Over several weeks in March 2026, members, attendees, and those who have connected with the Morinville–Sturgeon Men’s Shed were invited to share their experiences through an extensive, anonymous survey.
Seventeen individuals took the time to respond. That may seem like a small number—but in a space built on trust and relationship, each response carries weight.
This work matters to us.
Not because we are looking for perfect agreement—but because we are committed to listening carefully, sharing openly, and allowing the direction of the Shed to be shaped by the people it serves.
Why We Asked
The Men’s Shed has reached an important moment.
In less than two years, it has grown from an idea into a functioning space. Membership has increased. A dedicated workshop has been built. New opportunities are emerging.
With that growth comes a responsibility:
To pause.
To listen.
And to ask—is this becoming what it was meant to be?
What We’re Hearing
There are a few themes that are coming through clearly.
1. Connection is the foundation—and it’s working
Members consistently shared that the Shed is making a meaningful difference in reducing isolation and creating a sense of belonging.
- The majority agreed that being part of the Shed helps them feel less socially isolated
- Many described the environment as welcoming, friendly, and without judgement
At its core, this confirms something simple and important:
The Shed is already becoming a place where men feel comfortable being themselves.
2. There is a desire for balance: doing and connecting
While woodworking and projects are valued, many members expressed a desire for more social, conversational, and low-barrier ways to participate.
- Strong support emerged for adding more social activities alongside shop work
- Members spoke about the importance of space for conversation, games, learning, and simply being together
This isn’t about replacing what exists.
It’s about widening the doorway—so more men can find their place in different ways.
3. People are willing to help—but need clear pathways
One of the strongest signals in the survey is that members are open to contributing:
- Many indicated willingness to volunteer regularly or several times per year
- Interest spans events, building projects, promotion, and skill-sharing
There is capacity here.
The next step is creating simple, clear ways for members to step in—based on their interests, skills, and availability.
4. The space matters more than we thought
As the Shed moves from concept into lived experience, the physical space is becoming central to how members engage.
Members shared interest in:
- A separate clean/quiet social area
- Comfortable seating and gathering space
- A small kitchenette
- Improved layout and functionality
There is also a growing awareness that how the space is used shapes who feels comfortable coming in.
5. Accessibility needs attention—now and into the future
While not a barrier for everyone today, accessibility is clearly on members’ minds.
- Some members identified stairs and lack of a washroom as moderate to significant barriers
- Others noted this will become more important as the membership ages
This is not just a facilities question.
It’s about ensuring the Shed remains inclusive over time.
6. Growth is supported—thoughtfully
Encouragingly, members expressed support for sustaining and growing the club:
- The $50 membership fee is largely seen as affordable or reasonable
- Many would consider contributing more, most commonly around $100 annually
- There is openness to a fund that helps reduce financial barriers for others
This reflects something deeper than funding.
It reflects a shared sense of ownership.
7. Health and community connection matter
There is strong alignment around the broader purpose of the Shed:
- Supporting men’s mental and physical health was rated as highly important
- Most respondents would attend upcoming Men’s Shed Wellness Week events
This reinforces that the Shed is not just a place—it is part of a larger community effort.
What We Value Most (In Their Words)
When asked what matters most, members returned again and again to:
- Camaraderie
- Conversation
- Shared experience
- A place to go
“Socializing with likeminded individuals.”
“Men need the company of men… for continued mental health.”
This is the heart of it.
Everything else—programming, space, structure—exists to support this.
Where This Leads
This survey is not the end of a process.
It’s the beginning of a more grounded one.
The Board will be reviewing these insights carefully, alongside ongoing conversations with members, to guide:
- Program development
- Use and potential expansion of space
- Volunteer engagement
- Accessibility planning
- Community partnerships
Not all changes will happen at once.
And not every idea will move forward.
But the direction will continue to be shaped in the same way this survey was approached:
By listening first.
A Final Note
To everyone who took the time to respond—thank you.
And to those who may not attend regularly but still chose to share your perspective—your voice matters just as much.
The strength of the Men’s Shed is not in perfect agreement.
It’s in the willingness to stay in conversation as it grows.