2022

Fall

Town Hall November 1st, 2022

Welcome

  • Town Hall Agenda

  • Thank you for your continued support of MakerLabs


Member Feedback Results

Thank you to everyone who submitted responses and suggestion for solutions. Here are some common points that were brought up during the survey, and actions we will be taking.

  • Continued Clutter Consolidation

    • As more is being evacuated from the building, more are coming out to light. We are continuously removing them from premises through their appropriate recycling/disposal streams.

    • Dean has been great with tackling everything.

    • Kathryn, our facilities magician, will also be taking on routine recycling runs for materials we do not have scheduled pick up services for.

    • Members are also being asked to not leave out items with a "FREE" sign. Items must stay in their studio spaces, anything outside those boundaries is adding to the problem and will be subject to a storage fee.


  • More Level 2 Courses and Project Based Classes

    • Members are encouraged to submit proposals for classes they may want to instruct, as well as pass the word around to others that may have a class idea.


Space and Tool Upgrades / Updates

  • Tool Requests

    • Tools requested: wider jointer/planer, retire RED, upgrade CNC computer, large spindle sander, ironing stations in the TextileLab, Cricut Cutter, Stomp Shear

    • We will not be acquiring a wider jointer/planer - the existing one meets majority of our needs.

    • We have had 3 spindle sanders in the past that broke way too quickly. There is a spindle sander in the sanding booth that we have no idea where it came from but it will now live there. We however will not be maintaining it nor do we have any additional parts/accessories for it.

    • RED is still serving its purpose. We also have BLUE for check out if needed for non-WiFi work.

    • The CNC computer is up to par with a compatible version as advised by Vetric. We are not able to install Version 11.5 as the full-service version isn't actually available (yes, it is weird that a trial version is available but not the full-licensed one)

    • Regarding the TextilesLab, MakerLabs will look into getting a more permanent ironing board set up in the space, and will raise the cutting table by about 5"

    • At this time we will not be acquiring a Cricut Cutter. Our current vinyl cutter is operating just fine and we have the laser cutter for non-vinyl material too.

    • There is a functioning stomp shear in the MetalLab.


Staffing Updates

  • MakerLabs welcomes Chris and Salwa as our new Front desk Associates, and Evelyn as the Assistant Education Manager and TFW Coordinator

  • Members reviewed MakerLabs as having a strong Community Vibe where staff are kind, patient, enthusiastic, friendly, and collaborative.


Education

  • Classes being offered by members:

    • Evelyn - Book Nook Diorama Workshop

    • Maddy - Fabric Basket Workshops and Fanny Pack Workshops

    • Zoey - Sushi Set Event Night

    • Darla - Paint Pour Nights and Playing with Alcohol Inks Night

    • Alicia - Basket Weaving with Ivy Workshops and Wire Wrapped Jewellery Workshops

    • Larissa - Cribbage Board Workshops

  • Cutting Board Workshops back

    • Making it a more regular offering.


Program Updates

  • Tools for Women Residency - Early 2023 Applications are open

  • Wood Working Residency - New and underway.

    • Includes 2 months of membership

    • Studio space

    • All materials to build a side table with sliding drawer are included in the cost

    • All WoodLab classes

    • Platform to share / exhibit work

    • Instructor and MakerLabs Guidance & Support to help execute your projects


Community Events

  • Newbie Night is new

    • Runs on the 4th Tuesday of every month.

  • Electronics Meet-up

    • Happening on the first Thursday of the month

  • Community Dinners have returned!

    • Once a month

    • With a budget of $150, members are invited to volunteer and send in proposals with their projected menu.

    • Volunteer would be responsible for picking up ingredients, cooking, serving, and hosting the dinner. Keep your receipts and we will reimburse them up to the budgeted max.

    • Marc St. Pierre has been active host, with two very successful gatherings. Next gathering, other than our Christmas Celebration, will be in January.

  • Culture Crawl is coming up

    • Running from November 17th - 20th

  • MakerLabs Community Christmas Party

    • Happening December 10th from 5pm-9pm


Policy Changes and Reminders

  • Tier Changes require written notice at least 24 hours in advance

    • This will allow for staff to update the tier properly, especially with 24/7 upgrades requiring a safety walkthrough.

  • Membership Cancellations require written notice at least 7 days in advance

    • Less than 7 days notice = $20+GST admin fee

    • 1-3 days after being renewed = $40+GST admin fee

    • 4+ days after being renewed = no refunds, no fee, your membership is active for one last month and cancelled for the following month.

  • Clean up should be no later than 8:45PM

    • Members are reminded to regularly to clean up after themselves.

    • Evening cleanups shouldn't be any later than 8:45PM so staff may shut down the building.


Q & A

  • No new Q's that haven't already been brought up.