Community woodworking group carving out home at new location

A group of woodworking enthusiasts are settling into a new location after their old building was expropriated. CTV’s Karis Mapp reports.

Members of K-W’s Woodworking and Craft Centre are settling into their new location after being displaced from their former shop.

“Our old space was on Ottawa Street and that building was expropriated and we were forced to move,” explained longtime member Philip Tully.

The City of Kitchener is doing a naturalization project on Schneider Creek and the woodworking’s group unit was nearby.

But they are carving out a new home for themselves in Kitchener.

As the members become acclimatized to the new building at 45 Otonabee Drive, they said ultimately, the move was a good thing.

“I’m glad we went to an expanded space. We’re now at about 7,000 square ft., whereas we had 5,300 at the old spot,” Tully said.

The volunteer-based group is ready to show off their space and hopefully attract new members by hosting an open house on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“We just got here about four weeks ago and I never thought it was going to be like this,” said member Ken Noakes. “It’s beautiful and it’s clean.”

Saturday’s event will feature tours of the location, refreshments and an opportunity to buy art crafted by the members. The funds will be reinvested into the community.

“Last year, we were able to raise $12,000, which went to various charities in the community. None of our product sales go back to the club,” said Tully.

Members say everyone is invited to join their group, regardless of age or experience.

“I’m 93 [years-old]. We have three members in their 90s, but we have lots of new retirees obviously much younger than I am,” Tully said.

Some members told CTV News people come to the shop to learn about woodworking, but end up finding a sense of community.

“This is like a family here,” said member Larry Poole.

“It’s 50 per cent social and 50 per cent work. You come in, talk to people, have a coffee break but you still get all your work done.”