A Columbia Valley non-profit volunteer group is working toward opening a Maker Space and Innovation Centre, that will encourage learning, creativity and collaboration.

Columbia Valley Maker Space Society (CVMSS) co-founder Brian McIntosh told e-KNOW that such a centre “will be a driving force in local economic development and education.”

A Maker Space is a physical space open to the public that uses high tech to no tech tools. The Maker Space will be open to kids, adults, and entrepreneurs and have a variety of maker equipment including woodworking and metalworking tools, 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, soldering irons and even sewing machines, explained the CVMSS’s Aviva Community Fund page.
“These spaces are also helping to prepare those who need the critical 21st Century skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. They provide hands on learning, help with critical thinking skills and even boost self-confidence. Some of the skills that are learned in a Maker Space pertain to electronics, 3d printing, 3D modeling, coding, robotics, woodworking and metalworking.

“Maker Spaces are also fostering entrepreneurship and are being utilized as incubators and accelerators for business startups. There have already been some amazing success stories that have come out of Maker Spaces to date.

The CVMSS aims to provide the Columbia Valley with “low-cost access to a wide variety of sophisticated tools, materials and a shared workspace at our Maker Space facility – the first and only type of facility in the Columbia Valley. We will also provide support from a passionate group of talented individuals.”

Maker Spaces can help boost economic activity in a community by teaching people to be problem solvers and boost confidence in people to spur them forward and get things done.

“We want our Maker Space to be a place where students learn to identify their own challenges, solve new problems, motivate themselves to complete a project, engage in difficult tasks, work together, inspire others, and give advice and guidance to their peers. As leaders in the resurgence of the do-it-yourself movement, we are dedicated to sparking the DIY spirit in all those whose lives we touch. We don’t see any reason why we, as a society, can’t transform education into a system that nurtures individuals to adopt the habits of mind that Makers have and to become the engaged citizens we all want to be,” the CVMSS noted. “We will be an additional educational resource for young and old by hosting classes on electronics, programming, crafts, and any other skills that members (or guests) are willing to share.”

Maker Spaces are helping large and small manufacturers be more nimble, creative and efficient as members can design, build, and test prototypes of marketable products in an industrial setting. They provide an environment for affordable innovation, collaboration and small-business growth while reinvigorating the mechanical arts and exposing people to modern, technically sophisticated tools used in today’s manufacturing industries, the CVMSS explained.

“Our core group of highly skilled individuals will share our collective expertise to the local area in order to foster community, innovation and interest in all areas of technology. Ultimately, we will help individuals or groups turn their passion and ideas into real products and services by connecting them with the right technical and business professionals, both locally and elsewhere in the region. The end goal will be to see new businesses set up shop in the local area and be the catalyst for the creation of new businesses in the area. We have already begun the process of contacting other similar organizations in the Kootenays to ensure we work together as a region towards these common goals.”

To help make this goal a reality, the CVMSS has applied for funding through the Aviva Community Fund, which operates a vote-based fund for local projects.

The organization is asking the community to help out by casting votes on the Aviva website.

Cast your vote here

Learn more about the Maker Space

e-KNOW

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