Although makerspaces present opportunities to enhance community wellbeing and social innovation, the potential of the Canadian makerspace ecosystem has yet to be realized. In combining tools and methods from the fields of design thinking, systems thinking, and business strategy, this research reveals insights and identifies opportunities towards strengthening Canada’s makerspace ecosystem.

Community in the Making follows a three step methodology: Part 1 – Framing, Part 2 – Situating, and Part 3 – Learning. Part 1 begins by exploring the concept of makerspaces, their history, and their context within Canada’s social economy, through background research and a literature review. Part 2 then provides an overview of the makerspace climate in Canada, based on a research questionnaire, with a focus on existing makerspace attributes, structures, and business models. Lastly, Part 3 presents nine themes, and corresponding opportunities, developed from interviews and site visits, which suggest ways to enhance makerspace viability and elevate makerspace impact across Canada. These themes include:

- Measuring Magic: Converting Meaning(fulness) in Makerspaces;
- The Pursuit of Creativity;
- Placed-based Spaces;
- Third (maker)Space;
- Locked Out: Rentals and Real Estate;
- “Vibes” Are Everything;
- The Power of Partnerships;
- The Internal Economy; and
- Removing Barriers to Access.

The project concludes with the finding that makerspaces are far more than places to make; they are hubs for social innovation and creativity, and most importantly, vibrant communities integral to Canada’s creative ecosystem.

The hope is that this work will spark conversations and promote collaboration across Canada’s maker community, in an effort towards building a thriving makerspace ecosystem.