2021 Fall

Town Hall - October 27th, 2021

Welcome

  • Town Hall Agenda

  • SOTU

    • Thank you for continuing your support of MakerLabs

    • We will continue to operate within the permitted guidelines that the PHO provides us. Changes will be communicated to the community.


Member Feedback Results

  • Clutter progress

    • A noticeable chunk has been dealt with but we'll keep chipping away

    • We uncovered more during decluttering. We are currently sitting at about 1100 sqft (estimated; can be more).

    • Hoping to reduce it down to below 500sqft before the end of the year as we continue cleaning and hauling out more junk

  • Dust management in the WoodLab

    • Always turn on the dust collectors

    • We thank members who take the time to sweep up after they are done with the tool/space

    • For those who don't, please start sweeping after yourselves. While spotless may not be necessary, leaving a thin layer of sawdust or pile of sawdust isn't very nice for the next person using the tool

    • While on the topic of the WoodLab, we encourage everyone working to wear appropriate PPE when in the WoodLab.

      • Safety glasses are a must - generic pairs available for sale at the front desk

      • Ear protection is encouraged and we have complimentary pairs of earplugs at the front desk

      • Proper dust masks are recommended at the very least if working for a prolonged amount of time in the WoodLab. If you plan on working for a really long time one should consider getting a respirator mask.

  • A separate discounted membership tier class for less access

    • No; but drop-in passes are available for those not frequenting MakerLabs as much

      • $160+GST for 5 visits over the span of 3 months

  • Tool Requests

    • Separate Metal Drill Press?

      • Request is totally valid. We'll look into sourcing a separate one to stay in the MetalLab.

    • Metal Chop Saw

      • We have one, just bring your own blade; it is too costly for us to maintain and replace the blades.

    • Not at this time:

      • Wider thickness sander - We currently have one that accommodates up to 38". Must complete fabricator tool knowledge test first and provide your own sandpaper.

      • Communal domino cutter/mortiser - We do not have a dedicated communal use one, however if the fabricator one is available for use. Must complete fabricator tool knowledge test first and provide your own mortising bit.

      • Wood Steamer

      • Veneer press

    • Forge is a no-go


Space and Tools Upgrades/Updates

  • Bounty Board

    1. Members can pitch in around MakerLabs in exchange for DIY machine time applicable to CNC Routers and the regular laser cutter.

    2. Routine cleaning tasks, or help with decluttering outside of a cleanup day

    3. Might throw on some tool repairs if it might be a while until a staff member is able to actually get their hands on the tool

  • Lounge Restored!

    1. Thank you to all the members who helped make this a reality and let's work on maintaining this space as it is.

  • Awen Haus and Gallery/Photo space

    1. Both member initiatives have had their opening events

  • Photo space now available for member use - we ask to only park items that can be rolled away for ease of access

      1. No short term storage permitted in that space

      2. Lighting equipment can be used but please put them back where they were - they should just be right next to the wall

  • MakerStore

    1. Still working away on it but almost done - going to add some more light sources so people can actually see what they're grabbing

  • Ceramic Space

    1. With the first floor cleanup initiatives this has taken a bit of a backseat, but now that it is under control it is now underway starting with relocating the bathroom entrance.

    2. Rearrangement of the existing sinks so the utility one is just on the outside of the room, and we can put in a nice stainless one for members to use with their kettles, and a counter for the microwave.

  • Fiber Laser

    1. Those who finish the class can now book time on the Fiber Laser

    2. Engravings can be done quite fast if the files are prepped right. Literally in mere seconds.

    3. You do not calculate your minutes nor do your monthly minutes apply

    4. At this time it is $10/30 minute slot for members to use, and $15/30 minute slot for non-members.

    5. Deposits are paid upfront for both and they are non-refundable.

  • Current state of the WoodLab Drill Press

    1. Safety button was triggered and broke off - it is stuck in a position that the drill press might not even turn on. Not that it should be used while the emergency stop is broken.

    2. Sadly the manufacture does not ship directly to Canada so we are currently working with Canadian dealers to find the right parts to replace the broken and we're going to go ahead and try to replace any other faulty components.


Education

  • Darla running 5 workshops

    1. Bath Bomb Social

    2. Introduction to Landscape in Oils

    3. Alcohol Inks Paint Night

    4. Introduction to Florals in Oils

    5. Paint Pouring Night

  • Will running an Introduction to Robotics workshop

  • Bryan running a couple of Introduction to Joinery workshops

  • Kseniya running a few workshops

    1. Kimekomi Christmas Ornaments

    2. Non-Woven Tapestry

  • Thanh is campaigning for more kid-friendly workshops at MakerLabs and possible organize some parent-child programs to provide more bonding opportunities for families, and to inspire a younger generation of makers/tinkerers. Laser Cut Gingerbread Houses and Ornaments will be the first to try.


Program Updates

  • Tools for Women

    1. Applications for Jan 2022, Feb 2022, and Mar 2022 will be accepted started November 1st.


Policy Changes and Reminders

  • Eliminating the filament charge for 3D printing

    1. Now that we're charging by the hour for printing, we no longer see a reason to charge for filament

    2. Printing is still $2/hour with a minimum $5 processing fee

    3. Members can report their printing time using the MakerStore reporting form

  • Loading Bay charges reminder

    1. Bringing in a vehicle/reserving the loading bay for larger projects is subjected to a booking fee

    2. $20+GST for outdoor bays

    3. $30+GST for indoor bay

  • Knowledge Depreciation Test rates

    1. Now being increased to $30+GST/class

    2. Fabricator tool knowledge tests will still be at $20+GST

  • Studio members storing food in their studios

    1. Please use air locked containers to store food to keep out unwanted pests

    2. We recommend moving anything from corn-based packaging into air locked containers as well to further reduce visitation

    3. If staff notice any exposed food or corn based packing, it may be subject to confiscation or disposal

  • North-western studios need to be considerate of how many appliances are plugged in at any given time.

    1. That corner used to only be divided into 3 low-energy use studios, but now there are 5 studios and all the outlets/drops have been maxed out.

    2. Too many high powered tools, appliances, devices simultaneously can trip the breakers.

    3. We are working on routing another shared electrical line in that area that should be on a separate breaker switch.

    4. Individuals finding that they are needing to plug in high voltage items frequently may have to hire an electrician to rig a dedicated line.

  • With the cold creeping up on us, reminder to all studio members about space heaters.

    1. Electric heaters only - no oil base ones.

    2. They cannot be left unattended. Unattended heaters may be subjected to confiscation.


Staffing changes

  1. With MakerLabs still continuing to grow, our team is undergoing some changes to operate more efficiently and continue improving on providing better services to our members and customers

  2. Zoey is now our leading Community Coordinator and is responsible for member engagement and improving our social media presence.

  3. Thanh is moving into a company administration and education management and will be spending less time at the front desk. Still overseeing large scale community projects and engaging with community leaders who will be championing the initiatives.

  4. Corinne has taken on more of our general management and will be making sure everyone is getting their work done and have the necessary support in place. Will still be overseeing the introduction of new educational programming at MakerLabs from member run workshops to new residency programs.

  5. We are currently looking to fill a part-time front desk position pretty much right away, and starting to look for a part-time facilities coordinator.


Q&A (and questions asked during the presentations)

Q: How about cash reward instead of CNC minutes?

A: Make a proposal - but we are open to discussion.


Q: If a shared line is being put in, can the members team up and pay extra to have their own dedicated lines put in at the same time?

A: It probably won't decrease the labour cost by much, but we don't see why not.


Q: How is ML going to determine where that outlet is being placed?

A: It's going to be in the studio corridor so not in any one person's studio.


Q: Can we get heat redirected on the second floor into the corner so the studio members don't need to rely on space heaters?

A: Let's see how this newer heater works. We got it just as the cold snap last year ended so we haven't had a chance yet to see it's full potential.


Q: Can we get a smart thermostat that will turn on the central heater as early as 7am so it can warm up by the time members arrive at 9am?

A: Let's talk about it again after the town hall.


Q: With the changes in staffing, who do we direct our conversations to?

A: Just send an email to hello@makerlabs.com! We will sort it out internally to help everyone more efficiently.


Q: Can affiliates also have early access?

A: They can if they pay the extended hours access for their fobs. Currently $60 in addition to their membership fees.


Q: Can extended hours start at 8am?

A: We will discuss it again, but it is mainly set to 9am as we can try to staff a member at 9am on some days.


Q: Is there always a staff member at 9am?

A: Not all the time, but it will change based on needs of the day (town hall for example)

Halloween Contest

Video Recordings