Tell us what kind of tools you’re looking for in the tool library or what skills you’d like to learn or improve on. Please allow us up to 48 hours to get back to you as we’re all volunteers and might be busy with our other jobs.
In the meantime, you can stay in touch by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on social media (Instagram, Twitter or Facebook) for the latest news and updates from the OTL. We promise it’ll be interesting!
Membership has its benefits!
In 2021, annual members on average borrowed over $2,000 worth of tools with their $200 membership. They got the right tools and advice, saved money and space, and made a sustainable choice. Tackle your renovations, repairs and personal projects today!
Throughout the pandemic, increased demand and supply chain issues have driven up the cost of home repairs and renovations for everyone. But did you know that labour costs often represent half the expense of a home renovation? Sometimes you’re better off entrusting work to the professionals, but often anyone can tackle smaller finishing projects like a backsplash, new shelves, or baseboards and trim, all of which will save you money towards realizing your vision. Need advice on approaches or use of a tool? Our on-site Tool Ninjas can walk you through a project, including what tools and materials you’ll need.
Membership at the OTL isn’t just about home improvement, but also about the tools you need everyday: we have the pumps and fans for a water leak; ladders to rescue that frisbee off your roof; dollies and straps to move your appliances; sewing machines and sergers to alter and mend clothes; specialized tools to tune up your bike; and telescoping pruners, fruit pickers and even a canning set for your own local harvest. You can also use our tools in the OTL WorkSpace to build personal projects from a cutting board to a coffee table.
In 2021, our average annual member borrowed over $2,000 worth of tools, and some borrowed far more! Not only did they save money and space in their own home, they got the right tools and advice for every project. They also kept their projects more sustainable, reducing the environmental impact of producing all of those tools and disposing of them later. Lastly, they also supported our core operations through the challenges of the pandemic, allowing us to reopen the OTL WorkSpace, deliver workshops, resume Repair Cafés, and host kids camps with our Tinkering School.
We have annual and monthly individual memberships, plus student, household and even group pricing. But we understand that membership isn’t for everyone. If it’s out of your price range, we also provide memberships to volunteers and pay-what-you-can memberships through our OTL Community Fund. You can also make a financial or tool donation to support us, or share the word with family and friends. Lastly, please consider signing up to our newsletter or following us on social media (ig|fb|tw) to learn about the latest news and offerings from the OTL.
Whatever you choose to do, we appreciate your continued patronage and support. Stay safe and build on, Ottawa!
