News Type:
Blog Entries
June 13, ,2022
What whets your creative appetite?
Whether you are a carpenter in need of large planer or a jointer, a fabric artist wishing for occasional use of a Serger, a machinist looking to fabricate a specialize part, many hobbyists and trades have tools that are both expensive and relatively rarely used. Training and classes on specialized equipment and techniques are also difficult to access in the North. This combination often leaves a gap between a creator’s dreams and their reality. Makerspace YK offers the means to bridge that gap by providing access to both the tools and the technical/safety know-how so that members can create without limit. As president and head-maker, Cat McGurk has been leading a crew of enthusiasts for several years. Starting with her front yard, and then upgrading to the mobile Tool Bus, Makerspace YK’s vision of creating a permanent space for Maker-minded Yellowknifers has become concrete. Learn more about the Knowledge Economy in the NWT. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment’s (ITI) Minister Caroline Wawsonek and staff were pleased to tour Makerspace YK this week as they open their doors for the first time to show off the carpentry shop and creative spaces. During the tour, the Minister reiterated this government’s commitment to Innovation, which includes the Knowledge Economy, and congratulated the board for creating a collaborative physical space where knowledge can be exchanged between people of all ages and interests. “Today demonstrates our government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the territory’s innovation sector as it continues to strengthen and grow. I hope today is only the start of something very special. The north is full of innovators, and I am looking forward to seeing where Makerspace YK helps to crystallize some of our traditional and emerging out-of-the-box thinking.” Located at 5001 Forrest Dr, across Franklin from the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool (in the old After 8 pub location) Makerspace YK is divided into:
- a Carpentry shop housing a lathe, spray booth, planer, jointer and more. Classes and membership will soon provide public access to experienced craftspeople and the tools required to build. This space is also equipped with an overhead door allowing for the movement of very large projects;
- a large modern ArtSpace sporting concrete counter and floors, and large open wall spaces. It will be available for classes, art shows, seminars, and more.
- a TechSpace equipped with laser cutters and CNC machines, that will be available for a variety of computer related applications.