Canada

Responsible Organization

Growing Prospects Inc.

Description

Winnipeg's first hydroponic urban greenhouse is nestled, oddly enough, in a location where the sun does not shine. A visit to Growing Prospects Inc. involves wandering beneath the Canadian National Railway mainline very near the historic Forks Market and the CN Railway Station in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Behind the orange door on the eastside of the railway underpass are the offices, classroom and growing area of this innovative and unique operation. Established in 1998, Growing Prospects Inc. is a non-profit corporation that has set out to provide individuals on income assistance with the job and life skills necessary to help them find full-time employment in the horticulture and greenhouse industries.

As the business grows and becomes self-sustaining all profits will be redirected to support inner-city gang prevention and encourage youth employment. Growing Prospects is also quickly becoming a reliable local, year-round supplier of cut herbs to restaurants, caterers, and food brokers, eliminating much of the reliance on fresh herbs from California and other areas. Much of the hydroponics equipment used in their operation has been donated to Growing Prospects by the Winnipeg Police Services. It is equipment seized in drug raids that would ordinarily be destroyed and land filled. Hydroponics is a relatively new form of horticulture and its connection with illegal cultivation of Cannabis gives it something of a stigma. Indeed, Growing Prospects encountered this bias initially when presenting the concept to potential project partners. With the Winnipeg Police Service convinced that the project complements their community-policing efforts, a major obstacle had been removed. Equipment could be donated and the growing area could be designed.

Designing the growing space presented several challenges as well. The Growing Prospects location was formerly an exercise facility for Canadian National employees. It is hard to imagine how this space, with its low ceiling that rumbles and vibrates loudly with each passing train, would be conducive to good health. However, as a location for a hydroponics operation it seems, for the most part, adequate. Other challenges have been turning into opportunities to gain greater efficiency in the growing operation. For example the area uses some of the latest technology to conserve energy and recirculate ambient moisture in the air. Cool air is brought in over the grow lights, increasing the air temperature by up to 20º Celsius before it enters the furnace. Afterward, condensate is collected from the air as it cools and is used to water the plants. Maximizing space means maximizing profitability. Crops have to be very profitable per square foot to offset the expense of lighting and heating systems. They have been experimenting with multi-level growing fixtures to increase their output of basil.

At the same time they are seeking funding for a "fertigation" system. This computer system controls distribution of the nutrients to the plants and maximises their growth potential. At a cost of US$26,000 to US$30,000 it is a system that would be a very marketable technology that would also allow Growing Prospect to provide consulting services to other greenhouse and hydroponics operations. A recent gang-related shooting of a student from the school spurred efforts to develop a similar but larger program that would provide young people with employment and job training. At the same time all proceeds from Growing Prospects would go to support two programs aimed at keeping kids out of gangs and assisting in creating employment opportunities for core-area youth.

Issues Addressed

Sustainable agriculture

Results Achieved

The outlook for Growing Prospects is very positive. Plans are in place to expand the growing operation into space that is currently underground parking. Customer demand for the fresh cut basil continues to increase and other herbs and edible flowers are no being grown to determine their commercial viability. Growing Prospect hopes to be producing 5,000 kilograms of basil annually and is moving quickly toward that target.

More hydroponics equipment is becoming available as court cases are completed and the Winnipeg Police Service is committed to continue supporting the program. Growing Prospect will be around for some time to enrich the lives of inner-city residents through its education initiatives.

Each year, the program offers 20 people the opportunity to gain essential life and job skills. Participants receive instruction in English, business math, life skills, personal development, elementary plant sciences, and workplace skills. As well, there is a work-experience component and market-driven training. Of the 15 trainees who have been in the program, 12 have found employment. Some trainees had job offers before they had even completed the program.

Lessons Learned

A feasibility study for the project was funded by Human Resources Development Canada and concluded that Growing Prospects could, in three years, become self-sustaining based on the program operating out of a 420 square meter facility. Currently, growing space occupies 280 square meters and there is plenty of room for expansion

The Winnipeg Development Agreement, through their Human Resources Training Component, has been very supportive of the program. Its funding commitment covers the majority of operating costs and overhead. Growing Prospects has also received funding from the Sustainable Development Co-ordination Unit and Centre Plan.

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