We will be re-opening the OTL WorkSpace with Shop Nights every 3rd Thursday of the month, with a maximum of three (3) people. The band saw, drill press, and mitre saw are only available to those who have taken our WorkSpace Safety 101 course. The table saw, router, jointer, and planer are currently unavailable.
In the past, we hosted Maker Nights and Maker Days, but they were infrequent and not always convenient. Instead, our members and the public have asked us for a dedicated workspace. The OTL WorkSpace is our effort to provide a safe, approachable workspace for our members to build their next project. It features a series of benches equipped with a solid collection of shop tools, and also has a number of larger power tools which can be used at any of the benches.
Those looking to use the OTL WorkSpace will need to purchase a separate daily or monthly pass to access the space. Passes are available at the tool library only and commence the day of purchase. Costs are $20 for a daily pass and $80 for a monthly pass. All prices include HST.
The OTL WorkSpace is open the same hours as the OTL itself and is supervised by a WorkSpace Monitor. All users must take our WorkSpace 101 course and follow good safety practices, including the use of protective equipment. The course is offered regularly and you can get tickets via Eventbrite.
Each bench at the OTL WorkSpace has a number of essential hand tools, like screwdrivers, a hammer, pliers and a drill; measuring and marking tools like a combination square, tape measure and pencil; as well as eyewear and hearing protection.
The following tools are available to be used at any workbench: band saw, miter saw, and scroll saw. There are also a table saw, router, jointer, and planer available, but they will require our WorkSpace 201 course. Other tools can be borrowed (by members) from the OTL and used in the WorkSpace.
Shop Nights & Safety Training
There are no upcoming events at this time, please check back soon.
WorkSpace FAQ
Right beside the Ottawa Tool Library at Makerspace North at City Centre in Ottawa. Click here to find us.
For the moment, it will have the same hours as the OTL (click here for hours). As we develop experience and receive feedback, we’ll determine if and when we can expand the hours of the WorkSpace.
Definitely. As demand increases or our costs change, we may need to adjust our fees. We will communicate any changes well in advance.
No, but you need to be a member to borrow any tools from the OTL that are not already in the WorkSpace. OTL members also get a 20% discount on OTL WorkSpace passes.
Yes. For the moment, during the COVID-19 pandemic we are opening the OTL WorkSpace during periods when the OTL itself is closed to reduce foot traffic. Given the limited spaces and high demand, we’re also requiring reservations via Eventbrite.
No (sorry!). Our WorkSpace Monitors can give advice to ensure you’re safely using the appropriate tool. However, their role is to ensure the safe use of the space for all users and cannot divert their attention to help build a specific project.
No, you’ll need to bring your project and materials with you and take them when you leave.
Our WorkSpace safety courses are no longer required to use the space or any handheld (manual or powered) tools. However, select bench/floor tools are only available to those who have taken our WorkSpace safety courses.
WorkSpace 101covers safe use of the band saw, miter saw, and scroll saw, whereas our WorkSpace 201 covers the table saw, router, jointer, and planer. These tools are only available to those who have taken our corresponding course. You can find upcoming courses and book tickets via Eventbrite.
Yes, everyone must wear appropriate personal protective equipment at all times. It will be provided but you can always bring your own.
As you may know, at the end of November, we had to halt our operations and store all of our tools, benches, materials and more. We put the call to our volunteers, members and supporters that we urgently needed to move. Our thanks to local media outlets, community newspapers, and everyone else who helped spread the word via social media.
We’re so thankful for the outpouring of support – from community groups, businesses, and generous individuals – who contributed their brawn, talents, transport, storage, and more. With your help, all of our inventory and stuff is safely stored with our friends at Dymon Storage, Beyond the Pale Brewing, Brezach Solutions, McGuire Agency, and Just Food. Thank you to everyone who responded to the call … we truly couldn’t have done it without you.
A Continued Hibernation & Lockdown 🐻❄️
For the moment, our tools are in storage. We did managed to continue with some of our workshops in December thanks to KJP Select Hardwoods, and our Tinkering School thanks to Ottawa School of Art. However, the latest lockdown has also put these efforts on hold. Our webstore is offline, but we’re examining ways to return to offer online merchandise and surplus tools during our closure. Our series of Repair Cafés remain suspended until we can host them safely.
We’re very sorry for the inconvenience our closure has obviously caused for our members are our community. Thanks to everyone for your patience and support. Most importantly, the OTL will return. We’ve always been solvent and paid our bills, but the outpouring of support in December has highlighted the value that you, our friends and neighbours, put on access to the tools, advice and skills we provide to the community.
Space Quest! 🚀👩🚀🔭
We’d already begun looking at different spaces before we had to move, but affordable light commercial warehouse space is a rarity in Ottawa. Our operations necessitate certain parameters: ground level, high ceilings, accessible by bus and transit, parking, and accessible to those with mobility issues.
So, the OTL continues to look for a new space to resume operations as soon as possible in the new year. Ideally, we’re seeking the following:
1,200-1,500 sq ft of ground level, accessible unfinished space with a large entrance door (either a wide person door, or an overhead garage door, or both).
Adjacent and free parking
Affordable rent of $10-$15/sq ft (plus utilities).
The space would ideally also allow for a small workshop (300-500 sq ft) to be set up to host our many DIY workshops and seminars.
Centrally located, preferably West of Centretown, as many of our members and volunteers are located in the area bounded by Bronson, the Ottawa River, Greenbank and Baseline.
We’re working with a broker to scour the city and have toured a lot of spaces in Ottawa, but haven’t yet found a suitable home. Given the low city-wide availability, our best bet is to learn about spaces before they’re listed. Do you have a suitable space for the OTL in Ottawa, or know someone who might? Contact us.
We’re also appealing to local community groups, social enterprises or non-profits who may be interested in co-locating with us in a larger space. We’re most interested in collaborating with those involved in the sharing/circular economy, promoting environmental sustainability, or teaching skills in our community. If you and your organization are interested, please get in touch.
What’s Next & How to Help 💪🏽
Foremost, if you want to be the first to know about the OTL’s next chapter, subscribe to our newsletter. We’ll do our best to keep you updated about our space hunt, programming, webstore, and what’s next for the OTL.
Not everyone has a spare warehouse to fill, but there are many other ways to show your support:
If you’d like to help us fit up a new space and move in, or regularly volunteer with our operations or behind the scenes, join our volunteer list.
If you’re making, building or fixing at home, be sure to mention us (@yowtoollibrary) and tag #otlmade to show us what you’re working on. After all, #makersgonnamake.
