Makerspace Nanaimo is an open community lab: a blend of workshop, studio space, social hub and educational facility where members can share tools, resources and knowledge to build just about anything. In the past year, Makerspace Nanaimo has moved from being a basic shared work space, to hosting numerous other groups & specialized workshops. Makerspace now offers training on soldering, telescope m
aking, 3D printing, Arduino programming, and more. Makerspace offers a large meeting space with wifi and work tables for rent, which has been taken advantage of by groups such as Ladies Learning Code Central Vancouver Island, Nanaimo Astronomy Club, Small Talk, etc. Our biggest challenge recently has been financing, as our organization is almost entirely member funded. Thanks to a great sponsorship / lease agreement with our landlord Enzo Reginato we have been able to offer this space with minimal outside funding, but ongoing growth of membership is still required to keep the space in operation. Makerspace is a global movement, and the success of Makerspace Nanaimo has encouraged other Vancouver Island regions to start their own Makerspaces (as the Victoria space similarly encouraged our group.) We have provided support and feedback to these groups looking to start up in neighbouring cities, and hope to create a network on the island. We are also now launching Stemosity, a children's program aimed at teaching STEM skills to 8 - 12 year olds. This program is just launching thanks to an initial grant from Coastal Community Credit Union, and we hope to offer the first classes this spring. Since we opened our doors in 2014, we have gone from an initial 10 member leadership team, to a consistent membership base of 50+ monthly. General meetings are held every second Tuesday, and attendance is usually in the 20 - 30 person range, indicating a strong, involved member base. On any given day, you will likely find at least 4 - 10 Makers in the space actively working on projects. Weekends & events usually bring in a crowd!
