Local leaders in Inuvik hope to save workshop that helped launch businesses

Funding for a popular Inuvik community workshop that has helped local residents launch businesses is ending — and local leaders say they are working to keep the doors open.

The Innovate Centre in Inuvik, operated by Aurora College, opened in 2018 and was funded as a technology access centre for research. 

The centre is described as a makerspace which gives people access to equipment that they may not otherwise be able to afford, allowing them to create projects or hold workshops for a nominal fee.

Some of the tools people have access to include 3D printers, vinyl presses, computers, carpentry equipment and industrial saws. People can sign up to be members for a monthly fee, and get access to not just tools but also training by staff on how to use them. 

The centre was re-evaluated after five years and was told it didn’t meet the criteria for continued funding. The college told CBC News that Innovate has one year to wind down as a research centre.

Juan Bildegain is a member who also worked at Innovate for a year. He said he became a member a year after the centre opened.

“Just as a tinkerer I wanted to 3D-print stuff,” said Bildegain. “Then I just got excited about all the equipment and all the cool stuff you could do there.”

After learning how to use the equipment and seeing what was possible, Bildegain said he started a business and took on local contracts to make merchandise with printed logos.

"I have been growing so much, I outgrew Innovate and I bought this warehouse and I bought a bunch of equipment, and I have a staff now — and I am busy all year round,” he said.

Inuvik Mayor Peter Clarkson said local leaders are looking for a way to keep the space open to the public.

"We don't want to see it close down,” he said. “So we're willing to work with the college to see what we can do to keep it running.”

Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Denny Rodgers also called on the territorial government to help find a solution.

Aurora College originally funded the centre through various agreements with the federal and territorial governments, said Rodgers.

Chris Paci, Aurora College’s vice president of research, said the school was looking at ways to keep the centre open through different funding sources, and working closely with local Inuvialuit, Gwich’in and municipal governments.