.png;w=960)
REGINA — A new community hub planned for Regina’s Warehouse District is aiming to offer something its founders say the city needs: an inclusive, low-pressure space where people can gather, create and simply be themselves.
Timothy Blackett and Chantelle O'Connor, co-owners of Black Bird Commons, said the idea for the hub grew out of conversations about how their bookstore could become more interactive and inviting.
“[We] wanted a space where, daily, people can just come and be themselves and not have to worry about the pressures of buying stuff,” said Blackett.
The co-owners hope to incorporate different Indigenous-led workshops into the programming.
“My partner (Chantelle O'Connor) is an Anishinaabe woman, and she does traditional beadwork. So she would like to have workshops regarding those aspects, [and] invite some knowledge keepers who know the craft and stuff like that,” said Blackett.
Blackett also spoke about hosting queer nights, book-binding workshops, poetry nights, author readings and more.
With all the planned activities, Blackett sees the hub as something unique in Regina, particularly for those with sensory issues or who do not drink.
Fundraising efforts
The duo launched a Kickstarter campaign with the goal of raising $30,000 to bring the hub to life.
“With that, we want to secure a lease, and then we need to be able to do whatever accessibility upgrades,” noted Blackett.
As of Tuesday morning, Blackett said roughly $27,000 had been raised.
He added that the full $30,000 must be secured by Friday, or all donations will be refunded.
Without the money, Blackett said they still plan to submit a lease application.
“We're hoping that late spring, early summer at least, we'll get in to be able to start doing the renovations and everything.”
During springtime, Blackett said they will be purchasing new bookshelves and ordering books.
The goal is to open the new hub by mid-year.
More information on donating to the hub can be found here.
