You are Invited to Attend: A Public Engagement Session: Developing a Men’s Shed and Arts Hub in the Town of Olds

Join us Thursday, September 19 at 4826 51 Street, Olds from 3:00 PM -7:00 PM for hot dogs and conversation. Your input will help to build a plan to renovate the empty Town of Olds Operations building, 4826 51 Street, to become a vibrant co-located place for socializing, projects, and the arts.  Two innovative ideas for co-location in this space are 1) Men’s Shed and 2) Community Arts Hub.  Both initiatives aim to foster community connection, creativity, and mental well-being for our community.   The engagement will explore these ideas with your input and will be documented in a future report for Council’s consideration. 

What is a Men’s Shed?

Men's Shed is part of an international movement that offers a casual, supportive space where men can connect, socialize, and work on meaningful projects. It is designed to reduce isolation, build friendships, and enhance the mental health and well-being of men in our community. Each Men's Shed is unique to its community, with some inviting participation from women also.  We want to hear your ideas on how the Olds Men’s Shed can best reflect the interests and skills of our residents. Come let us know your interest areas whether it be woodworking, metalworking, gardening, cooking, or bike repairs and more!

What is a Community Arts Hub?

Community Arts Hub is a space for local artists to gather, create, and share their talents through various projects, programs, and cultural events. The Hub is a place for community members to come together to engage in art creation, appreciate art, share art skills, and participate in other cultural activities that enrich our town.  What kind of art would you like to start creating and what talents would you like to share with others to grow Arts in Olds?

We are currently in the infancy planning stages to repurpose this space to become a vibrant space for all residents with activities that promote a sense of community, strengthen social connections and relationship through the arts and community interest projects.

How to Get Involved? 

Community members are invited to participate in a public engagement session where you can provide feedback on some initial concepts and discover how you can be an active participant in a Men's Shed and Community Arts Hub.

Date: September 19, 2024 

Location: 4826 51 Street, Olds (directly east of Otto’s Home Appliances)

Time: 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

What: Hot Dogs and Creative Conversations!

“We believe this potential new space could significantly impact our community by repurposing a dormant Town facility to be a vibrant community space for connection, creativity, and collaboration,” said Lorrie O’Brien, Director of Community Services. “It's about more than just a building; it's about building community.”

Mayor Judy Dahl added, “This project is a fantastic opportunity for us to come together, to plan, to support each other, and enhance our community’s well-being. Council is looking forward to hearing the outcome of this public engagement to hear your ideas on how this space might meet your needs.”

Media Contact:

Michelle Jorgensen

Community Facilitator

Town of Olds

mjorgensen@olds.ca

Direct: 403-507-4859

View the PDF as a Press Release