The Strathcona Business Improvement Association hosted “Meet the Makers Expo” on Saturday, June 13th at the MakerLabs at 780 East Cordova. Featuring makers, innovators and and entrepreneurs from over all over Strathcona, the event gives the public a chance to better understand the area’s businesses, it’s community and the future vision for East Hastings.

Located between Clark, Venables Street, and Gore Avenue, Strathcona diversity is well reflected by the businesses that call the area home. 17 Strathcona businesses ranging from restaurants, cafes, breweries, and locally made goods and services provided workshops, demonstrations and free samples within the MakerLabs space. The MakeLabs is a 26,000 square foot makerspace that provides the community with the tools, space, and skills to build almost anything.

Bob Rennie facilitated a panel discussion around the Strathcona Business Improvement Association plans for revitalizing East Hastings. Community members were encouraged to share their connections to Strathcona and their hopes for it’s future. The public was provided with an opportunity to share their feedback with the Strathcona Business Improvement Association tasked with creating a revitalized neighbourhood plan.

Strathcona has been home to many successful businesses like Yolk’s, Sunrise Soya Foods, Hootsuite, and Aritzia, and continues to be a hub for many independent mixed-use, manufacturing and retail businesses.