Ottawa Repair Café

In 2017, the Ottawa Tool Library (OTL) ran the first ever Repair Café in Ottawa and it was an overwhelming success. Seeing this as a need for the community, the OTL has worked to keep these events running and accessible ever since.

Over the course of 17 events, we have repaired over 900 items, our volunteers have contributed over 2900 hours of time, and we’ve welcomed over 2000 people through our doors to gather, learn and share.

We believe that Repair Cafés are opportunities for all Ottawa & area residents to feel purpose and belonging – whether as a visitor or volunteer – to save money, learn new skills and foster a culture of repair! Repair Cafés directly divert items from our local landfills and reduce our environmental impact, while allowing our community to engage in accessible climate action.

OTL Repair Cafés are bustling events, full of energy and connection. Our volunteers join us from all over the city and bring a variety of experience, from no repair know-how to professional certifications, there is a role for everyone. In addition to the repairing, we often offer additional activities (like button making or wood burning!) or group demonstrations (such as how to repair a lamp).