Press Releases - 30th Anniversary

A Canadian Home Workshop magazine success story

Toronto, ON (February 5, 2008)—Canadian Home Workshop magazine is celebrating a milestone this year – a 30th Anniversary! For three decades it has been the publication of choice for Canadian woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers, a respected and trusted resource that reflects our unique Canadian perspectives on tools, techniques, plans and products.

The magazine has significantly grown and developed over the decades and its evolution has been mirrored in the success of the 24th Annual Canadian Home Workshop Show (February 29 - March 2, International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga).

“In terms of content, Canadian Home Workshop hasn’t really changed that much over the years. It’s always been and remains today a great mix of home improvement and woodworking,” explains editor Douglas Thomson. “Of course, the magazine has stayed current with contemporary techniques, especially as power tools and machinery have changed."

Readership has grown immensely over the thirty year period, reflecting an increased interest in home-improvement and wood-working among the general populace.

“It used to be if you needed a plumbing repair you hired a plumber”, explains Thomson. “Today, many people are more capable and more willing, and the average home owner has a wider range of tools and capabilities than they did 30 years ago.”

The Canadian Home Workshop Show has changed along with the magazine and its readership. It’s a much larger event than when it was first launched in 1984 and now targets a much more varied audience, catering to everyone from novice do-it-yourselfers to veterans of the workshop.

“From the early days of being vendor driven, we’re now a comprehensive, full-value package,” enthuses Thomson. “We still have representation from all the best tool companies, but the show is an extremely well-programmed show, with lots of seminars and greater value. There’s something for everyone here.”

The Master Woodworker seminars, for example, offer cutting edge tips and techniques for the experienced woodworker, while everyone can take something away from the DIY Centre, where experts answer questions and provide inspiration for future home improvement projects. Learn new techniques from the editors of Canadian Home Workshop magazine at the Dream Workshop, and listen to a range of informative seminars at the Main Stage, by recognizable names such as Bryan Baeumler (Disaster DIY on HGTV), Jon Eakes (Just ask Jon Eakes, on HGTV), John Sillaots (former host of In the Workshop on HGTV), and carpenter Paul Daly (formerly of W network’s By Design).

One of the biggest changes in both the magazine and the show over the past three decades has been the participation of women in the traditionally male-dominated domain of home improvement and woodworking. Today, females make up approximately 45% of the readership of Canadian Home Workshop magazine and a similar percentage of the show attendees.

“There are more women coming to the Workshop show now. They used to come as companions to men, now we see more coming on their own,” says Thomson. “We’ve made a conscious effort to make the show more accessible to women and a more comfortable environment for them. A big part of this is the Women’s Woodworking area, where women can build a project while trying out the latest tools."

A standard bearer of female interest in do-it-yourself and woodworking is ‘The Tool Girl”, Mag Ruffman, host of The Morning Fix on CTV’s Canada AM. Her contagious enthusiasm, natural humour and down-to-earth approach has made women comfortable with her as an educator and ultimately with themselves as hands-on people.

“The only thing holding women back is confidence. We’re still intimidated by tools and home repair projects, says Ruffman. “That’s changing though - 28% of women say they would rather work on something at home than go shopping. You can’t be afraid of failure; you just have to try.”

Mag Ruffman will be on the Main Stage at the Canadian Home Workshop Show all three days. Her seminars are always well received by pros and novices, men and women alike.

Another power-tool empowered woman, Cathy Dalrymple, a frequent contributor to Canadian Home Workshop magazine, will also be on hand at the show. She will be offering insightful talks and hands-on guidance at both the Dream Workshop and Women’s Woodworking areas. Her skill and knowledge is proof-positive that women have a home in the workshop.

Recognizing that the growth of woodworking as a long-term hobby requires that the younger generation become interested; Canadian Home Workshop magazine, and through it the Canadian Home Workshop Show, has made positive efforts to reach out to children.

“We did an article this year about encouraging children in the workshop, and for several years we’ve had a Kid’s Woodworking area at the show which provides a safe, educational environment for kids to learn about handling tools and to build a project with their own hands,” explains Thomson. “It’s fun and very rewarding for children, and we hope that they will take the experience with them and become more interested in woodworking.”

Where does Thomson see the Canadian Home Workshop Show in the future?

“We’re only going to get bigger,” he enthuses. “This is our 2nd year back at the International Center and it’s been a very positive homecoming. We expect to expand the show as readership and interest in woodworking continues to grow.”

24th Annual Canadian Home Workshop Show
International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Missisauga,ON

Dates: Friday February 29 to Sunday March 2, 2008

Hours: Friday 10am - 8pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Admission: Adults $14
Seniors 60+ and youths (13-17) $12
Children under 12 FREE with adult

For further public information, please call 416.218.3545