Welcome to a regular OTL blog feature where we interview a member of the OTL community. Today, we are introducing you to OTL Member, Ana R. Ana has been a member of OTL since 2024. In this Q & A style blog post, we’ll share why Ana became a member, what she has done and learned since becoming a member and some of the secrets to her DIY success. Let’s get started!
“Our house was built in the 1960s and needed a lot of love. At first, we thought we’d just buy all the tools we needed. But then we realized… we’d probably use some of them once and never again. That’s when my mother-in-law suggested we check out OTL. She was right. It’s been a game-changer.”
Meet the Members: Ana R. Builds Her Own Way
OTL: Hi Ana! First off, tell us—other than being a swell member of the OTL community 😄—who are you?
Ana: I’m a young professional who just wrapped up grad school last year. I studied civil engineering—bachelor’s and master’s in Iran and then came to Canada for my PhD. My focus was air quality and I’ve worked as an environmental scientist. Fun fact: during undergrad, I dabbled in kitchen design! So, I guess you could say I’ve always had a creative streak.
Last year, I bought an older home and started working on it. That’s when I realized how much I love DIY projects—and how handy borrowing tools could be.
OTL: So what first brought you to the Ottawa Tool Library?
Ana: Our house was built in the 1960s and needed a lot of love. At first, we thought we’d just buy all the tools we needed. But then we realized… we’d probably use some of them once and never again. That’s when my mother-in-law—who knows so much about Ottawa and volunteers everywhere—suggested we check out OTL. She was right. It’s been a game-changer.
OTL: What’s your most recent DIY adventure?
Ana: Just yesterday, I started raising the interlock in front of our garage door. I’ve pulled out the old pieces and now I need to borrow a pounding tool and some mallets from OTL to keep going. Next up is a laundry room reno—I’ve already borrowed a mitre saw to kick things off!
OTL: Here’s your chance to inspire our community with mention of the other projects you have tackled!
Ana: I’ve done a striped accent wall with concrete, sanded and stained the living room floor, installed vinyl peel-and-stick flooring, built a French drain outside, repaired the house’s parging, insulated the garage, and even created a new seating area where a hot tub used to be.
I learned a lot by reading the Ontario Building Code and watching videos. Over the years, I’ve built up my skills. People are often surprised that I’m the one doing all this work—but it’s truly a passion of mine.
OTL: Got any fun or inspiring OTL memories?
Ana: Yes! My husband and I went to a tool safety workshop together as a Valentine’s Day date. When we arrived, we found out we had only booked one registration, but someone didn’t show up so they let us both join in. It was such a fun experience. My husband made something that’s still on display in our home… mine, not so much 😅
OTL: If you could only use one tool for the rest of your DIY days, what would it be?
Ana: Easy—an impact driver. I used to have just one drill and did everything with it. Now I’m a Dewalt devotee. It’s my go-to brand.
OTL: Any shout-outs to the OTL crew?
Ana: Definitely Brian! And John—one of the “wizards”—gave me great advice on using the mitre saw. It made me feel way more confident. The wizards are amazing.
Ana, you’re amazing. Thanks for sharing your story—and for showing us what DIY passion looks like in action!