for networking, collaboration, and learning. Many spaces organize networking events, workshops, or happy hours to intentionally bring members together. This can lead to new clients, partnerships, or simply knowledge exchange. In fact, 80% of coworkers globally report that their business network has grown since joining a coworking space creativedensity.com creativedensity.com. Montreal’s coworking venues often leverage the city’s collaborative culture – for example, events might be bilingual, bringing together both Francophone and Anglophone entrepreneurs, or themed around the city’s strong arts and tech scenes, sparking cross-pollination of ideas. Even without formal networking, everyday interactions can be valuable: “Employees will work alongside professionals from various backgrounds… that can be a real asset when they need a graphic designer, lawyer or web developer, for instance,” notes Aznavour of CBRE cbre.ca. Another huge benefit frequently mentioned is the reduction of loneliness for remote workers. Working from home can be isolating, whereas coworking provides a built-in community. A global survey found 86% of coworkers feel less isolated and more socially connected since joining a coworking space creativedensity.com creativedensity.com. Simply being around other motivated people can also create a positive work atmosphere – there’s an energy in a busy coworking hub that can be refreshing compared to a silent home office.

• Productivity and Professional Environment: Many users report improved focus and productivity in coworking spaces compared to working from home or in coffee shops. There’s a psychological effect of going to a workplace – it helps establish routine and “work mode.” In a well-designed coworking space, even though it’s open and social, people are there to get things done, which can be contagious. A Deskmag Global Coworking Survey found roughly 75% of members felt more productive after joining a coworking space creativedensity.com creativedensity.com. Several factors contribute to this: fewer home distractions (no doorbells or household chores), the presence of others creating gentle accountability, and access to proper office infrastructure (ergonomic chairs, large monitors, fast Wi-Fi, etc.). Coworking also offers a clear separation between work and home life, which is crucial for work-life balance. Instead of sleeping and working in the same space, a remote employee can commute a short distance to a coworking site, work a full day, and then “leave work” and return home. This boundary helps prevent burnout and overworking, a common issue for home-based workers. Additionally, for client-facing professionals in Montreal, coworking provides a professional image – you can invite a client to a stylish conference room downtown rather than meeting at a noisy café. The professional setting and address can enhance credibility for freelancers and small startups.

• Scalability and Access to Multiple Markets: For companies, coworking can serve as a low-risk way to test new markets or expand geographically. Rather than signing a lease in a new city, a company might take a few desks in a coworking center to establish a foothold. Montreal has seen this use-case; for instance, international firms exploring the Quebec market have used coworking as a temporary base before committing to a full office. Coworking providers like WeWork and Regus also offer access to their worldwide locations for members. This means a Montreal-based member traveling to, say, New York or Paris can drop into an office there – very useful for mobile professionals. Even within the metro area, larger providers have multiple sites (downtown, midtown, neighborhood hubs), so members can work from the location that’s most convenient on a given day. This distributed network approach aligns well with today’s hybrid work patterns.

In summary, the pros of coworking center on flexibility, convenience, community, and reduced overhead/hassle. Coworking spaces often allow people to “plug in and go,” which is appealing in a fast-paced, dynamic economy. Many Montrealers have found that these shared offices offer the best of both worlds: the social and functional benefits of a traditional office, but with far greater adaptability. Of course, coworking is not a perfect solution – it comes with certain drawbacks and challenges, which we will examine next.

Drawbacks and Challenges of Coworking

Despite its many advantages, coworking is not without its downsides. The open, communal nature of shared spaces can introduce challenges that wouldn’t exist in a private office or home setup. Here are some key drawbacks to consider, along with how they manifest in coworking environments:

• Noise and Distractions: One of the most common complaints in coworking spaces is the level of noise and general activity. Unlike a private office, you have little control over your surroundings – conversations, phone calls, keyboard clatter, and people coming and going are part of the ambiance. A survey of coworking users found that 48% cited “distractions and noise” as a top challenge they face allwork.space. In an open-plan floor, if the person at the next table is having a loud Zoom meeting, it can break your concentration. Some spaces enforce quiet zones or provide phone booths and meeting rooms to mitigate this, but at the end of the day, a coworking space is a shared environment and noise is inevitable. For tasks requiring intense concentration or confidential discussions, this can be problematic. Many coworkers resort to noise-cancelling headphones – a near-universal accessory at many Montreal coworking hubs. Spaces vary, of course; a smaller, library-like coworking spot might be pretty quiet, whereas a large, trendy space could be as noisy as a coffee shop at times. The design of the space (use of sound-absorbing materials, having “quiet hours,” etc.) makes a difference, but one should expect a baseline of background noise in any active coworking center. For those very sensitive to distractions, this is a serious drawback.

• Lack of Privacy and Confidentiality: Hand-in-hand with noise is the issue of privacy. In a shared office, you generally don’t have a personal door to close. Conversations might be overheard, and one might feel self-conscious making sensitive phone calls with others nearby. In surveys, “lack of privacy” is often tied with noise as a top concern (also cited by 48% of users in one industry survey) allwork.space. This can be an issue for professionals dealing with confidential client data or having strategy meetings they’d rather not conduct in earshot of strangers. While many coworking spaces offer private phone booths or reservable small offices for these needs, those resources can be limited (and sometimes occupied right when you need them). Additionally, there’s digital privacy – using a shared Wi-Fi network and working around others could pose security considerations if not handled properly (e.g., one should use a VPN for sensitive internet usage and be mindful of screen visibility). Some larger companies are hesitant to use coworking for this reason, especially if they handle sensitive intellectual property. For an individual freelancer, the risk is usually minimal, but for say a lawyer or financial advisor, coworking requires extra vigilance to maintain client confidentiality. In Montreal, some coworking venues have tried to address this by offering dedicated lockable offices within the coworking facility, so teams can close the door when needed – but those often come at a higher price point. In summary, if you require consistent privacy, the open nature of coworking can be a hindrance.

• Higher Long-Term Cost (vs. Leasing): While coworking saves money on upfront costs, if used long-term and at larger scale, it may cost more than renting a traditional office. The premium for flexibility and services means that on a per-square-foot or per-desk basis, coworking memberships are typically more expensive than conventional office rent in Montreal. For example, a small private office for a team in a coworking center might cost $1,000+ per month, which could be higher than leasing a similar sized private office in an older building on an annual lease (but of course, the lease would require a multi-year commitment and additional costs). A commercial real estate analysis found that coworking desk rates can indeed be higher than the pro-rata rent of traditional space, sometimes by 20-50% cbre.ca. This is often acceptable for freelancers or small teams because the absolute cost is still manageable and offset by the convenience. However, for a larger company housing dozens of employees, the total cost can add up significantly. Over multiple years, they might have been able to outfit a permanent office more economically. It’s a classic rent-vs-buy scenario: you pay a premium to rent flexibility instead of owning or leasing long-term. For this reason, some startups “graduate” out of coworking once they have stable funding and headcount – it becomes cheaper to get their own leased office where they only pay the raw rent and hire an office manager. In Montreal’s market, where office rents (per square foot) are generally lower than in Toronto or Vancouver, the difference can be noticeable. Companies must weigh whether the benefits of coworking justify the ongoing cost. Many end up adopting a hybrid approach: keep a small HQ and use coworking passes to overflow or accommodate remote staff occasionally. It’s worth noting that coworking providers do offer volume discounts or corporate plans, but the fact remains: if you are certain you need space for the long haul and can utilize it fully, a traditional lease might be more cost-effective than coworking.

• Limited Customization and Branding: In a traditional office you lease, you can hang your company’s logo on the wall, decorate to match your culture, and configure the layout as you see fit. Coworking spaces, on the other hand, are designed and controlled by the operator. This means your company has little ability to customize the environment. Some coworking providers will let tenants of private offices add a sign or small branding at their suite, but the overall space is shared by many companies and individuals, so it won’t reflect any single brand’s identity. For startups in particular, this can be a disadvantage when trying to build a cohesive team culture or make an impression on clients. You’re effectively in a “generic” space (even if that space is hip and well-designed, it’s not yours). Also, the furniture and layout are predefined – you might prefer a different setup, but you have to work with what’s there. Personalization of workspace is limited; in a hot-desk scenario you can’t even leave a monitor or personal items overnight. About a third of coworking users in one survey noted the inability to personalize their workspace as a challenge allwork.space. While many enjoy the professionally curated design of coworking interiors, those who want a unique, company-specific space may feel constrained. In Montreal, some companies have solved this by using coworking as a stopgap, then moving to a customized office as they grow. It’s essentially a trade-off between convenience and control.

• Variable Quality and Reliability: Not all coworking spaces are created equal. There is a wide range in terms of quality of facilities, management, and clientele. Some cheaper or very new coworking spots might struggle with issues like inconsistent Wi-Fi speed, overcrowding, or insufficient cleaning. A user’s experience can depend heavily on the specific space and even the specific branch (one location might be well-run, another less so). In Montreal, for instance, a few smaller coworking cafes gained popularity but then closed abruptly due to business difficulties, leaving members scrambling. There’s a bit more uncertainty compared to a traditional lease where you have legal possession of space – with coworking, if the provider goes out of business (as happened dramatically with WeWork’s near-collapse), members might lose access on short notice. Reliability of amenities can also be an issue; e.g., if a space overbooks itself, you might find no free desk one morning despite being a paying member. Most established providers manage capacity to avoid this, but stories of overcrowded “hot desk” areas or competition for meeting rooms are not uncommon. Another complaint some users have is inconsistent policies or distractions – e.g. if a space allows tours or events during the workday, members might be disrupted by loud tour groups or non-members walking around. In general, these issues are manageable, and premium providers in Montreal have staff ensuring a smooth experience. Still, potential coworkers should do their homework: try a day pass first, talk to current members, and assess if the space is professionally run.

• Commuting and Location Factors: While coworking can reduce commute time if you choose a nearby location, not everyone has a convenient coworking space in their neighborhood. If you live in a suburb or far from downtown, you might still have to commute to reach a good coworking hub. Some people end up essentially recreating a commute that they had eliminated by working from home. Montreal is a fairly decentralized city with coworking options not just downtown but also in areas like the Plateau, Mile End, and even a few in the West Island or South Shore. However, if the options near you are limited or not a good fit, you might be faced with traveling to the central city. In winter, commuting even a short distance in Montreal’s weather can be a chore – one reason many embraced home offices. On the other hand, as coworking spreads, more people can find a spot within a short bike ride or walk. (The expansion strategy of IWG explicitly includes opening centers in tertiary markets and suburbs, so people can work close to home and avoid long commutes storeys.com storeys.com.) Commuting is a relative drawback: it’s still usually shorter or more flexible than a mandated daily commute to a corporate HQ, but it exists where WFH does not. Additionally, while coworking spaces generally have 24/7 access, if you need to put in odd hours, you must travel to and from the site at those times, which might be inconvenient or less safe late at night.

To summarize the cons of coworking: the open shared setting can bring noise and privacy issues, the cost can become high over long durations or for larger teams, and you sacrifice some control over your environment. Many of these challenges have workarounds – e.g., use private rooms for calls, choose a quieter space, budget accordingly – but they are important to weigh when deciding if coworking is right for you. The next section will discuss for whom coworking tends to work best, and who might struggle with it, by looking at different types of workers and organizations.

Who Is Coworking Best Suited For?

Coworking is a flexible solution, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Different types of workers and organizations derive varying levels of benefit from coworking. Below we consider several groups and how well the coworking model suits their needs:

• Freelancers and Solopreneurs: Perhaps the archetypal coworking users, freelancers (writers, designers, consultants, developers, etc.) were early adopters of coworking and remain a core demographic. This group often works alone and values the community and structure a coworking space provides. Freelancers benefit from having a professional place to meet clients, a routine to separate work/home life, and opportunities to network that might lead to new gigs. Given that freelancers make up the largest share of the coworking demographic globally drop-desk.com, Montreal’s many independent workers (from graphic artists to translators) are well-served by the city’s coworking options. For them, the cost is usually justified by increased productivity and the connections made. That said, if a freelancer’s income is very sporadic or low, even a coworking fee can be burdensome – some will use spaces only occasionally (via day passes or the library-like Anticafé model mtl.org) to save money. In general, though, coworking can dramatically improve a solo worker’s quality of life by reducing the isolation of working from home.

• Startups and Small Teams: Coworking is often ideal for startup companies, especially in their early stages. It allows a new venture to get up and running immediately without sinking capital into an office. Teams of 2–10 can collaborate in a coworking space and easily expand to more desks as they hire, or even downsize if needed. The short-term leases remove a lot of risk for a young company that doesn’t want to be tied down. Moreover, being in a coworking hub can plug a startup into the local innovation ecosystem – they might meet mentors, investors, or talent in the same space. Montreal’s startup scene, bolstered by its universities and incubators, frequently uses coworking as a stepping stone. For instance, founders emerging from an accelerator at Notman House or La Piscine might continue at the coworking space there until they secure funding. The creative buzz of a shared environment can also be motivating for startup teams putting in long hours. One potential downside is if a startup grows rapidly (say from 5 to 50 employees), staying in coworking becomes expensive; at that point, moving to a dedicated office may make sense. But in the launch and growth phase, coworking is extremely well-suited to startups. Even midsize tech companies have used it: Montreal saw companies like Plusgrade (a travel-tech firm) temporarily house dozens of staff at coworking sites during transitions cbre.ca. For startups, the access to shared amenities and mentorship (some coworking spaces have on-site advisors or host startup events) is another plus.

• Remote and Distributed Corporate Employees: As remote work has become common, many employees of larger companies now work away from the head office. These remote corporate workers are a growing segment using coworking. Rather than work alone at home every day, they (or their employers) may opt to use a coworking space to give them a proper office environment and avoid isolation. Companies sometimes purchase memberships for their remote staff or offer stipends so employees can choose a coworking site near them. The benefit for the worker is a professional setup and the chance to interact with others, even if they’re not colleagues. The benefit for the employer is happier, more productive remote staff and possibly a presence in different cities without having to lease offices. For example, a Toronto-based company with a few Montreal remote employees might rent desks for them at a Regus or WeWork in Montreal, ensuring those employees have a secure, equipped place to work and meet clients. Many coworking providers have corporate plans now to accommodate this trend. Montreal’s bilingual environment is attractive for multinationals, so it’s not unusual to meet someone in a coworking space who is a full-time employee of a company headquartered elsewhere (New York, Paris, etc.). This arrangement works well if the employee’s work is mostly independent. Challenges could be if the employee needs to frequently host confidential calls or handle secure data – then a private office or hybrid approach might be needed. Still, for remote workers craving structure, coworking can be a godsend.

• Non-Profits and NGOs: Smaller non-profit organizations and NGOs often have limited budgets and fluctuating staffing (project-based hiring, volunteers, etc.), which makes flexible offices appealing. Coworking can allow a non-profit to avoid a long lease and only pay for space when needed. It also puts them in a community setting – for instance, sharing space with social entrepreneurs or other mission-driven professionals, which can spark partnerships. Montreal has a number of community-oriented coworking hubs; some are even tailored to social innovation. For example, Maison de l’innovation sociale (MIS) and other social economy incubators provide co-working style environments to NGOs and changemakers. The networking benefit here is significant: being in a coworking space can increase an NGO’s visibility and connection to sponsors or collaborators. Cost is a factor – non-profits might find coworking fees high, but some spaces offer discounted rates for charities or have co-op models. Overall, coworking can be a good solution for non-profits that want a professional space without high overhead, and it aligns with the collaborative ethos many such organizations have.

• Creative Professionals and Artists: Montreal is known for its vibrant arts, media, and design sectors. Many creative professionals (think freelance writers, filmmakers, photographers, game developers, etc.) use coworking as a way to stay inspired and connect with like-minded peers. A well-designed coworking space with lots of light, art on the walls, and a cool vibe (like Crew Collective’s gorgeous interior or Loft LPD which was created by local café owners to inspire creativity mtl.org) can fuel one’s creative juices more than a cramped home studio. Creatives often appreciate the community aspect, finding collaborators or simply getting feedback from other members. Montreal’s bilingual creative scene means a coworking space might host an interesting mix – a freelance illustrator at one desk, a startup music label at another, for example. The diversity can trigger new ideas. Additionally, practical needs like meeting rooms or podcast studios (some coworking spaces have media production rooms) are valuable to creative workers. One challenge is that certain creatives – say a painter or someone who needs a workshop – can’t use a standard office coworking space for messy or noisy work. For them, Montreal has maker spaces and artist co-ops which are analogous to coworking but equipped for fabrication. But for the digital creatives, coworking fits nicely.

• Large Companies and Corporations: Traditionally, big companies had little to do with coworking except maybe as landlords leasing to coworking operators. That has changed: now even Fortune 500 firms utilize coworking in various ways. In Montreal, large companies have used coworking for short-term expansions, swing space during renovations, or establishing a temporary presence. The CBRE report noted examples like a global investment management company and a recruitment firm closing deals for teams to work out of WeWork cbre.ca cbre.ca. Corporations find value in coworking’s flexibility (for instance, to house a project team for 6 months without committing to extra office leases). It also allows them to tap into talent in new cities quickly – hire a few people in Montreal, put them in a coworking space, and you’ve got an office instantly. Some also use coworking memberships as an employee perk: allowing staff to work from a coworking location of their choice a few days a week, especially those who have relocated or are fully remote. The downside for corporations can be data security and corporate culture. Big firms have to ensure any coworking arrangement meets their IT security needs. Culturally, employees spread in coworking sites might feel less integrated with the company. However, many are finding a balance; in fact, as of a few years ago, a majority of WeWork’s clients were large firms drop-desk.com, indicating corporates have embraced the concept. Montreal’s relatively affordable market means some companies just lease their own space; but for flexibility, even here they are known to leverage coworking. For example, if a company’s main office is full but they aren’t ready to lease more space long term, they might put a new departmental team in a coworking center for a year. It’s bridging the gap for many organizations.

In essence, coworking tends to work best for small and nimble entities – freelancers, startups, remote workers – and for larger entities when they need to be nimble. Those who require stability, privacy, or heavy customization (some large law firms, government agencies handling sensitive info, etc.) might find coworking less ideal except in limited use. But as work becomes more digital and distributed, even traditionally conservative organizations are experimenting with coworking. Montreal’s ecosystem reflects this broad appeal: you’ll find everyone from one-person startups to teams from multinational banks in the city’s coworking spaces. The key is that each user needs to assess if the pros outweigh the cons for their situation, which leads to the next comparison.

Comparing Coworking, Traditional Offices, and Working From Home

To put the pros and cons in perspective, it’s helpful to compare coworking vs. a traditional office lease vs. working from home (WFH) – the three main modes of workspace available today. Each has its strengths, and many people and companies now use a mix of all three. Here’s how they stack up:

• Coworking vs. Traditional Office: A traditional office (leased or owned) gives a company full control – you can configure the space, ensure privacy, and perhaps save money per square foot if you use it efficiently. However, it comes with long commitments, upfront costs, and inflexibility. Coworking, conversely, offers turnkey convenience and flexibility at a premium price and with some loss of control. One way to think of it: traditional office is like owning or leasing a car, while coworking is like using a rideshare or rental – it might cost more per use, but you pay only for what you need and you don’t worry about maintenance. For a small firm, a traditional lease might be completely out of reach or impractical, making coworking the only real option aside from WFH. For a larger firm, traditional offices are usually the core of their operations, but coworking can supplement. An interesting metric from the pandemic era is average lease term lengths have been dropping as companies demand more flexibility costar.com. Many landlords now even offer furnished short-term leases to compete with coworking cbre.ca. In Montreal’s soft office market (15%+ downtown vacancy) costar.com, tenants can negotiate shorter leases and get some flexibility, but they still won’t match the plug-and-play month-to-month nature of coworking. So if a company values agility and speed over having its name on the door, coworking wins. If a company values exclusivity, privacy, and long-term cost efficiency, a traditional office wins. It’s worth noting that some large landlords have started their own coworking or flex-space offerings within office buildings to offer a hybrid solution – an example of the models converging.

• Coworking vs. Working From Home: Working from home is, for many, the most flexible and cheapest option. If one has a decent home office setup, WFH costs little (no rent) and saves commute time. The past few years proved that a lot of work can be done remotely from home effectively. However, WFH has its pitfalls: isolation, distractions (think kids, pets, household noise), and blurred work-life boundaries. Coworking can be seen as a remedy to those pitfalls while maintaining flexibility. Compared to WFH, coworking reintroduces a dedicated workspace, social interaction, and a professional atmosphere. It does add a commute (unless a space is very close to home) and a financial cost. For many remote workers in Montreal, the ideal scenario is hybrid: work from home some days, and use a coworking space on other days when they need a change of scenery or have intensive tasks that benefit from an office setting. This hybrid approach has become common – e.g., someone might WFH Monday/Friday and cowork Tuesday-Thursday. Relative to WFH, coworking imposes a bit more structure (you have to get dressed and go somewhere), which some view as a positive (motivation, routine) and others as a negative (loss of convenience). Another comparison point is facilities: at home you might not have a printer, a standing desk, or a high-speed business-grade internet line; at a coworking space you do. Also, meetings: on days you need to meet colleagues or clients in person, a coworking conference room is far more professional than squeezing into your living room. Conversely, WFH gives you complete privacy and personalization – it’s your turf. In coworking, you must abide by shared rules (mask mandates in pandemic times, or simply not playing music aloud, etc.). In summary, coworking can significantly improve upon the downsides of WFH (social isolation and lack of amenities), but it introduces a financial cost and minor inconveniences. For many Montrealers who live in small apartments or with roommates (common in this city of renters), coworking offers an escape from the crowded home. It’s a space to concentrate and be productive away from the bed or kitchen table. Thus, for those whose home environment is not ideal for work, coworking is almost a necessity if they want to work remote but not from a corporate office.

• Traditional Office vs. Working From Home: While not the main focus here, it’s worth noting this classic comparison since coworking often emerges as a compromise between these extremes. A traditional office demands everyone come in, providing structure and team cohesion but requiring commuting and offering less flexibility. WFH is the polar opposite: ultimate flexibility but potential disconnect and home distractions. Coworking blends elements of both – it’s an office environment but without the employer mandate and with a mix of people. Many companies now are embracing a hybrid workforce: some days in a central office, others WFH or in coworking spaces. Montreal companies have been doing this especially as they try to lure employees back downtown a few days a week; some offer coworking passes as an alternative if the employee lives far out or prefers a different locale.

In a city like Montreal, known for its work-life balance and affordable lifestyle, many workers have options. Some choose the café culture (Montreal’s numerous coffee shops have long been unofficial coworking spots, though with the obvious limits of noise and having to buy lattes). Coworking spaces often market themselves as a better alternative to hopping café to café – more reliable Wi-Fi, no pressure to vacate or keep purchasing coffee, and a community of peers. From a real estate perspective, coworking is also impacting the traditional office market: it absorbs some of the excess vacant space and offers a solution for landlords struggling with empty floors post-pandemic. In Montreal’s downtown, where vacancy hit record highs in 2023 (over 15% costar.com), coworking operators and landlord-run flex spaces are filling some of those gaps, providing smaller tenants an easy entry into those buildings. This dynamic is part of the post-pandemic urban workspace landscape we’ll explore in the final section.

Montreal’s Economic, Cultural, and Real Estate Context

To fully understand the rise of coworking in Montreal, it’s important to view it against the backdrop of the city’s economic and urban development trends. Montreal’s situation – its industries, culture, and the impact of the pandemic – has both fueled coworking’s popularity and shaped its particular form here.

Tech and Startup Ecosystem: Over the past decade, Montreal has emerged as a major tech hub, often ranking just behind Toronto in Canada. The city is renowned in areas like artificial intelligence (with research institutes like Mila), video game development, visual effects, and fintech. Between 2017 and 2022, Montreal added over 51,500 tech jobs, one of the largest increases in tech talent in North America cbre.com. This boom has led to a proliferation of startups and small tech firms – exactly the kind of companies that thrive in coworking environments. The startup culture values flexibility, and many founders prefer the pay-as-you-go office model in early stages. Additionally, Montreal’s universities (McGill, Concordia, etc.) spin off numerous entrepreneurs who often start ventures downtown and gravitate toward coworking hubs that also function as incubators. The city and province have supported innovation centers (like Startup Montreal’s initiatives), some of which include coworking space as part of their offering. Coworking spaces have essentially become part of Montreal’s innovation infrastructure, providing affordable office space for new companies to get started. Culturally, Montreal’s tech scene is collaborative – meetups, hackathons, and cross-pollination are common – and coworking spaces act as physical nodes for that community. It’s not unusual that a tech startup begins at a coworking space like Notman House, grows, and then eventually takes a larger office; their vacated coworking desks then get filled by the next startup in line, continuing the cycle.

Creative and Cultural Economy: Montreal’s economy isn’t just tech; it has a strong creative arts, design, and non-profit sector. The city is a UNESCO City of Design and has a high concentration of creatives and freelancers in fields like film, music, architecture, and marketing. This creative class finds coworking attractive as well. The presence of spaces like Le Salon 1861 (a church converted to a social innovation coworking hub) and Entrepôt Dominion in Saint-Henri (a beautifully restored industrial space for freelancers and small businesses mtl.org mtl.org) show how coworking intersects with cultural preservation and innovation. Montrealers tend to value community and social interaction – part of the francophone flair – which aligns with the coworking ethos of community building. Moreover, entrepreneurs in Montreal often pursue socially-driven projects (e.g., cooperatives, community organizations), and they find shared spaces to be fertile ground for ideas and partnerships. The city’s bilingual nature also means coworking spaces host a mix of languages and international folks (Montreal is a destination for many foreign remote workers/digital nomads because of its relatively low cost of living and rich cultural scene). You might hear French, English, and other languages spoken in a single day at a coworking space, reflecting Montreal’s diversity. This can be an enriching professional environment, attracting people who want a cosmopolitan vibe.

Urban Mobility and the 15-Minute City: Montreal’s urban planning ideals emphasize livable neighborhoods and reducing car dependency. The concept of the “15-minute city” – where most daily needs are within a 15-minute walk or bike ride – is gaining traction. Coworking supports this by enabling people to work closer to where they live. Instead of everyone commuting into the downtown core, coworking locations spread across the city allow a dispersal of work. For instance, someone living in Verdun might take a short metro or bike ride to a coworking spot in the Sud-Ouest rather than a 45-minute drive to an office park. Public transit and cycling infrastructure in Montreal are quite good (for North America), and many coworking spaces cater to cyclists with bike racks and even showers (as noted, one Griffintown coworking site offers a bike garage and showers on-premises for riders mtl.org). This encourages sustainable commuting. Post-pandemic, people are less willing to undertake long daily commutes, so coworking in local hubs is appealing. The earlier-mentioned Îlots d’été (summer outdoor workspaces) is an example of how the city encouraged remote workers to come back into public spaces safely and enjoyably, instead of staying isolated at home mtl.org. That initiative was also about urban vitality – keeping downtown and neighborhood plazas active with people working, eating, spending time (blurring the line between work and public life in a positive way). It reflects Montreal’s creative approach to integrating work into the urban fabric.

Post-Pandemic Office Real Estate Trends: COVID-19 dramatically affected office usage in Montreal. Even as of 2023, downtown office vacancy hit record highs – estimates put it around 15–20% vacant (over 7.5 million square feet empty in the core) montrealcentreville.ca costar.com. Many companies downsized their footprints as hybrid work took hold. This has two implications for coworking. First, landlords with empty space are more open to flexible arrangements, including leasing space to coworking operators or even starting their own coworking floors. Some large Montreal office buildings have introduced “spec suites” or shared amenities to lure smaller tenants who might otherwise choose coworking elsewhere cbre.ca. Second, companies shedding space often still need something for employees – and that something can be coworking memberships. Instead of maintaining a half-empty 10,000 sq ft office, a firm might close it and offer employees passes to a coworking network, saving costs while still providing a place to meet and work occasionally. Real estate firms observe that flex space deals are being done across Montreal even while traditional leasing slowed cbre.ca. Coworking operators themselves took advantage of the softer market to negotiate better rents for their centers, enabling them to survive the lean times and expand again. The bankruptcy of WeWork could have been a major blow, but in Montreal it has been more of a reshuffling: WeWork’s competitors and even new local players eagerly took over vacated locations or memberships. For example, when WeWork gave up part of 1010 Ste-Catherine Ouest, that space didn’t stay dark for long – landlords repurposed it or other flex operators stepped in cbre.ca. Flexible workspace is increasingly seen as a permanent part of the office ecosystem, not just a novelty. A 2024 analysis by JLL suggested that companies will incorporate more flex space into their real estate strategy to handle uncertainty storeys.com. Montreal, with its high vacancies, may actually benefit if more of those empty floors are converted to coworking or multi-tenant collaboration spaces, keeping buildings active. There is even discussion in urban development circles of converting some older office towers to residential, but for the ones staying as offices, adding coworking options is a way to adapt to the new normal.

Economic Considerations: Montreal’s relative affordability and lower average salaries (compared to Toronto or US cities) mean that cost sensitivity is high. Coworking has to be priced right to attract the locals. We saw typical hot-desk memberships around $250–$300/month in Montreal coworkingcafe.com; if it were double that (as in some pricier cities), fewer freelancers could justify it. So the business model had to adjust to local economics. Many spaces offer tiered pricing, part-time plans, or community membership options to capture those who can’t pay a full membership. The Quebec government and City of Montreal have also occasionally funded or subsidized coworking-like initiatives in order to support entrepreneurship. For instance, certain economic development programs provide vouchers or grants that can be used for workspace rental (acknowledging that having a stable workspace is critical for new businesses). Additionally, Montreal’s commercial real estate costs, while lower than some metros, still pose a barrier for micro-entrepreneurs to getting private offices. Coworking fills an important gap by providing affordable business infrastructure on a shared basis. It effectively democratizes access to premium office facilities – a solo graphic designer can work in a beautiful downtown location (Crew Collective, for example, with its 15-metre ceilings mtl.org) which they could never afford on their own, but through coworking it’s within reach. This contributes to an inclusive economic growth where small players can operate alongside big ones.

Future Outlook: Going forward, coworking in Montreal is likely to continue growing, but perhaps in a more measured way. The frenzy of expansion (exemplified by WeWork pre-2020) has given way to a focus on sustainable operations – many spaces are now seeking profitability and stable occupancy. According to industry stats, only around 40% of coworking spaces were profitable a few years ago drop-desk.com, but Montreal operators that survived the pandemic have learned to diversify their offerings (e.g., virtual offices, event rentals) and build loyal communities, which should improve viability. We may also see more specialized coworking – e.g., coworking for biomedical startups near the hospital districts, or coworking integrated with college campuses, etc. The concept of coworking is blurring with other models like business incubators, accelerators, and shared labs. Montreal’s innovation hubs like Centech (for hardware startups) and CEIM (Centre d’Entreprises et d’Innovation Montréal) already provide shared facilities; the lines between an “incubator space” and a “coworking space” are often only semantic. Both are shared work environments with collaboration benefits. Culturally, Montreal’s workforce, especially the younger generation, has shown they value flexibility and quality of life. Coworking aligns well with that ethos – it allows one to work on their own terms, in an environment that can be both productive and enjoyable. Employers trying to attract talent in Montreal might offer coworking options as part of a hybrid package, rather than a fully traditional office mandate.

In conclusion, Montreal’s economic and urban context – a growing tech economy, a creative workforce, an emphasis on community, and the post-pandemic shift in work patterns – has created a fertile ground for coworking spaces. These shared offices have become an integral part of the city’s work landscape, contributing to downtown revival efforts and providing flexible solutions for thousands of workers.

Conclusion

Shared office spaces (coworking) have firmly established themselves as a viable and popular workspace option in Montreal, offering a mix of flexibility, community, and convenience that aligns with the city’s evolving work culture. We’ve seen that coworking’s pros – flexibility in lease terms, lower barriers to entry, ready-made amenities, networking opportunities, and a boost in work-life balance – make it highly attractive to groups like freelancers, startups, and remote workers. These benefits are evidenced by both anecdotal experiences and surveys (for instance, the vast majority of coworkers reporting increased productivity, expanded networks, and reduced isolation creativedensity.com). Montreal’s specific flavor of coworking, from elegant converted spaces like Crew Collective to innovative concepts like outdoor summer workstations, shows how the city has embraced the idea and made it its own.

On the flip side, we’ve discussed the cons – noise, lack of privacy, potentially higher costs over the long term, and loss of some control – which can be pain points. These drawbacks mean that coworking is not perfect for everyone or every situation. Someone whose work requires absolute confidentiality or quiet may struggle in a busy open-plan space. A company that knows its headcount and needs are stable for years might save money with a traditional lease. And after all, some people simply prefer the comfort of their home office or the identity of their own private office.

However, many of the challenges of coworking are being addressed as the industry matures: spaces are offering more private areas to handle calls, operators are spreading out to residential areas to reduce commutes, and pricing models are diversifying to offer more value. In Montreal, the trend seems clear – coworking is part of the new normal for work. It complements both the traditional office sector (by filling gaps and incubating new businesses) and remote work (by giving remote workers a third option beyond home or corporate office). The post-pandemic reality is that hybrid work is here to stay, and coworking spaces are a critical element of hybrid infrastructure, providing that “in-between” venue.

For Montreal’s downtown and commercial real estate, coworking has injected adaptability at a time when it’s sorely needed. With office vacancies high, flexible workspace operators and models are helping repurpose space and bring workers back into the core in new ways. For workers themselves, coworking offers a solution to Montreal’s unique challenges – whether it’s a refuge from a small apartment, a networking hub in a bilingual city, or a flexible satellite office enabled by the latest in technology.

In summary, the pros and cons of coworking need to be weighed based on individual needs: the freedom and community it offers versus the potential distractions and costs. But the wealth of options in Montreal means workers can likely find a space or plan that fits their style – be it a quiet desk in a sunny Plateau loft or a bustling table in a downtown high-rise. As the city continues to foster innovation and creativity, shared workspaces will undoubtedly play a key role in its economic and urban story. Montreal’s experience with coworking so far suggests that, when done right, these shared offices can provide a productive, enriching, and flexible way to work, perfectly attuned to the rhythm of the city and the future of work.

Sources:

• Aznavour, Nari. “The Rise, Fall and Renewed Potential for Coworking in Montreal.” CBRE Insights, Nov. 27, 2024 cbre.ca cbre.ca.

• Chai, Howard. “Why Coworking Space Provider IWG Is Opening 13 New Locations In Canada.” Storeys, Oct. 6, 2023 storeys.com storeys.com.

• CityNews Montreal / Canadian Press. “Co-working spaces poised for surge in demand as remote work increases,” Sept. 30, 2021 montreal.citynews.ca montreal.citynews.ca.

• Coworking Resources. “The History of Coworking – 2005 to 2021,” Apr. 5, 2021 coworkingresources.org.

• CoworkingCafe. “How much does a coworking space cost in Montreal?” – FAQ on coworkingcafe.com coworkingcafe.com.

• DropDesk. “Coworking Statistics & Trends [2024 Update],” 2024 drop-desk.com drop-desk.com.

• Frenkel, Amnon, et al. Global Coworking Survey – via Creative Density (Deskmag stats) creativedensity.com.

• Montreal Tourisme. “Stunning co-working spaces in Montréal,” 2022 mtl.org mtl.org.

• ScrapeHero. “Cities with the most Spaces (IWG) coworking locations in Canada,” 2025 scrapehero.com.

• (Additional citations within text from CBRE, Allwork, etc., as labeled).

Sources

• coworkingresources.org
• sciencedirect.com
• montreal.citynews.ca
• storeys.com
• cbre.ca
• cwrealkapital.no
• coworkingmag.com
• mtl.org
• drop-desk.com
• cbre.com
• coworkingcafe.com
• regus.com
• reddit.com
• creativedensity.com
• allwork.space
• costar.com
• montrealcentreville.ca
• scrapehero.com