Programs at the Ottawa Tool Library
What’s a Repair Café?
Repair Cafés originated in the Netherlands in 2007, and now run in cities and communities all over the world. They are free, community-led events where volunteer Fixers and Menders assist visitors with repairing broken household items, including small appliances, textiles, electronics, furniture, and more!
Whether visitors need just a bit of extra help or they are brand new to the repair concept, Repair Cafés are an exciting and welcoming environment for sharing skills and knowledge, reducing landfill waste, and building community across generations, cultures and more.
Repair Cafés at the OTL
We believe that Repair Cafés are opportunities for all Ottawa & area residents to feel purpose and belonging – whether as a visitor or volunteer – to save money, learn new skills and foster a culture of repair!
In 2017, the OTL ran the first ever Repair Café in Ottawa and it was an overwhelming success. We’ve subsequently received funding (from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and New Horizons for Seniors Program) and found individual sponsors for several events with the Lee Valley, City of Ottawa, and Zibi/Dream Community Foundation.
We believe that Repair Cafés are opportunities for all Ottawa & area residents to feel purpose and belonging – whether as a visitor or volunteer – to save money, learn new skills and foster a culture of repair! Repair Cafés directly divert items from our local landfills and reduce our environmental impact, while allowing our community to engage in accessible climate action!
Upcoming Events
Attend
Feel free to drop in! Bring a household item to be fixed or just come in to see all of the excitement. We also have a kids’ activity table, a selection of tools for sale from our Webstore, and snacks.
Volunteer
We love when new folks join our volunteer team! Volunteer roles include, fixing and mending, registration and welcome booth, café, kid’s corner with games and educational materials, and community promoters. If you would like more information or are interested in getting involved, please contact us!
Partner/Donate
We’re grateful to all of our sponsor organizations that have enabled us to deliver Repair Cafés in Ottawa. We’re always looking for grant and sponsorship opportunities to continue these events into the future. If you’re interested in providing financial or in-kind contributions (such as space, food and drinks, printing and more) check out our 2-pager and please reach out.
Did You Know?
Ottawa’s Trail Road Waste Facility receives over 560,000 tonnes of waste a year and is forecast to be full by 2042. (Source: City of Ottawa, 2015)
Gallery
A Look at our Repair Cafés
Whether visitors need just a bit of extra help or they are brand new to the repair concept, Repair Cafés are an exciting and welcoming environment for sharing skills and knowledge, reducing landfill waste, and building community across generations, cultures and more.
