Wednesday, February 19, 2025
February 19, 2025

Salt Spring Men’s Shed opens doors

A new men’s organization on the island is seeking tool and materials donations — and, even more importantly — new members. 

The Salt Spring Men’s Shed officially opened its workshop doors Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 154 Kings Lane — a location being provided by the Gulf Islands Seniors Residence Association (GISRA). It’s part of a larger, global movement of creating such spaces, designed to provide men with “somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to” – all the while contributing to the wider community by building and fixing things.  

There are more than 2,800 Men’s Sheds worldwide according to the Men’s Shed Association of British Columbia. Salt Spring’s will be one of more than 20 planned or in service within the province. 

“Friendships will be made here,” said founder Tristan Laurillard. “Our members are good men — happy to chat, work on a creative project together or build something useful for the community.” 

Men’s Sheds are described as places for men to work alongside one another — fixing, building, sometimes just tinkering — and to socialize. Many (but by no means all) Men’s Shed members are retired, often at an age when they begin to miss the sense of collaboration and purpose jobs once provided. In countries such as Australia and Ireland, according to organizers, Men’s Sheds are included in national public health strategies — staving off social isolation or various stigmas associated with health conditions and/or aging.  

Organizers say the sheds are also an opportunity to learn or pass along skills, and be truly useful for the community. From park benches to tiny libraries to wheelchair ramps, the Salt Spring Men’s Shed is on the lookout for people and projects where their skills can be of assistance. 

“The support we have received thus far has been tremendous,” said Laurillard. “People really want to help with making this project happen.”  

He said that in addition to funding from the Salt Spring Island Foundation and United Way of BC, letters of support have poured in from local MP Elizabeth May, the Salt Spring Community Health Society, Salt Spring Community Services, GISRA, the Wagon Wheel Housing Society, and other agencies. 

For more information, to donate or to join, call the shed at 250-999-1033 or visit the www.saltspringmensshed.ca website. 

Sign up for our newsletter and stay informed

Receive news headlines every week with our free email newsletter.

Other stories you might like

Guests make film festival extra special

BY STEVE MARTINDALE FOR SS FILM FESTIVAL SOCIETY The Salt Spring Film Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary from Friday, Feb. 28 to Sunday, March 2 with world-renowned...

Childcare shortage endures despite facility

Against the backdrop of the affordable housing crisis, one Salt Spring success story highlights another related, persistent and often-overlooked shortage on the island: childcare.  The...

Healthcare housing project advanced

Salt Spring’s land use officials delivered on early statements of support for a healthcare workforce housing effort, quickly lending its approval to the Lady Minto...

Options clinics get one-year extension

Salt Spring Island’s Options for Sexual Health (Options) Clinic and all others in B.C. will be able to remain open for another year, following...

4 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here