Upgrades to Mitchell Arena prompt Zoning Bylaw amendment

Council for the Rural Municipality of Hanover is considering amending its Zoning Bylaw regarding shipping containers. 

Reeve Jim Funk says what prompted the potential change is the purchase of a new ice plant at the Mitchell Arena. Funk explains that they would like to house the new ice plant inside a container. However, the arena grounds are not zoned properly for this to happen.

According to Hanover Planning Manager Jeremy Neufeld, under the current zoning requirement, shipping containers are not allowed within the 'OS' or 'Open Space' zone. By allowing containers in the 'OS' zone, the project in Mitchell can proceed and be compliant with the zoning requirements. 

Neufeld says the impact of the proposed change is minimal. He says, generally speaking, land within the 'OS' zones is owned either by the municipality or Hanover School Division. Neufeld says the allowance of shipping containers on these sites should have little to no impact on adjacent properties. 

Meanwhile, Funk says if approved, the shipping container will be situated on the east side of the Mitchell Arena. He notes by permanently housing the ice plant inside a shipping container, the equipment will be self-contained. Funk says the container will also act as a firewall.

"As far as vandalism, it will be pretty safe also," he adds.

Funk assures the community that if this goes through, the shipping container will not look "shabby." He says they will take care of any wording that might be on the container and make sure it is repainted.

"We are going to clean it up in such a way that it is going to be not an eyesore in the community," he adds.

Council has now given first reading to this Zoning Bylaw amendment. Funk says he anticipates second and third readings could happen within approximately one month.