How It Works
The Colab is 100% member run. Members work together to keep the shop safe, clean and active. Every member has equal voting power on decisions. Members pay a monthly fee and in return gain access to the shop space, tools and our community. Members also devote their own energy to help maintain and improve the shop, so we aim for members that not only want a space to create but a community to help cultivate.
Members must attend an orientation for the space(s) they want to use (wood, metal, or textile). The orientation includes safety training as well as teaches you how to use all the basic tools you’ll need to get started in that area.
Want to check it out before signing up?
Drop by and see the space during our open hours (check our calendar for open-hours times).
We have 2 types of membership:
Drop-in Membership
Monthly membership fee of $109.00 + tax
Drop-In members have access to space and equipment during scheduled drop-in times:
- Tuesday 6pm – 10pm
- Thursday 6pm – 10pm
- Sunday 10am – 6pm
- Sometimes irregular drop-in hours are posted, so please check the calendar.
To become a member of the Vancouver Community Laboratory, you’ll need to:
- Sign up and pay your orientation fee ($105 + tax)
- Register for and attend an orientation (wood, metal, or textile).
- Pay your first month of membership
- Start making!
Note: a minimum 3 months commitment is required to become a drop-in member
Want to check out us out first? Drop by during our open hours and see the space (check our calendar for open-hour times).
Key-holder Membership
Monthly membership fee of $219.00 + tax
Key-holders have 24/7 access to the CoLab and receive a key and alarm code once joined.
Key-holders get full access to the space but also bear more responsibility of running the colab. They host the open-hours that drop-ins attend, and take on a task-specific job to help run the colab.
Members must first join the CoLab as a Drop-in member. After three months you can apply to be a key-holder and join the waitlist .
To become a key-holder you must:
- Have three of our current key-holders vouch for you.
- Pay a deposit of $100 at the commencement of Key-holder membership.
- Commit to a minimum of 6 months of membership.
- Host a 4 hour open hour shift at the shop every month.
- Take on a task-specific job to help run the CoLab.