hings don’t always go as planned in self-storage development. But sometimes, that’s by design. Woodbridge Self Storage, MSM’s 2025 International Facility of the Year, was originally conceived as a simple single-story facility, a straightforward build in a busy corridor of Vaughan, Ont. Through bold reimagining and meticulous design, it became something extraordinary: a two-story, modern, Class-A facility that’s as functional as it is visually striking.

Design challenges were just as complex. Customer access, truck maneuverability, and loading zones demanded wide drive aisles, generous turning radii, and both external and internal loading areas. “We wanted the location to meet the needs of individuals and tap into area transport and logistics flows by offering drive-up units and a truck-friendly design,” says Onorio Moscone of XTX Engineering, “so we installed a 26-foot-wide drive aisle and designed an extra-large 50-by-40 loading area with two oversized loading doors to accommodate any size moving truck.”

The internal layout was also configured to prioritize pedestrian safety while accommodating the large vehicles. “It had to function like a well-planned logistics hub,” adds Moscone. “Every turning radius, drive aisle, and doorway was mapped to reflect the real-world activity of people and vehicles.”

This change required a structural overhaul. New columns, footings, and reinforcements had to be integrated into a framework already in progress. Owners’ oversight during the construction phase directed all team participants. The engineering team quickly got to work, revising structural plans and construction sequencing with surgical precision to accommodate the new load, maintain safety, install an elevator, and keep the schedule alive.

What could have been a disaster turned into a defining moment. Flexibility, meticulous documentation, and strong trade coordination carried the project through without compromising the vision. It became proof that adaptive engineering can save even the boldest midstream gamble and that detailed documentation of subcontractor work and active planning for potential changes can allow for pivots while keeping projects on time, on budget, and to the highest standard of excellence.

For safety, the facility employed non-combustible construction with a one-hour fire-resistance rating and installed a full sprinkler system, standpipe, and fire alarm designed to meet OBC Group F2 low-hazard industrial standards while maintaining one-hour fire separations across floors and strategic rated partitions for compartmentalization.

Sustainability was another priority for Woodbridge Self Storage (and the municipality). The LED lighting reduces energy draw, while the rooftop HVAC systems are zoned to avoid wasted conditioning and overloading localized roof framing; this also helps ensure stable temperature and humidity control for sensitive storage without excessive HVAC loads. Additionally, multiple roof drains and scuppers have been positioned to handle heavy rainfall, complying with municipal stormwater retention/detention requirements. Site-complementing landscaping completes this scope of the “green scene.”

The second upper floor has just been completed due to a materials delay. It was strategically designed to maximize floor space and rental yield. By focusing on units smaller than 10-by-10, even including small 5-by-3 lockers, Woodbridge Self Storage can optimize both tenant demand and price per square foot, ensuring strong operational efficiency and revenue growth.

Both inside and out, the facility has been built to meet barrier-free design standards to ensure accessibility for all users in compliance with OBC (Ontario Building Code) and AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) requirements. This means everyone, including people with mobility challenges, can use the facility safely and independently via level or ramped entrances, automatic door openers, accessible elevators and parking spaces, and so on.

“Every technical choice was made with long-term durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in mind,” says Garofalo.

Above each unit, the usual wire mesh has been replaced with solid burglar bars—an upgrade that adds superior strength to the facility’s security strategy. More than 90 cameras cover both the interior and exterior, leaving no blind spots. Every corner is monitored, every movement recorded.

Access runs from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the alarm system automatically arming after hours. Any off-hours activity triggers an immediate response from the monitoring station. “It offers a secure environment where tenants feel confident their belongings are protected around the clock,” adds security provider Alessandro Marchetti.

But the real difference is the sense of community. Complimentary water, coffee, espresso, and candy bars greet tenants at the door, turning routine visits into something a little more personal. “Our entire management team is made up of locals who understand the rhythms of the neighborhood, which means service isn’t just efficient—it’s familiar,” says Mario DeCicco of Woodbridge Self Storage, who knows that having that connection builds trust, encourages word-of-mouth growth, and makes Woodbridge Self Storage feel less like a storage facility and more like a place people actually want to visit.

Woodbridge Self Storage opened in a competitive market, making it a David among Goliaths like SmartStop, Public Storage, and Access Storage. Competing on price as a single-site operator could have cratered the business before it even opened its doors. The team says the greatest challenge was conceiving a way to stand out without the bottomless budgets of large REITs. That’s when they decided to compete with brains, not brawn.

Understanding that online marketing tactics such as using broad high-cost keywords weren’t sustainable, they partnered with The Storage Group, which built a focused digital strategy that blended SEO with precision PPC campaigns. By tightening local listings and fine-tuning on-site content, they boosted search visibility and drove qualified traffic without spending unnecessary dollars. Paid search targeted cost-effective, high-intent keywords, bringing in tenants who were ready to rent—not just browse. The result was a lean, efficient marketing engine that put Woodbridge Self Storage in direct competition with national brands and held its own.

In just a few short months, Woodbridge Self Storage became more than a storage facility. It became a benchmark for modern storage development—proof that innovation, adaptability, and customer focus can outshine brawn and budget. It’s truly a case study in how thoughtful design and operational discipline can turn a basic concept into something extraordinary.

“From the very beginning, this project was shaped by extraordinary vision, meticulous planning, and the ability to adapt to significant challenges in both design and construction,” says Angelo. “What started as a conventional development quickly evolved into something entirely new for the self-storage industry—a bold, innovative design that sets our facility apart and redefines the customer experience. The architectural layout, engineering solutions, and unique features incorporated into this project are unlike anything else in the marketplace, ensuring that our facility is not just functional but truly iconic.”

Congrats to Woodbridge Self Storage and all involved in the project! As MSM’s 2025 International Facility of the Year, it’s truly a standout on the global stage.

ocated on the western edge of Montreal, Kirkland is one of Quebec’s most desirable communities to call home, offering a blend of residential neighborhoods, major retail corridors, corporate campuses, and convenient highway access. To top it off, the new Montreal REM light rail system is reshaping the area’s transportation network. In short, Kirkland checked all the boxes for self-storage development and Pandora Self-Storage was ready to plant its flag.

To date, Vineberg has developed more than 1.6 million square feet of self-storage and managed more than $1 billion in real estate transactions. However, he’d spent the past decade focused on industrial, commercial, data centers, and other real estate asset classes. To mark his return to the industry, he wanted an ambitious project.

The land he was eyeing sat along the TransCanada Highway, one of the busiest roadways in the country, which would make the facility hard to miss. Pandora lives by the motto “See the Walmart, smell the McDonald’s,” and Vineberg could certainly see the retail: Walmart, Staples, Winners, a grocer, and the largest Canadian Tire in Quebec were all within throwing distance.

But finding the right parcel was just the beginning.

Pandora eventually secured a first zoning change that allowed self-storage, but the square footage was less than half of what the company hoped to build. That opened the door only slightly. To gain additional density, Pandora focused on education as much as design. The team worked to ensure municipal officials understood the self-storage business model, in particular the Pandora approach and how it serves businesses and residents. The inclusion of coworking space and a commitment to greenspace also helped reinforce community benefits. That eased concerns and laid the groundwork for a second zoning change, which ultimately allowed the project to be built as it stands today.

Working with GKC Architecture & Design, the team created a bespoke design that aimed to be highly visible, functional, attractive, and future-ready all at once. The result is a facility wrapped in contemporary, custom-fabricated, copper-colored panels and curtain wall glazing; as the light shifts throughout the day, the façade plays with shadow and reflection, giving it the appearance of a modern commercial building rather than a conventional storage facility.

“Realistically, that sort of conversion will probably never happen, but designing it this way also results in a better building with more height and a feeling of openness,” says Vineberg. “Many purpose-built storage facilities can feel cramped. This approach creates a more comfortable environment. It also makes financing easier. Banks and investors prefer buildings that have a second life because it provides an exit option if needed.”

The Kirkland facility was carefully laid out for ease of access as well. Two separate high-security gates at either end of the site create a unidirectional traffic pattern and the entire property is access controlled with restrictions by floor, improving both security and efficiency. Its loading docks are set at 24 inches high, making them workable for most personal vehicles while also allowing trucks to line up flush or ramp down as needed. A large ramp provides grade-level access while ensuring full handicap accessibility.

Inside, customers have access to two high-speed, high-capacity KONE elevators in a large loading zone equipped with complimentary carts, jiggers, and washrooms. The coworking component adds another layer of service for small and medium-sized businesses, tying back to Pandora’s broader vision of supporting local entrepreneurs “one door at a time.”

The top floor uses steel, reducing weight on the foundations and helping with rooftop water retention requirements, an important consideration in the region. Meanwhile, the fully electric facility features high-efficiency VRF climate-control systems, humidity control, heating, DLC Premium motion-activated lighting, and a reflective TPO roof membrane. The property is Zero Carbon Design Certified, and Pandora says its investment in green technology is expected to generate nearly $40,000 in annual operational savings, in addition to utility rebates and improved financing terms through a green loan.

Even the ground beneath the building posed challenges. The soil lacked the bearing capacity to support a project of this size, requiring piles. The building also includes a basement level that features the same design considerations as the upper floors. Pandora designed an expansive French-drain network tied into redundant pumps and a permanent standby generator to ensure the building remains dry at the desired humidity levels.

Building from the ground-up presented several advantages. “One advantage of starting from scratch is that our leadership team could take their collective experience of successes and failures and apply them to our platform,” says Vineberg. “There were no legacy systems or procedures we were forced to live with.”

That philosophy extends to both operations and marketing. Pandora emphasizes employee training, professional development, and a collaborative culture, while its marketing strategy combines digital best practices, social media, community involvement, and advertising with a little tongue-in-cheek humor. “You should see the ideas that never make it through,” Vineberg says with a laugh.

With a prominent location, a distinctive design, strong sustainability credentials, and a carefully considered customer experience, Pandora Self-Storage has made an ambitious debut in Kirkland. More than just the company’s flagship, the facility represents a new chapter for self-storage in a market that once refused to allow it at all.

anada’s self-storage industry has evolved significantly over the past decade, transitioning from a niche real estate segment to a mainstream investment class. As we approach 2026, the sector is poised for continued growth, driven by demographic shifts, urban densification, technological innovation, and changing consumer behaviors. This article explores the key trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the Canadian self-storage landscape in 2026.

• Occupancy Rates – National averages are expected to remain above 85 percent, with urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary maintaining even higher levels. Markets with new supply may see temporary reductions in occupancy while new facilities absorb supply.
• Return to Seasonality – At the 2025 CSSA Eastern conference, most large operators noted that they had seen a return to seasonality trends in rentals and move-outs. Most large operators also noted that they had seen an increase in move-outs above historical averages in 2025. If this trend continues, it could negatively impact occupancies throughout the year.
• Rental Rate Growth – Moderate increases in rental rates are anticipated, particularly in undersupplied markets, while markets with new supply may see slight rate reductions as these new facilities lease up to stabilization and offer incentives to attract new customers.
• Continued Expense Increases – Although inflation has moderated over the past 12 months, we are still seeing outsized increases in insurance rates and property tax as well as continued pressure on wages. In some markets, we may see expenses increase faster than rental rate increases, leading to reduced NOI in 2026 when compared to 2025.
• Development Pipeline – More than 3 million square feet of new supply is projected to come online, with a focus on multistory, climate-controlled facilities.

• Urbanization – As more Canadians move into urban centers, smaller living spaces necessitate off-site storage solutions. This is more prevalent in the prairie provinces, with Saskatchewan and Manitoba seeing their major cities continue to grow with both immigration and urbanization.
• Aging Population – As the population gets older, more seniors are downsizing, leading to increased demand for transitional storage. Furthermore, families often use storage units to keep belongings they haven’t yet dealt with after the loss of loved ones.
• Millennial and Gen-Z Consumers – These cohorts prioritize flexibility and mobility, often using storage during moves, travel, or lifestyle transitions. As home ownership levels decrease amongst this cohort, storage use continues to increase.
• Immigration – Canada’s immigration targets continue to support population growth, increasing the need for residential and commercial storage. It should be noted, however, that many of the immigrants currently admitted to Canada are on a temporary basis or have limited financial means upon arrival. This could indicate that the impact on storage demand of immigration may be limited in the short term, as these groups do not have a need for or cannot afford self-storage upon arrival.

• Vertical Development – Multistory facilities are becoming more common in dense urban areas. In most major markets, land values make all but multistory development unfeasible.
• Mixed-Use Integration – Storage is increasingly incorporated into mixed-use developments, offering convenience and maximizing land use. This trend has been for the most part forced by municipal planners as they look to increase employment and make more vibrant streetscapes in storage development.
• Climate-Controlled Units – Rising consumer expectations are driving demand for temperature and humidity-controlled spaces. There is also a trend toward offering more amenities, such as board rooms, co-working spaces, and high-end storage for wine and other collectables.
• Conversion Projects – Adaptive reuse of industrial and retail properties is a cost-effective strategy for expanding inventory. These are becoming especially popular in areas with outdated or underpriced industrial buildings. Conversion projects are much harder to make pencil in areas with high industrial land/building prices.

• Stable Cash Flows – High occupancy and low operating costs contribute to predictable returns. These positive attributes, coupled with the recession-resistant nature of the storage industry, continue to be attractive to investors.
• Fragmented Ownership – The market remains dominated by independent operators, presenting consolidation opportunities. Although consolidation is currently underway, it should be noted that in Canada, the number of “investment-grade” storage facilities is limited, and there are many large groups chasing these assets, which may keep prices elevated.
• REIT Activity – Canadian and U.S.-based REITs are actively acquiring and developing assets. These groups are targeting primary markets; however, as these deals become harder to find, focus may shift into larger secondary markets in 2026.
• Private Equity Interest – Institutional investors are increasingly allocating capital to self-storage portfolios. This was true in 2025, with both QuadReal and Brookfield entering the Canadian storage market with large acquisitions. The interest from both Canadian and American institutional investors remains high; more than likely, we will see new entries into the Canadian market from these players.

Emerging investment strategies include:

• Secondary Market Expansion – Investors are targeting underserved secondary and tertiary markets. The number of groups starting to look to consolidate smaller market facilities continues to increase, especially as cap rates in these markets remain elevated when compared to larger primary markets.
• Consolidation – There has been a push from larger operators to consolidate small owners in secondary and tertiary markets. As development slows, 2026 will see an increase in consolidation efforts as a way to increase efficiencies and grow platforms.

• Zoning and Permitting – Regulatory hurdles continue to slow development timelines. In major metropolitan areas, such as the GTA and Metro Vancouver, development timelines continue to be long due to planning department delays, strict design requirements, and long public engagement periods. This will continue throughout 2026, as very few municipalities are takings steps to address these issues.
• Land Costs – At present, there is a major disconnect in many markets when it comes to development land value. Given the extended development windows, increasing expenses, and increased supply in some markets, buyers are hesitant to meet the expectation of sellers at present.
• Competition – Increased supply in some markets may pressure rental rates and occupancy. Markets like Calgary and parts of Vancouver and Toronto may face some occupancy and rate issues as new facilities fight for tenants with incentives.
• Property Tax Increases – In jurisdictions across Canada, property tax increases continue to be an issue, and this will continue in 2026. Although there have been some victories in B.C. as of late in separating the business value from the real estate value of properties, this is only the start of the process to get relief in the province. Other jurisdictions continue to push out sized increase on the industry despite its low demand on services and major positive impact on the economy of the cities facilities are located in. In Ontario, assessments have been frozen since 2016, and although 2026 will remain at these levels, the reassessment to current levels continues to be a threat that self-storage owners need to keep an eye on going into the future.
• Slow Real Estate Markets – Residential real estate markets across much of Canada have yet to rebound from the declines experienced following the sharp rise in interest rates during 2022 to 2024, with transaction volumes frequently remaining at historic lows. As residential real estate is a significant factor influencing storage demand, any resurgence in this sector would likely contribute to improved occupancy rates.
• Economic Uncertainty – Interest rate fluctuations and inflation could affect consumer spending and investment returns. More than 2 million mortgages are expected to be renewed in 2026, with June 2026 expected to be the peak of the renewal wave. These renewals in some cases will be at interest rates that are double the original rental rates. These higher interest rates will reduce discretionary spending power that could negatively impact storage use.

Operators should address these risks through comprehensive strategic planning, thorough market research, and operational excellence, while consistently monitoring industry trends throughout the year to help ensure a successful 2026.

Alberta
Calgary and Edmonton are seeing increased development activity, supported by economic diversification and strong population growth. Secondary and tertiary markets in the province in some cases are seeing impacts from over development. All markets will be impacted if the trend of slowing residential real estate sales continues throughout 2026.

Saskatchewan
The storage market as a whole remains strong, and continued population growth and economic prosperity should help this trend continue throughout 2026. In some markets, development has reached the saturation point, and occupancies and rental rates will be impacted in 2026 because of this.

Manitoba
Manitoba’s self-storage market is overall slightly underserved but growing steadily, driven by housing constraints, immigration, and seasonal needs. High occupancy, stabilizing rents, and limited new supply create favorable conditions for operators and investors. However, development faces headwinds from zoning and financing costs, making acquisitions and conversions more attractive than new builds. Manitoba also suffers from some of the most oppressive property tax rates in Canada, making storage facilities less profitable despite high occupancy levels in many facilities.

Central Canada
Ontario
Toronto leads the nation in inventory and development, with suburban markets gaining traction. There is a risk of occupancy and rental rate issues in 2026 as new projects are delivered, however, this will subside as new facilities gain occupancy. Secondary markets will continue to see new development as lower land values attract investors away from the core municipalities.

Quebec
Montreal and Quebec City are experiencing new Class-A supply at a rate not seen before that will test the demand thesis in both markets. The entry of new sophisticated operators will more than likely increase prices in the long run, while also taking occupancy away from local operators with smaller marketing budgets.

Atlantic Canada
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
These provinces are emerging as attractive secondary markets, driven by population growth and affordability. New facilities continue to be added to many primary and secondary markets, however some of these markets may experience an oversupply of new storage as population growth slows from the peak in 2024.

• Contactless Rentals – Online booking, digital access, and automated payments are now standard. Legacy properties that have not adopted systems to allow this will quickly fall behind facilities that do. This will be more pronounced in primary markets, but it had begun to spread into secondary and tertiary markets in 2025. The pace of this adoption will only increase in 2026.
• Smart Security – AI-powered surveillance and biometric access enhance facility safety. In 2026, the costs of these systems as well as their quality will improve, making them available to all facility owners.
• Data Analytics – Operators are leveraging data to optimize pricing, marketing, and inventory management. In 2026, the cost of these tools will continue to fall. Although not as impactful for small operators in small markets, some tools will find wide adoption in the industry.

These advancements improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, giving tech-savvy operators a competitive edge. As the cost of these tools fall in 2026, they will become more widely adopted, giving better customer experience as well as more efficiency to operators.

he Canadian self-storage market is structurally positioned for operators who can be discovered first and quickly establish trust. Lower location saturation than the United States makes it possible for operators to rank in the top three positions on Google Search and Maps and dominate an entire trade area. Success in 2026 will require dedicated marketing strategies, smart budgeting, and ongoing optimization, not a “set-and-forget” approach.

While tactics differ between urban and secondary markets, the overarching objective remains the same. Your location needs to stand out from local competitors using a balanced mix of organic optimization and paid marketing. Local search engine optimization (SEO) remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient lead drivers in self-storage.

• Google Search and Maps – reaches customers with high intent;
• Frictionless website experiences for fast-converting renters – gets potential tenants to the end goal quicker;
• Robust paid advertising with retargeting strategies – helps facilities stay visible and remain top of mind during the decision-making process by executing multiple touchpoints prior to the decision; and
• Disciplined reputation management that feeds insights back into future campaigns – signals Google and helps with SEO, plus provides ideas on creative and messaging of other campaigns.

• Light paid search – You still need a level of a paid search strategy, but you are taking more of a defensive approach here versus an aggressive one.
• Google Business Profile optimization – When done right, you can win an entire trade area in these types of markets.
• Reputation management – Social proof will spread locally, and customers trust online reviews the same as word-of-mouth advertising.
• Community involvement – Partnerships with local realtors, apartment lease managers, and movers who are interacting with your ideal customer profile (ICP) daily.
• Strong physical signage – Concise signage with good messaging can assist in customer interest.
• Selective use of traditional media, like direct mail – Extreme rural markets still rely on traditional media over digital.

Core Primary Keywords
Google rewards businesses for a strong Google Business Profile and facility proximity, so “self-storage near me” or “storage units near me” remain primary core keywords among many others. These keywords also tell us the customer has extremely high intent to rent.

Geo-Modified Keywords
Applying geo-modified (city plus state and neighborhood or area modifiers) keywords like “self-storage Toronto” is another great strategy. These keywords help narrow down options for the customer and create less competition than “near me.” These keywords will also be a strong match to Google Maps, which is where you really want to show up.

Feature-Based Keywords
You built and operate a clean, modern, and safe facility. Now is the time to showcase that to your potential customers. While feature-based keywords like “climate-controlled storage” or “24-hour access storage” may not have massive volume when you review your analytics, they will pull very serious renters.

Unit-Size Keywords
If a potential renter already has an idea of the size storage unit they need, such as a “5-by-10 storage unit,” they are deep into the purchase funnel. These matter because they lead to fewer clicks but higher conversion rates; they are great for SEO content, your FAQ page, and size guide pages on your website.

Commercial And Business Storage Keywords
Another keyword strategy often overlooked that can be very profitable is commercial and business storage keywords. This includes keywords such as “business storage” or “storage for contractors.” These renters typically have a longer lifetime value (LTV), and their price sensitivity is usually lower because it is a business versus a personal expense.

Success in 2026 will not come from one-time campaigns or generic tactics. Operators who focus on being discovered digitally, providing seamless customer experiences, and utilize data-driven marketing will win market share, even in the busiest markets.

enee Burns was the kind of leader who made the self-storage industry, despite its rapid growth, feel smaller and more human. She believed that business could also be personal, building relationships first and trusting results would follow. Whether improving operations, shaping strategy, or mentoring colleagues, she focused on making a real difference, not just for companies but for the people within them.

Her recent passing has left a hole in many hearts among her family and loved ones and across the industry she loved. She passed away on Feb. 12, 2026, following a two-month battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer, a rare and aggressive disease.

Prior to her executive leadership roles, she was instrumental in expanding Tenant Inc.’s national presence, driving significant account growth and representing the company at major industry events. Earlier in her career, she managed national and international accounts for Storage Commander, helping expand operations into Australasia and South Africa while strengthening executive relationships worldwide.

She regularly contributed to stories for Modern Storage Media’s Messenger magazine and Self-Storage Canada. She was passionate about giving back, and even suggested the story published in September 2025, “Industry Generosity,” which highlighted the charitable work the industry does for others. “It’s not just about the bottom line,” she said. “Leadership must have heart and caring to set them apart.”

She wasn’t afraid to speak out about hot topics, like aggressive rate hike strategies. In her edition of “The Last Word,” published in the July 2025 issue of Messenger, she made it clear that an operator can compete with more than just a price tag—by caring about customers. “We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, even though we charge more for rent,” she said. “They feel safer with us and appreciate the cleanliness of the facility and courteousness of the staff. It’s something that can be implemented at other facilities to compete on quality over cost—and maybe put an end to the price wars.”

“She was one of a kind. She left everyone better than she found them, and her smile was infectious. She loved what she did and focusing on non-profit partnerships was her specialty. That work gave her wings. Now she’s truly got them.”
–Jason Koonin, Bluebird Self Storage/Sunbird Storage

“Denee was my colleague and a dear friend. She brought so much joy and happiness to everyone around her. She was smart, talented, and a true believer; she inspired me every day and I will miss her dearly. We must find peace knowing she is home in heaven and keep her family in our prayers.”
–Shana Kirton, Bluebird Self Storage

“Denee was one of those rare people whose faith wasn’t just something she talked about—it was something she lived, every day. The last time I stood beside her was at the prayer gathering during SSA in September, a moment that feels even more meaningful now. She will be deeply missed across the industry, but her impact, her joy, and her faith will live on in the many people she encouraged and prayed with over the years.”
–Thaddeus Campbell, S3 Partners

“Heaven gained another angel. Denee truly had one of the biggest hearts of anyone we’ve ever known. She could light up any room, always positive, full of energy, and constantly pouring into others. She was a giver through and through, always showing up, always supporting, always encouraging.
–James Reid, Investa Capital

“Denee was such a kind soul. She will be deeply missed.”
–Dusty Lucy, Farmers Insurance Group

“We never met in person, but Denee’s energy made it feel like we’d known each other for years. We connected for an interview on the podcast she co-hosted with Jason Koonin. She was deeply passionate about storage, and more so, people. She was a woman who truly embodied sisterhood. Warm, personable, and fun, she had a way of making everyone feel welcome. She kept in touch through small gestures of encouragement, always cheering on my projects and celebrating the successes of others.”
–Margaux Chetrit, Montreal Mini Storage

“Rest easy Denee Burns. Your kindness and huge smile will be so missed. Taken way too young and way too fast. You brought such a positive attitude to not only the industry but to anyone who crossed your path.”
–Jessica Johnson, The Storage Group

“I will miss my sweet friend and will miss her inspiring and uplifting prayers at our self-storage prayer group. Her hair was like a halo! Rest in peace sweet Denee, you are home now.”
–Lauri Longstrom-Henderson, MSM

“Denee Burns’ passing leaves a hole in the heart of the self-storage industry. Her passion for learning and studying the word was an inspiration to me and so many others. Her faith gives me comfort knowing she is in heaven. I send my prayers and deepest sympathy to her family, friends, and our entire industry. She had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome, and she never forgot to capture the moments. She will be deeply missed.
–CJ Stratte, Self-Storage Advisor