In a world where remote work is reshaping how we connect, create, and collaborate, one Ottawa family saw an opportunity to reimagine a sacred space—quite literally. Collabüro, nestled in the heart of Little Italy, is more than a coworking space. It’s a former church turned community hub, where local entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers gather not just to work, but to celebrate, connect, and grow.
Opened in early 2020, just weeks before the world shut down, Collabüro has since evolved into one of the city’s most beloved multi-use venues. From intimate board meetings and art shows to weddings and memorials, its walls have witnessed the full spectrum of life. What started as a vision for flexible workspace has blossomed into a vibrant, family-run business rooted in community, compassion, and creativity.
We sat down with the team behind Collabüro to talk about how it all began, what sets their space apart, and why this beautifully repurposed building continues to touch the lives of so many—from remote workers to newlyweds.
1. What inspired you to transform a former church into Collabüro, and how did your vision for a coworking and events space evolve during the renovation process? Also, how many years in business.
We opened Collabüro in early 2020, right before the pandemic changed the way people worked. The building itself—a beautiful former church—offered a rare mix of character, openness, and natural light. We saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the space while preserving its charm and purpose as a gathering place. Initially, we envisioned a modern coworking space for professionals and creatives, but through the renovation process, we realized the space could be so much more—a vibrant community hub for events, art shows, workshops, and even weddings and other celebrations with family and friends. That evolution has been key to shaping what Collabüro is today. We have had many business events from 2 people to 100+ people from those within Ottawa and those travelling especially to Ottawa from a wide variety of industries and types of organisations. We especially enjoy supporting community projects, not for profit initiatives and small start-ups educating their guests on what they have to offer. We have had every type of social celebration from Gender reveal/Baby showers to Memorials celebrating a loved one’s life as well as Birthdays from 16 days to 100 years, proposals, engagement parties and weddings of all sizes 10 to 120 guests!
2. As a family-owned business, how do you balance collaboration among yourselves with maintaining a professional environment for your members?
We’re a small, tight-knit team, and that gives us a unique advantage: trust and shared values. We communicate constantly, divide responsibilities based on our strengths, and support one another without ego. But when it comes to the member experience, professionalism is non-negotiable. We always prioritize our clients’ needs, and we’re mindful to create an environment where people feel respected, productive, and welcome—regardless of who’s on duty. Being a family business helps us treat everyone who walks through our doors like extended family.
3. What sets Collabüro apart from other coworking spaces in Ottawa, especially in terms of amenities or community-building efforts?
Collabüro is a standalone building in the heart of Little Italy, which already makes us quite unique. But what truly sets us apart is our flexibility and our commitment to creating customized experiences. Whether it’s coworking, private meetings, workshops, or full-scale events, we offer a variety of spaces that can adapt to our members’ and clients’ needs. We’re not a one-size-fits-all operation—we work closely with everyone who books with us to ensure their setup, timing, and overall experience is just right and unique to them. Time and time again, we hear that people feel genuinely taken care of here, and that’s exactly the standard we aim for.
4. How has the Little Italy location shaped Collabüro’s identity and its role in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem?
Little Italy has been the perfect home for Collabüro. The neighborhood is a blend of tradition and innovation—rich with character and full of life. Being in the heart of Ottawa, close to downtown but surrounded by great food, culture, and small businesses, has allowed us to attract a wide range of professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs. We’ve become a go-to space not only for remote work but also for local collaborations, community events, and small business pop-ups. The neighborhood has shaped us as much as we’ve contributed to its vibrancy. We have also enjoyed the Little Italy area festivals and actively support the Preston BIA in their community initiatives.
5. What’s been the most rewarding moment or member success story since opening Collabüro, and how has it impacted your vision for the future?
One story that really touched us was from a coworking member who told us that Collabüro felt like a homecoming. She had been married in the building back when it was still a church, and years later, her children were christened here too. Now, as a professional working from the same space, she described how the building has continued to play an important role in her life across completely different chapters. That sense of continuity and belonging captures exactly what we hoped to create—a space that’s more than just walls and desks, but part of people’s personal journeys. It motivates us to keep building spaces that are meaningful, welcoming, and deeply rooted in the community. We continue to garner great Google reviews and many clients send us private emails after their event. Our latest comment after a wedding was “Thank you for all your help. From now on I’ll always feel some tenderness in my heart whenever I pass Collaburo”
