We don’t have the knowledge or skills to work across multiple complex fields; we have yet to discover what the interconnections are or how the pieces fit together; this work requires building trusting relationships with groups we don’t usually work with, a process that takes significant time and investment. In many spaces policy makers and bureaucrats are actively encouraged to silo their solutions to avoid stepping on toes, or delaying action. It all seems extremely time consuming at a moment when we feel we should be accelerating our efforts. How do we even begin?

Through the leadership of organizations like the Centre for Social Innovation, community bonds have become much better understood by the coop and nonprofit sectors. Now organizations like Tapestry Community Capital are helping professionalize the delivery of these tools and campaigns.

In 2018, when SKETCH Executive Director Rudy Ruttimann saw that commercial rent was projected to rise 4.5% annually in Toronto, she knew it was time to act. If the rent increases continued SKETCH could no longer afford to stay in Toronto by 2023.

The increase of 79 new locations brings the total number of washrooms available from 64 to 143. Winter accessible public washrooms are also available in community recreation centres, libraries and City-owned buildings throughout Toronto. The City is working to post a comprehensive list and map of locations on the City’s website.

With profound gratitude (and more than a little surprise) it is our great honour to share that we’ve raised more than $1.9M using Community Bonds to help build the next economy.