Windsor Hackforge

OSM State of the Map Recap
2025-10-28 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online💻👥 Hybrid💲 Free

State of the Map, often shortened to SotM, is the annual, international OpenStreetMap conference. The 2025 version takes place October 3 – 5 in Manila, Philippines. Hackforge will have on-site representation, and at the end of the month we’ll host a social/information session to go over the conference content.

This hybrid event will be happening on Tuesday, October 28th from 6 – 8 PM. Virtual and in-person attendance options are available!

This year SotM is being offered in a hybrid format, so consider tuning in remotely! There are a ton of topics being covered, and the more people we have checking it out, the more fruitful the conversation will be.

📆 Tuesday, October 28th🕦 6 – 8 PM📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, unit 210), and online via Zoom.🎟️RSVP for In-Person attendance below💻Register for virtual attendance via Zoom

Neighbourhood Quest
2025-10-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online💻👥 Hybrid💲 Free

Forget the Oregon Trail, in this workshop, Doug Sartori (Parallel 42; Mean, Median, and Moose) will show you how to turn Census and OpenStreetMap data into a text-based adventure game set in your own neighbourhood!

With QGIS and open data as your toolkit, you’ll learn how to mash up maps, stats, and storytelling into a ridiculous, one-of-a-kind game that’s uniquely yours.

No experience required, just bring your curiosity (and maybe a wizard hat). Follow along, and by the end, you’ll walk away with a playable game and the skills to keep exploring the wild world of data-driven adventures.

📆 October 24🕦6-8 PM📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave., Unit 210) & Online via Zoom🎟️RSVP for In-Person attendance below💻Register for virtual attendance via Zoom

Linux Install Party
2025-10-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥 In Person Only💲 Free

On October the 14th, Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life. If you have a computer that cannot upgrade to Windows 11, this is the event for you! Breathe life into your old hardware once again with Linux! Members will be available to help guide you through installing Linux and answer any questions.

Come on out even if you’re already familiar with Linux. This is a great opportunity to try a new distribution or just hang around and chat with other Linux enthusiasts.

📆 Tuesday, October 14th🕦 7-9 PM📍 In-Person @ Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette., Unit 210)🎟️ Please RSVP below

LUG September Social
2025-09-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍Discord💻Virtual Only💲 Free

Come join us as we nerd out about Linux at this month’s Hackforge Linux User Group Virtual Social!

What to Expect:

Help with Problems: Bring your Linux-related queries and let our community experts assist you in finding solutions.

Current Events Discussion: Stay updated and engage in discussions about the latest happenings in the Linux world.

This virtual social event provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Linux enthusiasts, learn, and have fun!

Hope to see you all there!

📆 Date: Wednesday, September, 2025🕦Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)📍 Virtual Event on Discord

Light up Pendant workshop @ Night Light Festival - Day 3
2025-09-20 15:00 - 20:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍Art Windsor-Essex (401 Riverside Dr. W, Windsor)👥 In Person Only💲 Free

Join us for a fun and family-friendly day at the AWE Night Light Festival’s Light Up Pendant Workshop! The day begins with a low-stimulation hour, designed to provide a welcoming experience for guests who find loud or busy environments overwhelming.

Throughout the day, enjoy family-friendly activities, including a special performance by the WSO Youth Orchestra, engaging kid-focused tours, and a variety of delicious options from outdoor food vendors.

✨ Admission is free, making this the perfect outing for families and community members of all ages!

If you can’t make it on this night, catch the workshop on Sept. 18 or Sept. 19!

📅 Saturday, September 20, 2025🕔 3-8PM📍 Art Windsor-Essex (401 Riverside Dr W, Windsor)💲 Free

Software Freedom Day Drop-In
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥 In Person Only💲 Free

🍁💻 Celebrate Software Freedom Day with Hackforge! 💻🍁

Already soaking in the vibes at the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market? Just a block away, the spirit of community continues!

👉 Drop in at Hackforge HQ anytime between 10AM–Noon for a hands-on intro to free software. More than just “computer programs you don’t have to pay for,” we’re focusing on software that anyone can use, share, and improve – all protected by licenses that guarantee these freedoms.

We’ll walk newcomers through what free software is, why it matters, and how it affects everyday life. Live demos will showcase practical alternatives to common proprietary tools, and you’ll take home a pamphlet highlighting free options that keep your digital life in your own hands.

Stop by to connect with others, learn something new, and join conversations about why software freedom matters here in Windsor and beyond.

📅 Friday, September 20⏰ 10AM–Noon (drop-in style)📍 Hackforge HQ (in-person only)

✨ Come curious. Leave empowered.

Light up Pendant workshop @ Night Light Festival - Day 2
2025-09-19 17:00 - 22:30 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍Art Windsor-Essex (401 Riverside Dr. W, Windsor)👥 In Person Only💲 Tickets

🌙 Shine brighter than the dance floor! 🌙

Bring the glow to Night Light’s Friday party! Join Hackforge in creating your own light-up pendant before hitting the installations and music. With easy-to-use materials, you’ll craft a glowing accessory that will keep you lit all night long.

Perfect for beginners, families, or anyone looking to bring a little sparkle to the festival.

If you can’t make it this night, catch the workshop on Sept. 18 or Sept. 20!

📅 Friday, September 19, 2025🕔 5 -10:30PM📍 Art Windsor-Essex (401 Riverside Dr W, Windsor)🔗 Get Tickets

Light up Pendant workshop @ Night Light Festival - Day 1
2025-09-18 16:00 - 21:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍Art Windsor-Essex (401 Riverside Dr. W, Windsor)👥 In Person Only💲 Tickets

✨ Craft your own glow at Night Light’s opening night! ✨

Kick off Night Light with Hackforge’s hands-on workshop where you’ll design and build a glowing necklace pendant. Using simple electronics and crafting supplies, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind wearable artwork that lights up the night. We’ll be located inside the festival, so be sure to get your tickets!

Perfect for beginners, families, or anyone looking to bring a little sparkle to the festival.

If you can’t make it on opening night, catch the workshop on Sept. 19 or Sept. 20!

📅 Thursday, September 18, 2025🕔 4-9 PM📍 Art Windsor-Essex (401 Riverside Dr. W, Windsor)🔗 Get Tickets

Adventures in Vibe Coding
2025-09-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online💻👥 Hybrid💲 Free

Can you really give ChatGPT the wheel and let it write code for you?

Join Doug Sartori for an exploration of 🌈”Vibe Coding”🌈 – the practice of using natural-language LLM prompts to generate software. Step into a world where your words have the power to write software. In this session, we’ll demystify the art of using natural-language prompts to generate code. Imagine just telling the AI what you want, and watch the code appear like magic. 🧙‍♂️

This event is perfect for developers of all levels, tech enthusiasts, and anyone curious about using ChatGPT to get into coding.

You’ll learn about:✔️ The tools✔️ Techniques✔️ Where it works and where it doesn’t.

📆 September 12🕦 6pm-8pm📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online via Zoom🎟️RSVP for In-Person attendance below💻Register for virtual attendance via Zoom

OpenStreetMap Windsor-Essex Indoor Mapping Party
2025-09-09 17:30 - 20:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥 In Person Only💲 Free

After August’s outdoor mapping adventure, we’re keeping things chill — literally — with an indoor mapping night at Hackforge HQ. Join us Tuesday, September 9th, 5:30–8:00 PM for some relaxed OpenStreetMap editing and friendly conversation.

No set theme, no pressure — just a chance to connect with fellow mappers and make the map a little better. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned mapper, you’re welcome here!

We’ll provide:

help from experienced mappers

computers with JOSM installed

air conditioning

a relaxed atmosphere

cookies?

If you bring:

interest in improving local geodata

Sounds like a pretty good deal!

📆 Tuesday, September 9, 2025🕦 5:30 – 8 PM (drop in anytime!)📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)

Lou Romano Water Reclamation Plant Tour
2025-09-04 15:00 - 17:00 | Ontario
📍Lou Romano Water Reclamation Plant (4155 Ojibway Pkwy, Windsor, ON N9C 4C3)👥 In Person Only💲 Free

Ever Wonder Where Your Water Goes?

Every time you flush the toilet, drain the tub, or run the tap, the water starts a journey you rarely get to see. This guided tour of the Lou Romano Water Reclamation Plant pulls back the curtain on the essential, high-tech process that cleans our community’s wastewater before it returns safely to the environment. From massive settling tanks to advanced filtration systems, you’ll get an up-close look at how Windsor protects public health and the Great Lakes.

What to Expect:

Learn the science behind wastewater treatment

See large-scale equipment in action

Understand how Windsor safeguards its water resources

Important:

Closed-toed shoes are required for safety (no sandals or open footwear permitted).

RSVP is required as space is limited.

📆 Thursday, Sept. 4🕦3:00 PM📍 Lou Romano Water Reclamation Plant (4155 Ojibway Pkwy, Windsor, ON N9C 4C3). Enter through Gate 1.🎫 RSVP Below

Board Games Swap & Play
2025-08-29 17:30 - 20:00 | Ontario
📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥 In Person Only💲 Free

Ready to refresh your game shelf? Bring your gently-used board games and swap them for something new-to-you at Hackforge’s Board Game Swap & Play! Strategy epics, party favourites, card games, or classics are all welcome – basically, anything that isn’t a PC or console-based video game. This is your chance to discover something different—without spending a dime!

Not sure what to take home? Stick around and try out some of the games on offer! We’ll have tables set up for casual gameplay and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow game lovers.

To make sure everyone gets the most out of the event, there are a few rules we ask everyone to follow:

➡️ no sales – swaps only!➡️ ensure your game is clean and complete – no missing pieces or sticky tokens, please!➡️ all swaps are final – we can’t mediate any mind-changing after the fact

📆 Friday, August 29🕦 5:30 – 8PM📍 Windsor Hackforge (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)🎫 RSVP Below

LUG: August Social
2025-08-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍Discord💻Virtual Only💲 Free

Come join us as we nerd out about Linux at this month’s Hackforge Linux User Group Virtual Social!

What to Expect:

Help with Problems: Bring your Linux-related queries and let our community experts assist you in finding solutions.

Current Events Discussion: Stay updated and engage in discussions about the latest happenings in the Linux world.

This virtual social event provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Linux enthusiasts, learn, and have fun!

Hope to see you all there!

📆 Date: Wednesday, August 27🕦Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)📍 Virtual Event on Discord

A.I. for administrators
2025-08-25 17:30 - 19:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online💻👥 Hybrid💲 Free

Curious about AI but not sure where to start? This 90-minute session is designed for administrators with little to no technical background – or anyone else interested in the absolute basics of Artificial Intelligence!

We’ll break down what AI really is, show practical examples of how it can support your daily workflow, and share tips for using it safely and effectively. From drafting emails to summarizing meetings, you’ll learn how to make AI work for you—without the jargon or overwhelm. Walk away with simple strategies, tool comparisons, and the confidence to explore AI in your own role.

Bring your questions and laptops! Attendees will have the opportunity to experiment throughout the session.

📆 Monday, August 25🕦 5:30 – 7PM📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) 7 Online via Zoom🎟️RSVP for In-Person attendance below💻Register for virtual attendance via Zoom

LUG: Intro to Containers with Docker
2025-08-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online💻👥 Hybrid💲 Free

Learn about the technology and techniques that have changed the landscape of modern development. Docker pioneered container management, a concept that has since morphed into its own standard.

The information available in this session will be applicable to Docker and Podman – which is a free, open source alternative to Docker.

You’ll also learn container basics – what containers are, how to run them, what images are, and how to make your own.

No previous experience with containerization is required, but knowledge of the command line is needed.

Attendees are encouraged to install Docker Desktop or Podman Desktop in advance of the event. This will allow you to follow along and explore the systems as you learn about them.

While this event is being hosted by our Linux Users’ Group, those using Windows and Mac are also encouraged to attend. The content aims to cover the differences in platforms as much as possible.

Bring your projects and questions! The first hour of the event will be a knowledge dump, while the second hour will focus on creating your own image and using Docker Compose.

📆 Tuesday, August 12🕦7-9 PM📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) 7 Online via Zoom🎟️RSVP for In-Person attendance below💻Register for virtual attendance via Zoom

Legacy Beacon Mapping
2025-08-05 17:30 - 20:30 | Ontario
📍 Legacy Beacon (780 Riverside Dr W) & Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥 In Person Only💲 Free

Recent changes at Windsor’s riverfront have yet to be replicated in OSM, so we’re scheduling some time to get it done! Join OpenStreetMap Windsor-Essex on Tuesday, August 5th for a hands-on learning opportunity that will add pathway and landscape changes for the Legacy Beacon to OSM. Attendees will learn how to collect geodata and how to contribute to OSM. All levels of experience and technical acumen are welcome!

This event will take place in TWO PARTS. Join for one or both!

Part I:

Location: Legacy Beacon (780 Riverside Dr W)Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PMActivity: Record GPX traces of the area, noting the location of paths and other amenities. Bring your data-enabled mobile device with a GPS recording app installed (E.g. GPS Logger for Android, myTracks on iOS). Alternatively, you can go the low-tech route and bring a notebook and pen! Both methods will allow you to collect data that can later be added to OSM. Once everyone is on-site, and before we start data collection, the group will coordinate who is recording what data. This will help to make sure we have complete coverage, and that everyone’s work will be included in the final changes.

Walk back to Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210). This is a walk of roughly 1km that takes about 15 minutes.

Part II:

Location: Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, unit 210)Time: 7 – 8:30 PMActivity: Transferring collected data to OpenStreetMap. Using desktop and browser tools such as JOSM and iD Editor, we’ll learn how to turn our GPX files and handwritten notes into OSM-compatible data. We’ll also have the chance to see how outdated information (like the old playground) can be changed or removed to better represent the current state of things. Attendees can bring in their own laptop for this part, or they can use one of Hackforge’s house machines.

Recommendation! Join the Hackforge Discord to keep in touch with the group through the #openstreetmap-windsor-essex channel. This will be the best way to get updates on where we are at any given time (while we’ll do our best, it’s not completely impossible that we’ll arrive back at HQ a bit after 7pm). This is also a great way to ask questions ahead of time!

📆 Tuesday, August 5th🕦5:30 – 8:30 PM📍Legacy Beacon (780 Riverside Dr W) and Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)

Data Analysis with SQL: A Resume- worthy Portfolio Project
2025-07-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍Zoom💻Virtual Only💲 Free

In this hands-on, resume-worthy Portfolio project, Rashmi Krishnamohan (Data Analyst; UWin alumni) will help you turn your SQL knowledge into practical, career-building experience. Together, we’ll explore how data analysis works in real-world contexts. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, this session offers valuable tools you can apply right away.

In this workshop, you’ll learn:

1. How to analyze real-world datasets for meaningful insights.2. How to apply their SQL skills to a guided project that can be included in their resume or portfolio3. How to identify and create key performance indicators (KPIs)

⚠️You’ll Need:

Basic SQL skills & Data analysis skills

Computer with SQL Server installed

📆 July 28, 2025🕦 6:00 – 7:30 PM📍 Virtual via Zoom🎟️ Register here

LUG July Social
2025-07-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍Discord💻Virtual Only💲 Free

Come join us as we nerd out about Linux at this month’s Hackforge Linux User Group Virtual Social!

What to Expect:

Help with Problems: Bring your Linux-related queries and let our community experts assist you in finding solutions.

Current Events Discussion: Stay updated and engage in discussions about the latest happenings in the Linux world.

This virtual social event provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Linux enthusiasts, learn, and have fun!

Hope to see you all there!

📆 Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025🕦Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)📍 Virtual Event on Discord

Open Data Pub Night
2025-07-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥 In Person Only💲 Free

Border City Data Pub Night

Come hang out with Hackforge and the Canadian Open Data Society (CODS) for a relaxed evening of conversation, community, and craft beer!

We’re meeting up at Maiden Lane Wine & Cocktail Bar on July 18 for a fun and friendly chat about all things open data — how it supports Canada’s tech scene, what CODS is all about, and why it matters to our communities.

Whether you’re deep into data or just curious, everyone’s welcome! Expect good vibes, semi-structured convos, and a great chance to connect with fellow tech + data folks.

📆 Friday, July 18, 2025🕦 6-8pm📍 Maiden Lane Wine & Cocktail Bar (494 Pelissier St in Windsor)

Please note that this is an in-person only event!

OSM Field Mapping: Via Italia
2025-07-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Ontario
📍 980 Louis Ave (Corner of Louis and Erie), in front of St. Angela Merici Church👥 In Person Only💲 Free

Join us for a community field mapping event where we will use the Every Door and StreetComplete apps to enhance OpenStreetMap! Whether you’re a seasoned mapper or a beginner, this event is a great opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s most comprehensive open-source maps.

Meet in front of St. Angela Merici church, and together we’ll explore Via Italia, using these intuitive tools to add and update information on local businesses, amenities, street details, and more.

Help us improve the accuracy and richness of OpenStreetMap while exploring and documenting Windsor’s Little Italy. No previous experience with OSM, geodata, or mapping required – just bring your data-enabled smart device, walking shoes, and sense of adventure! (and maybe a water bottle)

📅 Wednesday, July 16th📍 980 Louis Ave (Corner of Louis and Erie), in front of St. Angela Merici Church⌚ 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Register to attend In-Person in the RSVP box below

Want to prep early? Start with these steps:

create an account at osm.org

download StreetComplete (Android-only)

AND/OR

download Every Door (Android and iOS)

log in to your chosen app using your OSM account

LUG June Social
2025-06-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍Discord💻Virtual Only💲 Free

Come join us as we nerd out about Linux at this month’s Hackforge Linux User Group Virtual Social!

What to Expect:

Help with Problems: Bring your Linux-related queries and let our community experts assist you in finding solutions.

Current Events Discussion: Stay updated and engage in discussions about the latest happenings in the Linux world.

This virtual social event provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Linux enthusiasts, learn, and have fun!

Hope to see you all there!

📆 Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025🕦Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)📍 Virtual Event on Discord

TG-ID.ca in Windsor
2025-06-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥 In Person Only💲 Free

Changing your name or gender marker can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Join us for a special in-person event with the creator of TG-ID.ca, a free web app designed to make the legal ID change process in Ontario clearer and more accessible.

This event is a chance to learn more about the app, hear the story behind its creation, and connect with others navigating similar journeys, while also learning about the process of name and gender marker changes in Ontario! Whether you’re just starting or already partway through the process, you’ll walk away with helpful tools, tips, and community support.

📅 Saturday, June 21, 2025⌚ 6:30 – 8:30 PM📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)🎫 RSVP below

Annual General Meeting
2025-06-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥 In Person Only💲 Free

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an essential part of every non-profit organization. It offers members a chance to hear updates on recent activities, gain insight into what’s been happening behind the scenes, and learn about plans for the future.

This year, Hackforge’s AGM will be taking place in person on Tuesday, June 17th, from 6 – 8PM at Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210).

To be eligible to vote at the AGM, you must have made a meaningful contribution to Hackforge within the past 12 months. This includes activities such as hosting an event or volunteering in any capacity. Please note that simply attending events does not qualify for voting membership. The list of current members can be found on our website.

📅 Tuesday, June 17th⌚ 6 – 8 PM📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)

Build a Machine Learning Prediction Model
2025-06-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍Zoom💻Virtual Only💲 Free

📊 Build a Machine Learning Prediction Model – Hands-On Virtual Workshop

Ready to take your data science game to the next level? Join us for a hands-on portfolio project where you’ll walk through the full process of building a Machine Learning Prediction Model with Rashmi Krishnamohan (Data Analyst; UWin Alumni) — from raw data to model deployment prep!

This interactive virtual workshop is perfect for those who are data-curious, passionate about data science, and have basic Python skills.

What you’ll learn:

🔍 How to collect real-world datasets from Kaggle📈 Perform Exploratory Data Analysis using popular Python libraries✂️ Split data for training and testing🤖 Build and evaluate a Machine Learning model for prediction

⚠️Before the session:Make sure you have Jupyter Notebooks installed with the following libraries:numpy, pandas, matplotlib, scikit-learn

Let’s turn your curiosity into a portfolio-worthy project!

📆 June 16, 2025🕦 6-8PM📍 Virtual event on Zoom🎟️Register here

AI Gets Context: Integrating Model Context Protocol Servers Into Open WebUI
2025-06-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online💻👥 Hybrid💲 Free

Tired of hallucinations? Want your local LLM to know the date, access Wikipedia or get the latest sports scores? MCP has you covered.

Join Doug Sartori (Hackforge, Parallel 42) in this live demonstration and discussion.

MCP is an open standard for providing tools to Large Language Models. Doug Sartori explains how to get an MCP proxy set up with OpenWebUI and demonstrates the potential and the pitfalls of this technology

📆 June 11, 2025🕦 7-8:30 PM📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online via Zoom🎫 RSVP for In-Person below🖥️ Virtual RSVP via Zoom

Pedal Poll
2025-06-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Ontario
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave., Unit 210)👥 In Person Only💲 Free

oin Windsor Hackforge in contributing to citizen science during Vélo Canada Bikes’ 2025 Pedal Poll! On Tuesday, June 3rd from 4–6 PM, we’ll be counting cyclists from our HQ on Ouellette Avenue, and you’re invited to be part of it.

The Pedal Poll is a nationwide crowd-sourced data collection effort that helps build a clearer picture of who is biking where in Canada. In 2024, volunteers counted 47,064 people on bicycles across the country—including 38 in Windsor. We know that this number isn’t truly indicative of our local cyclists, though!

With more people counting at more times and in more locations, we can improve Windsor’s contribution and provide a more complete picture of cycling in our community.

So stop by to count with us, or sign up for your own shift! If you choose Ouellette Ave as your location and would like to count from Hackforge, send an email to info@hackf.org to arrange the details.

By participating, you’re helping create better, more equitable cycling infrastructure through real, local data.

📆 Monday, June 3rd🕦 4 – 6 PM📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)🎫 Email info@hackf.org to register

Disability Pride: Informed and Committed Actions Towards Undoing Ableism
2025-05-31 15:00 - 17:00 | Ontario
📍 Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (1100 University Ave W, Windsor)👥 In Person Only💲 Free

Join us on Saturday, May 31st for a thoughtful and engaging solo workshop that explores how we can build more inclusive and compassionate communities.

Facilitator Evelina Baczewska offers a space to reflect on the ways our experiences, identities, and systems intersect — and how we can support belonging, dignity, and shared responsibility in our communities.

This session is designed for community leaders, educators, advocates, and anyone interested in fostering deeper understanding and more meaningful inclusion. Through personal stories, guided reflection, and collaborative discussion, we’ll explore how to move beyond surface-level inclusion and toward practices that truly support equity and connection.

Together, we’ll imagine what a more just and welcoming community can look like — and how each of us can be part of that change.

Learn more about Evelina and her work on her website.

📆 Saturday, May 31st🕦 3 – 5 PM📍Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (1100 University Ave W, Windsor)🎫 RSVP below

Equitable AI: Designing for Inclusive Access
2025-05-30 11:00 - 12:30 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍Zoom💻Virtual Only💲 Free

Join us for an engaging and interactive conversation with Dr. Jutta Treviranus, Director of the Inclusive Design Research Centre at OCAD University and a global leader in digital inclusion. As part of Hackforge’s National AccessAbility Week programming, this session will explore how artificial intelligence can both empower and marginalize — and why equity, accessibility, and responsible design must guide the future of AI systems.

Drawing from her leadership in developing the Accessible and Equitable AI Technical Guide and international standards, Dr. Treviranus will share insights into current and emerging risks, strategies to safeguard diverse users, and the process behind shaping inclusive global guidelines. Whether you’re designing AI tools, implementing accessible technologies, or simply interested in the intersection of ethics, tech, and inclusion, this event is for you.

Expect a lively blend of presentation and discussion, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and engage directly. This free event will be hosted live on Zoom and is open to all professionals, practitioners, and community members passionate about building an equitable digital future.

📆 Friday, May 30th🕦 11AM – 12:30 PM📍 Virtual – Register via ZoomAs a primer to this event, we suggest attending the Accessible and Equitable AI Standard Group Review, happening on Thursday afternoon

Government of Canada Accessible & Equitable AI Standard: Group Review
2025-05-29 15:30 - 17:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍Zoom💻Virtual Only💲 Free

Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) develops national accessibility standards to help build a barrier-free Canada — by and for people with disabilities. As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly evolves, ASC is working to ensure accessibility and equity are built into these emerging technologies.

In May 2024, ASC released a technical guide on accessible and equitable AI, and a draft standard is now available for public review. The final standard is expected to be published in winter 2026. While these standards will be mandatory for federally regulated organizations (like banks, air travel, and Canada Post), all AI developers can benefit from aligning their work with them.

At Hackforge, we’re curious: How can we assess the accessibility of AI systems? And more importantly, how can we ensure the systems we build are equitable and inclusive? We’re diving into the documents to find out — and we’d love for you to join us.

On Thursday, May 29 from 3:30 to 5 PM EDT, join Saamer Mansoor, creator of BeAware Deaf Assistant, for an overview of the draft standard and a discussion on what it means for developers. Come to explore highlights of the standard, ask questions, and take part in conversations at the intersection of artificial intelligence, accessibility, and equity.

This session leads into Friday’s event, where Dr. Jutta Treviranus — chair of the Technical Committee on Accessible and Equitable AI Systems — will offer a free online talk for the Hackforge community.

📆 Thursday, May 29th🕦 3:30 – 5PM📍 Virtual – Register via Zoom

Labour Market Interventions Roundtable
2025-05-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍Zoom💻Virtual Only💲 Free

For this year’s National AccessAbility Week programming, Hackforge is teaming up with some brand new partners! During this special event, we’ll be exploring how we can increase connections between people with disabilities and opportunities in the Canadian tech ecosystem.

Join us on Wednesday, May 28th for a free lunchtime round table featuring representatives from:

Ase Community Foundation for Black Canadians with Disabilities https://asecommunityfoundation.com/

SETSI (Social Economy Through Social Inclusion) https://www.setsi.ca/Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience (CCNDR) https://ccndr.ca/This is a virtual event that will be held over Zoom. Please email MAAT@setsi.ca to register

📆 Wednesday, May 28th🕦 12 – 1 PM EDT📍 Virtual – Register by emailing MAAT@setsi.ca
