Our History

A community-built makerspace, powered by partnership.

Grey Bruce Makers grew out of a shared vision to create a regional hub for hands‑on learning, creativity, and innovation. What began as an ambitious idea inside a former school has become a vibrant community workshop serving retirees, students, entrepreneurs, and families across Grey and Bruce.

Origins: A Vision for a Regional Hub (2018–2021)

• 2018 – Grey County purchases the former Sydenham Community School to establish Sydenham Campus: a regional centre for skills training, trades, and innovation.

• 2021 – Two local educators begin championing a community makerspace at Sydenham Campus and, with early support from Grey County, set the groundwork for what would become Grey Bruce Makers.

What this meant: A place where people could access professional tools, learn real skills, and turn ideas into tangible projects—right here at home.

Laying the Foundation: Research, Readiness & Community Effort (2021–2022)

• Extensive research into Canadian makerspaces and Fab Labs; policies and best practices adapted for local needs.

• Decision to invest in professional‑grade equipment with local vendor support for reliability and safety.

• A detailed equipment plan and purchasing roadmap positioned GBM to act quickly when funding opportunities arose.

Powered by volunteers: Community members began the long, hands‑on work of preparing the space—removing old flooring, repairing and painting walls, opening doorways, and readying rooms for advanced equipment.

Turning Plans into Place: Build‑Out & Big Machines (2022–2023)

• Major electrical upgrades to power shops in the west wing.

• Delivery and installation of oversized equipment (woodshop, metal shop, digital fabrication), often requiring precise moves and same‑day wall modifications.

• In‑kind support from local businesses and organizations provided materials, furnishings, and supplies.

Result: The core infrastructure for a full makerspace—woodshop, metal shop, digital fabrication lab, and classroom—took shape ahead of schedule.

Opening the Doors & Rapid Growth (2024–present)

• June 2024 – GBM hires its first Executive Director to lead operations and growth.

• July 1, 2024 – Official opening of Grey Bruce Makers.

• Since opening, membership and programming have expanded steadily, establishing GBM as a regional hub for skills development, creativity, and collaboration.

Today: GBM runs a growing slate of CORE equipment‑certification classes, workshops, and multi‑session courses, welcoming makers of all ages and stages.

Our Collaboration with Grey County

Grey County’s vision for Sydenham Campus—and ongoing collaboration—made GBM possible. Together with volunteers, donors, and local partners, we’ve transformed classrooms into high‑functioning maker labs that serve the wider community.

This section will be updated with additional details from Grey County (Economic Development, Tourism & Culture) to reflect the County’s perspective and milestones.

Milestones at a Glance

• 2018 – Sydenham Campus established by Grey County.

• 2021 – Community makerspace concept initiated at Sydenham Campus.

• 2022 – Not‑for‑profit incorporation; facilities build‑out accelerates.

• 2023 – Advanced equipment installed; shops come online ahead of schedule.

• July 1, 2024 – Official opening of Grey Bruce Makers.

• 2024–present – Membership growth, CORE classes launched, expanded community programming.

Acknowledgements

Our progress reflects the commitment of Grey County, dedicated volunteers, local businesses, and partner organizations that contributed equipment, expertise, and time. Thank you for believing in a community where anyone can learn, build, and belong.

Call to Action

Curious to see it in person? Book a Tour and discover how Grey Bruce Makers can help you learn new skills, build projects, and connect with a community of makers.