Reuse, reduce and recycle seemed to be the theme at this year’s Spring Boat, Cottage and Outdoor Show.
The reuse and recycle part came with an affordable housing solution presented by Bell-Camp Modular. It’s an Ingersoll-based company that uses shipping containers and converts them into affordable housing, such as bunkies, houses and cottages.
“The small units are typically added as an extension to existing houses on a property,” said Brad Stubbe, co-owner of the company, adding they also work on multi-level, industrial sized projects.
He and his partner, Adam Smith, a building contractor, came up with the idea of using shipping containers abandoned by big stores after they’ve brought in goods from other countries.
Refurbished to be suitable for living, said Stubbe, all that’s needed is a building permit and a foundation on which the company will install the container. All units are move-in ready, approved by the Canadian Standards Association.
“In this housing market, it’s an alternative solution,” he said. “It gives young people an opportunity to have their own house.”
Orillia's Goldie Ugar was impressed by the presentation.
“I like the minimalist look and lifestyle,” she said. “To me, it would be something that would be a good solution to homelessness.”
Ugar, who visits the spring outdoor show every year, said she uses the opportunity to get different ideas for renovation and decoration.
The show also had items for those who already own a house and even a boat.
On Your Way Marine was showcasing inflatables as a cheaper and affordable boat option.
“We’re selling more of these inflatables because they’re good on fuel,” said Jason Edwards, who was managing the booth. “It’s of big interest in Orillia and Midland. More and more now with the gas prices going up.”
People can also ski or tube behind these easy-to-use and easy-to-maintain inflatables, he added.
The inflatables have come a long way, said Doug Bunker, organizer of the Spring Boat, Cottage & Outdoor Show.
“They're no longer that tippy little thing,” he said. “They have a rigid hull with the inflatable around it. They better performance wise and you can put a little horsepower on them, too.”
And with the boating market in flux right now, it is a good option, said Bunker.
“There isn't a lot of product left out there,” he said, explaining that in the last two years, manufacturers pulled back a little on production. A large part of the boating inventory was used up two years ago with a hot summer. “If it wasn't sinking, people were buying boats.
So inventory at the show included leftover and some used boats that dealers and private-sector manufacturers had brought in, said Bunker.
“We're really recycling boats and keeping them out there,” he said. “Some people want to get a bigger boat or a different style of boat.”
Despite the low inventory, said Bunker, the show boasted a diverse selection.
“The pontoon boats have done quite well over the last two years in terms of design and functionality,” he said.
Overall, Bunker said, he couldn’t complain. The weather stayed clear over the weekend and the park was filled with people trying out food, enjoying free music and walking around the outdoor show, he said.
