Life in Canada’s Arctic comes with challenges few of us in the South experience. Harsh climates, limited retail options, and high costs for everyday goods make it difficult for families living north of the 60th parallel to access essentials such as food, clothing, and household supplies. To help meet these needs, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) launched the North of 60 Project, a program that has relied on shipping containers for more than a decade to deliver essential supplies and strengthen solidarity across the Canadian North. At ATS Containers, we are proud to contribute by providing the durable containers that ensure these shipments reach their destinations safely.
Why Shipping Containers Make the Difference
Since 2010, when the first sea container was shipped to Tuktoyaktuk, the North of 60 Project has expanded to support many communities across the Arctic. Each shipment is filled with non-perishable food, bedding, clothing, and other supplies requested by local partners.
Shipping containers are key because they offer:
- Large capacity: A single 20-foot container can hold hundreds of boxes of supplies.
- Flexible transport: Containers move efficiently by truck, barge, or ship depending on geography and season.
- Sustainability: Containers reduce packaging waste, maximize space, and make long-distance transport more efficient.
- Security: Once delivered, containers provide weather-resistant storage until goods are distributed.
In 2024, low water levels on the Mackenzie River forced shipments to be trucked instead of sent by barge, adding more than $150,000 in unexpected costs. This challenge underscored how essential containers are to Arctic logistics, even when conditions are unpredictable.
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The Journey North
Every container’s path involves careful planning and collaboration:
- Local collection: Schools, parishes, and community groups gather donations.
- Consolidation hubs: Items are sorted and packed in major cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Calgary.
- Departure points: Containers leave from ports like Montreal or Hay River.
- Transport: Most move by barge, though trucking or ocean routes are sometimes required.
- Community delivery: Local partners unload and distribute supplies.
Beyond household goods, some shipments support unique community projects. Recent examples include furniture for the Father’s House restoration in Paulatuk, supplies for the Men’s Shed program in Tuktoyaktuk, and museum materials in Ulukhaktok.
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The Impact of Container Shipments
Each delivery has a tangible impact:
- Food banks and clothing programs provide stability for families.
- Education support helps students focus when food is secure.
- Community projects strengthen local facilities and infrastructure.
- Respect and dignity are reinforced by ensuring communities guide what is shipped.
At its core, the North of 60 Project reduces food insecurity and ensures families in remote regions can access essentials more affordably.
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ATS’s Role in Supporting the North of 60 Project
As Canada’s largest shipping container supplier, ATS Containers is proud to provide the equipment that makes this project possible. Our containers are engineered to withstand Canada’s toughest conditions, protecting goods during long journeys north.
Once in place, containers often remain as secure storage solutions, giving communities a reliable way to safeguard supplies until they are needed. By providing durable equipment, ATS helps ensure the project can use resources more effectively and reach more communities each year.
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Overcoming Challenges in the Arctic
Transporting goods into Canada’s North is never simple. The project must contend with:
- Unpredictable environmental conditions such as river levels and ice routes.
- Rising transportation costs for moving containers thousands of kilometres.
- Community-driven requests that require careful coordination.
Despite these difficulties, the North of 60 Project continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of volunteers, donors, and supporting partners.
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How Canadians Can Help
Anyone can contribute to this important initiative:
- Donate to help cover food and shipping costs.
- Organize a drive with your school, parish, or community group.
- Support locally if your community is already filling a container.
- Raise awareness by sharing the story.
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More Than Shipments, A Lifeline of Hope
The North of 60 Project is more than the movement of goods. Each container carries food and supplies, but also dignity, resilience, and hope.
At ATS Containers, we are proud to stand behind this initiative, ensuring communities in Canada’s North have the reliable shipping containers they need to keep this lifeline strong.
To learn more or support the project, visit the official North of 60 Project page.
