Cold Lake’s Men’s Shed looks to spread success at Shed Happens Conference

The Men’s Shed in Cold Lake is hosting a conference to help others build a Men’s Shed in their community.

Falling under the Age Friendly Cold Lake umbrella, The Men’s Shed opened its doors in 2019 and served as a place for men to hang out, be busy with their hands, and meet other retirees. The shed has dramatically impacted the community, which is why the Cold Lake shed is hosting the conference.

Organizer and Board of Directors member Wayne Warner said the shed’s importance is immense.

“It’s for men’s mental health. Retirees’ biggest problem is they end up with nowhere to go,” he said

The shed fills that gap.

“Many men find out that they lose their friends once they leave their jobs. They find out that their friends are just day-to-day acquaintances.”

With the loss of purpose that a career filled and the loss of social life, many men end up stagnant. As Warner explained, “some end up at home, in front of the recliner all day.” That inactivity can actually lessen your quality of life and your lifespan.

The Men’s Shed, as Warner put it, “gives you a place to be with other men.” He jokingly added, “you know men can be shoulder to shoulder and not say a word to each other and be happy.”

It’s also a place to build and use your hands. You don’t need previous experience with tools, woodworking, or quintessential shed-like knowledge.

“Any senior, if your hands are busy, your mind is busy.”

 

As one of the largest Sheds in Alberta, the Cold Lake Men’s Shed has an abundance of tools, a large space to create, and a lounge area.  While older men are most at home here, we welcome men of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.  If you would like to try to start your own project, help with someone else’s project, or just come and hang out with the guys, you’re welcome at the Cold Lake Men’s Shed.

Cold Lake Council Supports Conference

The City of Cold Lake recognized the importance of the conference and has decided to support it through funding, confirmed mayor Craig Copeland. “We’re a sponsor for $1,000 on that event, and about 70 men are coming in from all over Western Canada into Cold Lake and so to be here for a few days, and we look at it as an economic benefit to the community, hotels, restaurants, etc.”

It’s not just the economic spinoff that had council supporting the conference, said the mayor.

“We’re helping out the seniors in Cold Lake.”

Get Involved

The Men’s Shed conference – Shed Happens runs today through Friday in Cold Lake. If you would like to learn more about starting a Men’s Shed in your community, visit: https://albertamensshed.ca/shed-happens-how-to-start-and-grow-a-mens-shed-in-your-neighbourhood/

The Cold Lake Men’s Shed is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 am-4:00 pm. The group is looking at extending hours once more men begin attending again following the pandemic protocols. To learn more about the Men’s Shed in Cold Lake, visit https://agefriendlycoldlake.ca/.