By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Burlington Seniors’ Centre was buzzing with energy as the Burlington Men’s Shed officially celebrated the launch of its newest initiative, marking what many hope will be a new era of connection, camaraderie, and purpose for local men. The event, held on International Men’s Day and affectionately named “The Shed Effect,” brought together members, supporters, and curious guests for an afternoon of food, fellowship, and powerful storytelling about what a Shed can mean to a community.
For founder Ron Smith, the road to creating the Burlington Men’s Shed began with an article he came across three and a half years ago.
“I read an article on McMaster’s Aging Portal about dementia and the benefits of Men’s Sheds. I had never heard of Men’s Sheds at the time,” he explained. “The more I learned, the more intrigued I became. What really struck me was how men, especially after retirement, can lose social connections. Many end up in some very dark spaces. Men just don’t maintain networks the way women do, and that inspired me to look deeper into what a Shed could do here in Burlington.”
What started as a modest idea has grown into a thriving group of over 30 members, with Burlington Men’s Shed officially becoming a registered not-for-profit corporation in Ontario in late 2024.
“As a proud member of Men’s Sheds Canada, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where men can connect, learn, and contribute to our community,” Smith said.
At “The Shed Effect” launch celebration, guests were welcomed with sandwiches and coffee thanks to the support of Chef Michael, Burlington Seniors’ Centre staff, volunteers from the Bistro, and a promotional grant from Men’s Sheds Canada. But beyond the refreshments, the afternoon offered something far more meaningful: genuine connection. Men sat around tables and stood in small circles, sharing stories, laughs, and food.
Smith explained that while the idea of Men’s Sheds started in Australia 25 years ago, the movement has grown rapidly worldwide.
“There are about 3,500 Men’s Sheds globally now,” he said. “In Canada, there are around 165, and we have the fastest growth rate in the world. Men’s Sheds Canada has an anonymous sponsor who has really supported that growth, and the City of Burlington recognized early the benefits of what we’re doing.”
The impact, he noted, is both social and deeply practical. “Men aren’t going to sit around in a circle talking about their feelings — that’s just never going to happen,” Smith laughed. “But there’s a health-by-stealth approach. When our group is out on a hike, some of the guys might talk about things they wouldn’t normally share. It’s about strengthening social connections, building friendships, and building bonds.”
Those bonds have translated into meaningful community contributions. Members have helped sort food at Compassion Society, built raised garden beds for the Burlington Food Bank, supported holiday light installations at Spencer Smith Park, judged pitch competitions at McMaster University, and toured local industries like Toyota and Amazon. Activity groups for hiking, bocce, cycling, and pickleball have grown organically, driven by member interests.
“It’s changing all the time,” Smith said.
One of the group’s biggest challenges remains securing a permanent space to expand programming, house equipment, and create more workshop-style opportunities.
“We can get sponsorship for machinery,” Smith explained, noting their CNC router and 3D printer. “But no one gives you money for rent. Our hope is to partner with a school or a non-profit that has space we can use. A permanent home is the missing component.”
Despite the challenges, the future looks bright. At the event, Smith announced the upcoming launch of Burlington Men’s Shed – South, scheduled to open in January 2026. The expansion is a testament to the demand — and the impact.
“In the beginning, I thought we’d attract people by putting posters in community centres,” Smith recalled. “Nothing happened. Then a local online news outlet interviewed me, and after that article came out, 25 people showed up. Our attrition rate is almost zero. That tells you something.”
Smith encourages anyone curious about the Shed to simply try it. “Come out and join one of our meetings. You don’t have to be a member. Just let me know you’re coming so we can make you feel welcome. Get a feel for what it’s about and expand your horizons.”
For Smith, the personal impact has been profound.
“Being part of Men’s Sheds has improved my life every day,” he shared. “I’m very involved. I need to be busy. It’s given me purpose. At our meetings, we sit casually — no one at the head of the table — and we talk, we plan, we laugh. It’s a community in the truest sense.”
The Burlington Men’s Shed meets weekly at Tansley Woods Community Centre, where members gather for guest speakers, project discussions, hands-on learning, and open conversation. With its growing membership, expanding programming, and a second location on the way, the Shed Effect is already rippling through Burlington — one connection, one conversation, one shared purpose at a time.
