F.A.Q
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cancellation Policy. Tickets for Canada Weaves are Non-Refundable, however tickets are transferable. All ticket transfers must go through admin. Contact canadaweaves@gmail.com with questions or for assistance in transferring your ticket. We make no guarantees that we will be able to find a participant to take your space but we will do our best.
Please also note the waiver on this webpage. By registering for a Canada Weaves ticket you acknowledge and agree to the waiver.
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Beginner - Have never made a basket OR, have only made baskets in a classroom environment OR, have made fewer than 10 willow baskets on your own.
Intermediate - Have made 10 or more willow baskets on your own (able to make a round base, rand, wale, etc.) but may need help with shaping, borders, etc.
Advanced - Confidently able to make a wide variety of basket types without support.
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Weaving isn't particularly a dirty activity, however the willow has been soaked for some time prior to your class and it can have a residue and a bit of an odour. Please choose clothing with this in mind! Additionally, closed-toed shoes are required for all classes, safety glasses are optional.
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If you have your own tools (sharp secateurs, awls, rapping irons, etc.) and can conveniently bring them, you are encouraged to do so. Otherwise tools will be provided on a shared basis.
Workshops will take place indoors in a temperature-controlled space. If you tend to feel chilly, you may wish to bring a sweater or light jacket. Note - some classes may wish to work outside so consider sunblock, a hat and layered clothing.
We also recommend bringing a water bottle and any snacks you may wish to have during the day. Please also bring a mug for complimentary tea and coffee. Lunch will be available for purchase (more info to come) or you may bring your own.
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Lunch is not included in the ticket price. Box lunches will be available for pre-purchase, or participants are welcome to bring their own lunch and snacks.
There are no restaurants within close proximity to the venue, and the workshop schedule does not allow enough time to leave the venue for lunch. We recommend bringing a packed lunch or pre-ordering a box lunch so you can enjoy your break without missing any of the workshop.
Regardless of your lunch plans, please bring a reusable water bottle and a mug or other container for hot beverages. Complimentary coffee and tea will also be available throughout the day.
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Weaving requires a reasonable amount of hand strength, grip, and dexterity. Participants with arthritis, repetitive strain injuries, or other inflammatory conditions affecting the hands, wrists, arms, or shoulders may find some techniques difficult or uncomfortable.
Some workshops also involve periods of standing while weaving. We encourage participants to consider their comfort level and physical abilities when selecting a workshop. If you have specific concerns, please contact us before registering and we will do our best to help you determine whether a workshop is a good fit.
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Registration for the Three-Day Workshops must be completed in advance of the festival. Day-of registration will not be available for these workshops.
Availability of same-day registration for Festival Day workshops is still being determined and will be announced closer to the event.
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No. The Three-Day Workshops run concurrently during the same hours, so participants may only register for one of these workshops. Depending on availability and scheduling, you may be able to attend an additional workshop on Festival Day.
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Yes, for personal use, with permission. We ask that participants be respectful of instructors and fellow weavers when taking photos or videos. Some instructors may request that certain portions of their teaching not be recorded. Please obtain permission before taking close-up photos or videos of other participants and instructors.
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To ensure a positive experience for all participants, only registered attendees are permitted in workshop spaces. Workshop areas have limited capacity, and restricting access helps minimize distractions and allows instructors and participants to focus on the learning experience.
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No. All workshops are designed for adult participants and are suitable for individuals 18 years of age and older.
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We recommend using the willow provided by your instructor. This ensures you have the appropriate materials for the project and allows the workshop to proceed smoothly and consistently for all participants.
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No. Pets are not permitted on the premises in accordance with the venue owner/operator's policies. Service animals are welcome where required by law.
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We're currently exploring options for vendors to attend the festival. While details have not yet been finalized, we hope to have one or more merchants offering willow, tools, and other weaving-related supplies. Please check back for updates as the event approaches.
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Festival Day (Sunday, September 19) will feature a number of shorter workshops and demonstrations. These will be available for booking closer to the time. There will be a general admission fee for Festival Day participants who are not registered for the full Canada Weaves event. Short classes will require additional fees. Of course there will be lots to see and do even if you don’t register for a small workshop.
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Yes. Festival Day will feature vendors, and we anticipate having demonstrations throughout the day. Additional details will be announced as plans are finalized.
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Yes. Washroom facilities are available on site for participants and visitors.
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Lakeridge Ski Resort provides wheelchair-accessible infrastructure such as designated parking, entrances, restrooms, and an elevator.
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Yes. Parking is available on site at no additional cost.
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No. Parking and camping for RVs and trailers is not available on site.
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There are lots of hotels/motels, Airbnb and campground options in the area. Please scroll down on the FAQ page to see accommodation information. Please note that our event is happening on a busy weekend in town, so you will want to book early.
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Lakeridge Ski Resort is located at 790 Chalk Lake Road, Uxbridge, Ontario.
The nearest major airport is Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Go Train stations: Stouffville GO Station: 6176 Main St, Whitchurch-Stouffville (approx. 25-35 km south)Mount Joy GO Station: 180 Bur Oak Ave, Markham (approx. 30-40 km south) both stations are roughly a 25 to 35-minute drive or taxi ride to the hill, as there are no direct bus routes from these stations all the way to the venue
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As a community of weavers and plant fibre artists we do our best to support one another. Canada Weaves is a nonprofit organization and as such are offering tickets at the lowest price possible. To offset costs for some needs-based applicants, an education fund has been created from which some partial bursaries will be available as a refund, post registration. The registration process will allow for a donation to the education fund as well as a request for consideration for support. Once registration is approximately 75% complete, candidates for the education fund will be contacted with next steps.
The education fund has been sponsored by a generous private donor and recipients will be chosen by the following criteria:
Self-declared financial need
Geographic, demographic and experience diversity among recipients
Canadian residents
Actively supporting Canada Weave’s mission through promotion of plant-based fibre arts in communities throughout Canada (or plans to do so)
We will likely not be able to grant all applicants a bursary.
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There are lots of ways to support Canada Weaves! Sponsorship helps us keep the festival accessible, bring talented instructors to festival, and support the many behind-the-scenes costs of creating the event.
Whether you’re a business, organization, or individual interested in supporting the festival, we’d love to connect with you. Our sponsorship opportunities include a range of levels and benefits to suit different types of supporters.
Take a look at our Sponsorship Opportunities document (coming soon) to learn more about how you can help make Canada Weaves possible. Email canadaweaves@gmail.com with questions or to explore opportunities.
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In the unlikely event that a workshop is cancelled, registered participants will be notified as soon as possible and will receive a full refund. In the event a specified teacher cannot attend we will either find an alternative teacher to teach the class or we will refund you in full.
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There will be opportunities for volunteers as the event draws closer. If you would like to be involved, please reach out to us at canadaweaves@gmail.com and we will keep your name ready for opportunities that come up.
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Feel free to reach out to us at canadaweaves@gmail.com
Accommodations
Explore accommodation options near the festival. The below lists are provided for reference only and are not endorsed or vetted by Canada Weaves Festival. Please do your own due diligence before booking.
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Tru By Hilton Oshawa
474 Aviator Ln, Oshawa, ON L1J 0B8
(25 minutes from venue)Homewood suites by Hilton Ajax
600 Beck Crescent, Ajax, Ontario L1Z 1C9 Canada
(25 minutes from venue)Hilton Garden Inn Ajax
500 Beck Crescent, Ajax, Ontario L1Z 1C9 Canada
(25 minutes from venue)Residence Inn by Marriott Whitby
160 Consumers Dr, Whitby, Ontario L1N 9S3 Canada
(30 minutes from venue)Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oshawa Downtown - Toronto Area by IHG
67 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario L1G 4S3 Canada
(35-40 minutes from venue)Chalet Claremont B&B
2195 Uxbridge Pickering Townline, Claremont, ON L1Y
(15 minutes from venue)Quality Suites Whitby
1700 Champlain Ave Whitby, On
(30-35 minutes from venue)Court Yard by Marriott Oshawa
1011 Bloor St E, Oshawa, ON L1H 0C7
(35-40 minutes from venue) -
9700 3rd Concession, Uxbridge, ON L0C 1E0
(25 minutes from venue)Ponderosa Campground
19332 ON-48, Mount Albert, ON L0G 1M0
(35 minutes from venue)Trout Water Family Camping
S1600 Hwy 7 East, Sunderland, ON L0C 1H0
(35 minutes from venue)Scugog Landing | A Parkbridge Cottage & RV Resort
225 Platten Blvd, Port Perry, ON L9L 1B4 -
We’ve provided a list of the nearest towns where you can find additional accommodation options:
Port Perry: Located about 18 km east (roughly a 17-minute drive).
Mount Albert: Situated approximately 21 km northwest (a 19-minute drive).
Whitchurch-Stouffville: Located about 22 km southwest (a 25-minute drive).
Zephyr & Leaskdale: These small, rural hamlets are located immediately to the north and northwest of the main Uxbridge urban center, within a 10 to 15-minute drive.
Whitchurch-Stouffville: ~20 to 25 minutes (22 km) south/southwest via Highway 47.
Newmarket: ~30 minutes (30 km) west via Davis Drive and Regional Road 8.
Whitby: ~30 minutes (34 km) south.
Aurora: ~30 to 35 minutes (30 km) west.
Markham: ~35 to 40 minutes (35 km) southwest.
Ajax: ~35 to 45 minutes (40–45 km) south.
East Gwillimbury (Mount Albert/Holland Landing): ~30 to 40 minutes northwest.