Top 5 Ways Ontario Businesses Use Shipping Containers for Storage

Across Ontario, many businesses in construction, agriculture, and events rely on shipping containers for secure, flexible, and cost-effective storage. Built tough, lockable, and easily movable, containers are a practical solution for countless industries.

Here are the top five ways Ontario businesses use shipping containers—supported by Canadian government and municipal sources to ensure credibility.

1. Construction Site Storage 🏗️

Ontario construction firms frequently use shipping containers to safeguard tools, materials, and equipment at job sites. These steel units are lockable, weather-resistant, and relocate easily as projects move.

Source: City of Hamilton confirms shipping containers are subject to the Ontario Building Code as recognized storage structures.
👉 Hamilton.ca – Ontario Building Code & Containers

2. Agricultural & On-Farm Storage 🌾

On farms, shipping containers are used for feed, produce, or equipment. They’re rodent-resistant, durable, and protect contents from Ontario’s variable weather.

Source: Ontario government’s farm storage guidelines highlight proper facilities for agricultural storage.
👉 Ontario.ca – Farm Storage Facility Guidance

3. Environmental & Hazardous Material Storage

When businesses need to store chemicals or hazardous waste, adapted containers can provide safe, compliant storage.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Environment guidelines outline proper containment for chemical and waste storage facilities.
👉 Ontario.ca – Environmental Protection for Storage

4. Event & Temporary Workspace Storage 🎪

Festivals, fairs, and temporary community events use shipping containers as on-site storage or even pop-up office space. Municipalities often recognize containers as temporary structures, making them practical for short-term use.

Source: BizPaL, Canada’s online business permit service, supports municipalities in planning storage and temporary structure permits.
👉 BizPaL – Business Permits and Licences

5. Zoning & Permit Compliance

In Ontario, containers over 10 m² (108 ft²) are classified as “structures” under the Ontario Building Code and may require a building permit. Municipal governments, like Hamilton, provide clarity on placement rules to help businesses stay compliant.

Source: City of Hamilton statement on shipping containers and zoning bylaws.
👉 Hamilton.ca – Shipping Containers & Building Code

Why Containers Work for Ontario Businesses

• Durability: Corten steel construction resists Canadian weather.

• Security: Lockable design prevents theft and rodent access.

• Compliance: Temporary structures often need simpler permits.

• Customizable: Can be modified with shelving, insulation, or office-style features.

Real-World Examples

• Contractors keeping tools safe across rotating job sites.

• Farmers storing feed and machinery securely on-site.

• Event organizers using containers for staging equipment and supplies.

Looking for reliable, secure, and affordable storage solutions in Ontario? TDot Containers delivers new and used shipping containers province-wide for construction, farms, and events.

👉 Browse our full inventory or request a quote today—we’ll help you choose the right size and delivery option.

References

• Ontario.ca – Farm Pesticide Storage Facility

• Ontario.ca – Environmental Protection Storage Guidelines

• Hamilton.ca – Shipping Containers & Ontario Building Code

• BizPaL – Business Permits and Licences