This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
In Quebec, keen entrepreneurs have exploited the idea of transforming recycled shipping containers into restaurants, accommodations or even stands for their events. A second life for these used containers with a unique look and benefits.
In 2009, Daniel Noiseux attracted attention with a restaurant project in the Old Port of Montreal, nestled in a shipping container. He was then one of the precursors in Quebec. “This restaurant was the first in a series. I liked the idea of a nomadic concept, which can be moved around and exported easily. With Muvbox, we offered this kind of turnkey installation, in the form of a franchise, across Canada, explains the entrepreneur. It was the desire to recycle these containers and make them autonomous using green technologies that inspired me Muvbox. If, for him, this adventure ended in 2020, for several reasons, including a pandemic that did not do the restaurant industry all good, he will have paved the way for other entrepreneurs.
A solution for events
Gaëlle Cerf and her partner Guy Vincent Melo support local restaurants and merchants with their organization, Les Survenants, in the realization of their event projects. For these two companions, behind the First Fridays of the month and the Sudbest event, the supply of spaces for their customers is a major concern. “During pop-up events, merchants look for a place to present their creations. We use trucks, but the container opens up other possibilities, especially artistic and logistical. Five recycled shipping containers, acquired a few years ago, are rented out to their customers. “It’s a solid infrastructure, which can be locked and which never breaks down, unlike the truck! Gaëlle insists on the fact that her containers, like her trucks, have a durability: “It has been part of our mission from the beginning to recover, to give objects a second life. »
Marketing strategy companies, such as Archex, have also found the idea of recycled shipping containers interesting for their clients’ exhibitions. “Our Cuboxes are perfect for brand positioning. Each container can be dressed in the company’s colors and capture attention,” says Catherine Guidon, Marketing Director.
Certainly, the container has its limits and its challenges. Gaëlle Cerf and Catherine Guindon recognize that you have to hire the services of a specialized carrier to have it delivered. Heating is also an important element to consider for outdoor use in winter.
maritime theme
Geneviève Boisvert, General Manager of Bota Bota, was confronted with the challenges associated with the use of recycled shipping containers. “The concept appealed to us, since we are located in the Old Port of Montreal and our spa is housed in an old boat. It’s a nice nod to the maritime industry. On the other hand, even if the idea was good, we learned the hard way that it is not appropriate to operate a sauna there. We had major problems related to condensation and we had to rethink the use of our containers,” she says. Better equipped the second time around, they transformed their containers into charming rest stops for customers when the swimming pool and gardens were added to the spa in 2015.
The maritime theme has also made its way into the minds of entrepreneurs for various projects. This is the case of Bruno Lefebvre, with his fleet of accommodation on the water, Flotel. This retired boat salesman was driven by the desire to attract people to the marinas of Quebec. “Several marinas are deserted at the end of the summer. However, there is a whole economic life around: restaurants, parks to discover. I wanted to find a way to enjoy these marinas longer and give people the opportunity to have a foothold on the water, even if they don’t have a boat. These small hotels on the water have all been designed from recycled shipping containers that are at least 10 years old.
Transformed into unusual accommodation
At Parc national du Mont-Mégantic, we had the idea of giving a third life to a container already on the site and which was to be used to store SEPAQ equipment. “As the container was hardly used, we recovered it and transformed it into unusual accommodation. We chose one of the most beautiful panoramic locations, on the top of a rocky cape, and installed it there. It is now the refuge of Mont Saint-Joseph,” explains Marie-Georges Bélanger, responsible for customer services.
However, there are far fewer houses or chalets built from recycled containers. Quebec’s northern climate and the cost of insulation discourage buyers. Overly strict city regulations would also force some entrepreneurs to put their projects on hold. This is what happened with the company Vert Foncé: “We had built three prototypes near the Vallée du Parc ski center in Shawinigan, but the regulations are so complicated that we turned to rental unusual accommodation. Michel Lucier, president of Vert Foncé, hopes to return to his initial project one day, but in the meantime, he is enjoying the success of renting his small modular chalets.
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the To have to, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of To have to did not take part.