Ground Rules

These Ground Rules help us understand our responsibilities while attending the weekly gatherings at the Pumphouse. They are ways to make the Pumphouse experience positive for everyone. And, it is always helpful for new members to "learn the ropes"; however, it is always a good time for all of us to review what over time become the many "unwritten rules".

WE ARE OPEN SEATING

With membership over 70 members, and the room configured comfortably for 32 work spaces, we need to be open seating. What this means is that at our weekly gatherings the seats and tables are not assigned, reserved, or saved. They are occupied on a first-come basis. We want to continue being a friendly place to be creative, and a place to make friendships.

LIMITED YOUR SPACE

Because there is limited room, please keep your creative space to a half table.

WEAR NAMETAGS

Initially, we provide a nametag to everyone. It is up to all members to keep their nametag and wear it at the Pumphouse. We recognize that it is not always easy.

WE ARE ALL AMBASSADORS OF THE PUMPHOUSE ARTISTS

The executive is particularly focused on this, but if there are guests, or new members, please make them welcome and show them the about.

PLEASE SIGN IN

Even if we have guests, there are two reasons for this: weekly dues, and emergency evacuation checklist; to make sure everyone has left the building during an emergency.

WEEKLY DUES

Weekly dues is currently $3 for each week you attend the Pumphouse. Weekly dues helps pay for the rental of the Pumphouse and provide tea and cookies. The exceptions for paying the dues are Life Members and members over 90. As a courtesy to our Treasurer, please do not put anything in the dues less than a quarter.

CLEAN UP

Occasionally, where we sit (table and chairs), or even the floor under where we sit, we have a medium malfunction. Please be responsible for your spillage.

SCENT-FREE

During our gatherings, the Pumphouse is a scent-free zone. When we talk about scents, we usually mean the smells or odours from ingredients and chemicals in cosmetics (perfume, make-up, shampoo, deodorant, etc.) or from other products such as paint media, thinners, solvents, cleaners, etc.

LIMIT BUSINESS TO FIRST HALF HOUR

Please limit Pumphouse business such as membership and workshop registrations, and other treasury activities to the first half hour. The executive filling these positions are volunteers doing work on our behalf, but they are mainly there to do creative activities.

WINTER FOOTWEAR

As winter approaches there is always the possibility of snow and icy conditions. If this occurs on a Wednesday, please bring alternate footwear.

Revised: March 2026