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Jordan Stevenson, the owner of BuildX, a construction company in Port Hope, says he’s hoping his team can find a way to help with shelter as millions flee amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

Stevenson has been advocating for creative solutions – through projects like tiny home and shipping container home builds – with hopes of helping with the affordable housing crisis locally for some time. But “too much red tape,” and struggles with related regulations and policies locally have created hurdles, he says. (Though he continues to try.)

Now, his team is looking at trying to “reinvigorate” their shipping container home model with the hopes of helping people fleeing Ukraine as the conflict there continues. The team had a model already in place that they started on a few years ago, said Stevenson.

“Basically, (we’re going to) try and equip that for a rapid build and a rapid deployment for emergency shelters.”

To help out, Stevenson said the team has linked up with an engineer from Ukraine, who’s been serving as a point person when it comes to design and helping out with requirements, uses, et cetera. He also has insights the team does not being he’s over there, noted Stevenson.

Originally, Stevenson said the team thought it would be ideal – and easier – to deploy these units here for anyone coming into Canada, but he’s not sure that’s possible.

The team is now looking at trying to ship these units – like regular cargo on a container ship, he said. Poland is being looked at as a possible initial deployment area, though this could change depending on need or other variables, he noted.

The idea is the units could be easily set up once they arrive – and would be built with simplicity in mind, he said.

The team is still working on getting everything lined up and on blueprints and the like with the engineer, but Stevenson said the team is hoping to start building its first unit soon. This would also serve like a prototype.

“The first unit we are self-funding …”

Costs to build are anticipated at about $20,000 – then there would be shipping costs, noted Stevenson.

Long-term, if the team can get the project off the ground, they’d be looking at possible fundraising, or for partners, whether a non-profit or non-governmental organization or what have you, to help manage and deploy resources as provided, explained Stevenson.

Though Stevenson is hopeful he may also be able to discuss ideas with area politicians.

This is just a way the team felt they could help, said Stevenson.

When asked about possibly permitting such building within the Municipality of Port Hope, staff noted the municipality will work with all builders on any project permitted under the Building Code. Innovative projects are welcomed by the municipality, but to ensure the health and safety of the community, all building and major renovations must follow applicable provincial and/or municipal laws, staff said.

A building permit application, complete with designs submitted by a qualified person as prescribed under the Ontario Building Code and Building Code Act is required, said staff. These requirements are not specific to the municipality and are provincial legislation, added staff.

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