The Town of South Bruce Peninsula is taking its first steps to allow shipping containers to be used as outbuildings on properties.
This week, council voted to direct staff to make application to Bruce County Planning to amend the Comprehensive Zoning By-Law to permit sea cans as accessory structures.
Members of council were all receptive to the idea after speaking to residents.
"I received a few comments from members of the public all expressing an interest on shipping containers," said Councillor Paul Deacon. "A lot of mice and pests in the area are getting into small storage sheds and wreaking havoc on equipment, so they feel that having the ability to have a little more secure structure, especially in the wintertime, will work more in their favour."
The only drawback to the containers brought up by council was the look of them.
"I think of a lot of people who don't have the ability to keep their equipment safe and I'm all for the idea of this as an affordable option," said Deputy Mayor Caleb Hull. "The reality is, yeah they don't look good. I think that that cosmetic issue we should address, but I think this is a good option."
Northern Bruce Peninsula already permits shipping containers in rural, commercial, extractive industrial and institutional zones.
While discussions quickly turned to where on properties the sea cans could and shouldn't be allowed, council was reminded that it was early in the process and that changing the Zoning By-law would require a public meeting, where more residents could provide input.
Clerk Angie Cathrae told council the containers would also require a building permit (depending on the size) and they would not be used for human habitation. She also said staff weren't considering setting a limit of containers on lots, as it would vary by case, and setback regulations and other zoning by-laws would keep it so smaller lots couldn't comply with having several anyways.
The next step is to send the application to Bruce County Planning, and in the future, a public meeting will be held before Council is given proposed by-law for consideration. Staff predicted the matter wouldn't return to council until he fall.