Title
DEPUTATIONS REGARDING MOTION 20-G-033, BRIX MAKERSPACE AND WOODSHOP - ALLOCATION OF WOODSHOP FUNDING
The following Deputations were provided concerning motion 20-G-033, BRIX Makerspace and Woodshop Allocation of Woodshop Funding:
1. Allan Cavendar, President of the Barrie Woodshop Club and retired Woodshop Teacher for over 30 years provided an overview on the history of the Club being established in 2004 as a program through the City’s Recreation Department located at Victoria Village. He noted that the Club took over the program in 2012 to 2016 wherein the location was closed. Mr. Cavendar advised that the Club is still very active and that it is comprised of members of the community from all age groups. He noted that it is a great place to socialize and is full of talented and skilled people. He commented on the Club’s uniqueness and ability to teach, and assist other and groups such as the Cubs, the Scouts, the Curling Club, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Urban Pantry. Mr. Cavendar discussed the new community members and other woodworking groups’ enquires to be part of the new location and experience. He noted that the Maple Street location has the possibility of being a hub to other woodworking groups, is the perfect place for member access and to develop the City’s Downtown Core. Mr. Cavendar concluded by noting that they have the building, the talent and the people, now they need a place.
Mayor Lehman asked questions of clarification to Mr. Cavendar and received responses.
2. Brian McGillis, Board Member of BRIX Makerspace Group spoke on behalf the BRIX and he thanked members of Council for their support on the project. He advised that BRIX Makerspace Group is enthusiastic about bringing a Makerspace to the City of Barrie and he noted that it would be an amazing and impactful experience to the community. Mr. McGillis recognized the values that the Makerspace culture will bring to the City such as new innovations of fabrication technology, reduced costs of the tools and supplies that people use to create things and the availability of the internet that has provided a huge repository of knowledge and an ability to collaborate worldwide. He commented on the fundamental changes in the world of invention, innovation, fabrication and creation. Mr. McGillis discussed Makerspaces growing vastly over the last two decades around the world and he noted that several Makerspaces are located in the GTA and Southwestern Ontario. He provided details on a Newmarket location that has been operating since 2015 and he noted that the economic benefits to the community. Mr. McGillis commented that the Makerspaces culture is a community made up of people that love to make things and a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge to others. He discussed the City events that the BRIX Makerspace participated in such as Celebrate Barrie and he noted the positive feedback and interests that they have received from members of the community to use the space and have become active participants in making BRIX even better. Mr. McGillis provided an overview on the services, workshops, programs and technology that BRIX Makerspace will be offering to the community, groups and local businesses. He concluded by advising that BRIX is a place for people to try and transfer their dreams into a reality. He thanked members of Council for the opportunity and are excited to start on the project.