choosecornwall.ca — According to industry statistics, Canada lags behind their southern neighbours when it comes to available storage space, and that gap in supply and demand is fuelling a boom in the mini-storage industry.

One company that is looking to remedy that is Cornwall Storage Box, which has just opened a new facility in Downtown Cornwall.

“The demand is there and it is not only growing – its evolving,” says Gary Jans, who has started the venture with his business partner Ray Brunet. “We wanted to create a more urban experience that is different from the outdoor storage units you might see in remote locations.”

Storage Box is the first storage service in Downtown Cornwall. It offers well lit indoor heated units with with 24 hour keypad access in a secure environment. CCTV coverage is in place throughout the building, which also has a manager living onsite in a second floor apartment. An online portal allows tenants to reserve a unit, make payments and manage their unit 24 hours a day.

“We want to make the experience as simple and seamless as possible,” says Mr. Brunet. “We are hoping to fill the needs of downtown residents and business owners, including medical and legal professionals looking for document storage.”

Phase 1 is complete and now offers 20 indoor and climate controlled storage units that range in size from 5×5 to 5 x 15. By the end of the year Phases 2 and 3 will be complete, totalling over 60 units.

The building, which also houses Studio 101 Hair Salon, is being renovated with the assistance of the Heart of the City Community Improvement Plan.

“The assistance from the City has been a great help in revitalizing a decades old property in the core of the city,” notes Mr. Jans.

Ray Brunet and Gary Jans are long-time business owners in Cornwall, having operated Ray-Jans Construction since the mid 1980s. In 2011, the duo opened Ray Jans Windows and Doors.

Cornwall Storage Box is located at 121 Augustus Street. You can learn more online at: