A unique growing system from the Yukon and adopted in the East Kootenay should produce some serious green. By Dave Quinn

While skiers float through Fernie, British Columbia’s legendary powder this winter, the Community Ecogarden at nearby Prentice Park will still be producing mountains of fresh greens. This past summer, the Elk Valley branch of the environmental organization Wildsight purchased a $150,000 self-contained food production container from Yukon-based ColdAcre Food Systems to counter increasing food insecurity, offset rising food costs, and maximize sustainability. The 16-metre retrofitted sea-can garden will produce up to 18,000 pounds of greens annually and includes all the trays, LED lights, heaters, and hydroponic systems required to grow an estimated $58,000 worth of herbs and leafy greens every year. It requires 100-amp electrical service to power its high-efficiency hydroponic grow lights, which double as heating for the super-insulated structure, and it uses the same volume of water as a single-family home. While the Elk Valley farm is hard-wired, ColdAcre units can also be solar powered for off-grid locations or for truly committed preppers.

Local volunteers have a business plan that shows the container will not only cover investment and operating costs but will generate enough revenue to pay a professional farmer and project manager. Purchase of the unit included two weeks of training at ColdAcre’s Whitehorse headquarters. This unique Canadian solution to year-round greens is a high-volume, low-footprint option in frigid climates. ColdAcre has 11 operating units in Western Canada, with containers in British Columbia’s mountains, the Northwest Territories’ Arctic tundra, and Manitoba’s plains. The Elk Valley’s initial food production will cover community needs, including the local food bank and shelters, Wildsight Elk Valley’s Local Store, and weekly community salad subscriptions for local businesses and families. That means a lot of people can munch on fresh kale, spinach, basil, and lettuce all winter—without the associated fossil-fuel consumption.

This self-contained food-production container in Whitehorse, Yukon, is similar to the one being installed in Fernie, BC. All photos courtesy of ColdAcre Food Systems.