Notice from the CAO Regarding Storage Containers / Commercial Bins
Hi everyone,
We seem to be having an industrial waste bin and storage pod situation in the Town of Thorsby.
The Land Use Bylaw S. 9.25 defines a storage container/pod as a temporary structure.
S. 9.25 (6) – states:
- Portable storage containers shall be in the rear or side yard of a parcel of land (your lot)
- Portable storage containers and industrial bins can be on site during active construction for a dumpster, or for the storage of supplies, furniture etc provided a valid development permit is issued
- The CAO can authorize a commercial refuse bin for the purposes of an emergency (the floods this summer) when basements had to be fixed, however, the permit only is valid for the time the bin is needed and if it requires a longer time, an Insurance letter is required to extend the time frame.
The Town is noticing numerous storage pods and commercial bins on streets that require attention. The CAO is authorizing until October 31, 2026, for residents to either move the storage pods to the rear or side yard of the residence, produce evidence from insurance that commercial bin is required longer or move the commercial bin off the street permanently. Commercial bins are not allowed in the back or side yards.
November 01, 2026, orders will be sent to the residences involved to move the bins and containers. Failure to comply with district regulations S. 9.25(6) is a $500.00 fine that may be imposed if the orders are not followed.
-Donna Tona, Chief Administrative Officer