Esquimalt Men’s Shed Meeting

Notes May 7 th , 2026

Present were:

• Jan Woo
• Rob Harris
• Roger Jennings
• John Houston
• Layton Engwer
• Ian Horridge
• Pete Kerr
• John McWilliams
• Gregg Eligh
• Mark Nicol

Thanks to John, Mark N and Rob for bringing treats today.

The first part of the meeting focussed on Doug McLeod’s resignation from the Esquimalt Men’s

Shed. Doug shared a letter of resignation today with all members of the Shed, stating his

reasons for resigning. In response, several members wrote of their appreciation of Doug and all he has contributed to the Shed over the past year.

We all acknowledged the difficulties Doug has faced with his hearing and recognised

his contributions to the Shed. We all would like Doug to feel welcome, and remain a valued member of our community. Pat will reach out to Doug later this week.

Rob, Pat and John M reported on the 15-minute virtual meeting with MP Stephanie McLean

on May 1 st . We thank Doug and Mark N for their work in preparing us for the meeting and

enabling the connection. We found Ms. McLean very approachable and easy to communicate

with. She was very knowledgeable of Men’s Shed and the focus on Men’s Health. We

summarised our activities and she encouraged us to apply for the New Horizons for Seniors

grant which can be applied for in July (call for proposals).  The grant is up to $50,000 and split

into two portions, $25,000 for capacity building and $25,000 for ongoing projects.  We need to

get a CRA business number to apply and there is a government of Canada granting process to

go through. Her administrator will be sending us more information about the grant process and

a possible follow up meeting. Ms. McLean also stated that she would like to attend one of our

activities, e.g. Repair Café, Vic West Fest.

Plans are made to build the robin bird houses for Thursday afternoon (1.00 – 3.00PM), May 14 at Pat Olson’s garage: 917 Shearwater St.,

Esquimalt, V9A 4V3. John Houston is coordinating this and will reach out to Brian to procure

the cedar needed to make the bird houses. Those planning on attending are asked to bring

some beverages and/or snacks.

Discussion needed of the DRAFT MOU developed by Layton regarding use of Pat’s garage.

Please read over this draft and send feedback to layton.engwer@shaw.ca

Repair Café June 20 th. Layton is coordinating the event with John M Roger and Ian H. Gregg has the promotion files and will develop posters together with Brian to be circulated around town. John M reminded us that we need a press-release package to give to local media outlets Gregg will see to this as well. Roger will be in charge of the repair room at the event. Ian volunteered to be the “float” help. Password needed to access Repair Café website.

Layton gave a rough budget estimate of the costs of running the café at $50 for refreshments,

$120 for signs, $35 for printing and posters, purchase of an anti-tamper tool kit $20, supplies

needed for repairs $? A rough estimate of $300 was given and all agreed to go ahead with this.

KMS barbecue May 9 th . Volunteers signed up for the event are as follows:

AM 9.30 – 1.00: John M, Greg, John H, Layton, Ian. PM 1.00 – 4.30: John M, Pat O, Ian, Roger

John M will be there all day as the required food safe certified member.

Items needed to bring:

Onions 6lbs chopped (two large freezer bags). John will bring.

One bag of ice (may need to purchase another during the day). Gregg will purchase.

EMS banner and bungee cords

EMS poster board/sign

Cloth for table

Donation basket

First Aid kit

Men’s Shed flyers (does Brian have the template?)

The meeting took two full hours with many laughs and camaraderie. John M will add

these notes to the minute records. Please let me know if any points were missed or

errors made.

Submitted by Rob