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You may want to think twice about buying a shipping container

'We don't want the public to be able to see the containers' says by-law officer. Elliot Lake by-laws greatly restrict their use
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Stock image shows a shipping container cabin. In Elliot Lake, this would probably not be allowed.

If you are planning to buy a sea can or shipping container for extra storage on your Elliot Lake property, think again. A city by-law greatly restricts their use.

“Anyone wishing to place a sea can or shipping container on their property should call the By-Law Department… for more information before you buy one,” states a recent press release from the City of Elliot Lake regarding Shipping Containers Zoning By-Law #18-36. “Shipping containers and sea cans are heavily regulated under the Elliot Lake zoning by-law.”

“Violations are subject to orders or fines or both should any sea can or shipping container not meet the required regulations.”

“We don’t want shipping containers in residential areas and some industrial zones,” said Bruce Elliott, by-law enforcement officer with the city.

The problem lies with “line of sight”, said Elliott. “We don’t want the public to be able to see the containers.”

He said the containers hadn’t been much of a problem in the past, but lately, the city has been receiving complaints. “There have been a few complaints but just recently the containers have been recently popping up and have become a bit of an issue.”

Residents of Elliot Lake are encouraged to check with the City By-law Department before purchasing a container for their property. Elliott said the matter is looked at on a “case by case situation.”

The City By-law Department can be reached at 705-848-2287, extension 2119. 

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