'The unfortunate thing is that many of the properties where we're seeing the freight containers are either rural or residential where they are not currently permitted,' by-law officer said
The Municipality of East Ferris will undertake a review of its current zoning by-laws to consider expanding the allowed placement and use of freight containers.
Currently, the municipality allows these containers -- commonly called sea-cans -- in commercial and industrial zones. However, a recent recommendation from by-law enforcement officer Valerie Murphy, suggested council allow the use of sea cans in rural and residential areas as well.
Speaking of the sea-cans, Murphy told council, "They're becoming more common, they're an affordable alternative to constructing a garage or shed. So, a lot of people are taking advantage of it."
"The unfortunate thing is that many of the properties where we're seeing the freight containers are either rural or residential where they are not currently permitted," she said.
Council agreed to direct staff to look at expanding the areas where these containers are permitted. Murphy noted, "By exploring that option, we could pull together criteria and conditions that a rural or residential property would need to meet in order to permit a freight container on that property."
Councillors and Murphy suggested that staff look into what other nearby municipalities are doing, and draft a plan that could work for East Ferris. The size of the sea-can as well as the size of the property would be taken into consideration. As would setback from property lines, and assurances that sea-cans would be kept in a presentable condition.
Mayor Rick Champagne emphasized, "We want to ensure that our municipality still looks great, and that [sea-cans] doesn't take away from it."
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Councillor Steven Trahan cautioned the issue of expanding the placement of sea cans could be "contentious" for residents. He also highlighted some potential safety concerns that should be considered in staff's report. Namely, he noted some containers are below hydro lines, some are modified to have windows and doors, and some may be placed on uneven ground which could leads to water drainage issues or increase risk of structural instability.
"We don't know what some of these containers are containing," he added, which could lead to complications for firefighters if a blaze ignited within a sea-can.
Council asked staff to investigate all angles, and a draft report will be prepared for council's approval.
Owners with sea-cans on their residential or rural properties remain in contravention of the current zoning by-law, which prohibits sea-cans in those zones. The report to council is expected to arrive in early 2026.
After that, a public meeting will be scheduled to hear from residents. Following that a amendment to the zoning by-law would be presented to council for its approval. By next spring, East Ferris residents should have their answer as to whether sea-cans will be allowed in rural and residential areas.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.