Fixer in Residence
A NEWMAKEIT COMMUNITY REPAIR PROGRAM
FIX IT. LEARN IT. KEEP IT GOING.
Fixer in Residence gives York Region residents practical, hands-on help with troubleshooting, maintenance and repair—so more people can build skills, save useful items and feel confident fixing things themselves.
REPAIR IS A SKILL
WE DON’T JUST FIX IT FOR YOU.
We work alongside you to understand what went wrong, explore safe repair options and learn how tools, parts and systems work.
The goal is not simply to rescue one item. It is to help people develop a repair-first mindset they can use again and again.
WHAT THE PROGRAM OFFERS
PRACTICAL HELP. SHARED KNOWLEDGE.
01
ONE-ON-ONE GUIDANCE
Bring a repair question or portable item and work through the problem with an experienced fixer.
02
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
Learn maintenance, troubleshooting, tool use and repair-first skills in welcoming group sessions.
03
REPAIR CLINICS
Meet fixers in participating York Region communities and get hands-on support closer to home.
HOW IT WORKS
START WITH THE PROBLEM.
BRING IT
Arrive with one portable item or a clear repair question.
INVESTIGATE
Work with a fixer to identify the issue and possible next steps.
LEARN
Take part in the process and understand what the repair requires.
KEEP GOING
Leave with more knowledge, confidence and a repair-first approach.
BEFORE YOUR SESSION
WHAT TO BRING.
- One portable item that you can safely carry into the session
- Any cords, chargers, batteries, manuals or loose parts that belong with it
- A short description of the problem and when it started
- A willingness to participate, ask questions and learn alongside the fixer
Accepted items and repair types vary by session, available tools and fixer expertise. Please check the event details before bringing an item.
WHO IT IS FOR
YORK REGION RESIDENTS.
Fixer in Residence is designed to make repair knowledge more accessible for seniors, newcomers, youth, families and residents who may not have tools, workspace or previous repair experience.
PROGRAM GOALS
REPAIR THAT ADDS UP.
250
York Region residents supported
275
Items repaired or diverted from disposal
1,650 LB
Targeted waste diversion
20%
Targeted improvement in repair confidence
BUILT ON REPAIR CAFÉ
YEARS OF COMMUNITY REPAIR EXPERIENCE.
Fixer in Residence grows from NewMakeIt’s Repair Café work: volunteer leadership, safe repair events, practical coaching and a shared belief that useful things—and useful skills—deserve a second chance. This project is supported through grant funding that helps NewMakeIt expand its community repair work across York Region.
READY TO LEARN HOW TO FIX IT?