Winnipeg's first hydroponic urban greenhouse is nestled, oddly enough, in a place where the sun does not shine. A visit to Growing Prospects Inc. involves wandering beneath the Canadian National Railway main line near the historic Forks Market and the CN Railway Station. Behind the orange door are the offices, classroom and growing area of this innovative and unique operation.

Established in 1998, Growing Prospects is a non-profit corporation that has set out to provide individuals on income assistance with the skills they need to find full-time employment in the horticulture and greenhouse industries.

As the business grows and becomes self-sustaining, the profits will be redirected to support inner-city crime prevention projects and to encourage youth employment. Growing Prospects is also becoming a reliable, year-round supplier of cut herbs to restaurants, caterers, and food brokers, eliminating much of the reliance on imported 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. It is equipment seized in drug raids that would otherwise have been destroyed.

Growing Prospects can trace its roots back to a classroom vegetable garden at Dufferin elementary school where Dave Taylor, president of the Growing Prospects board, teaches. Looking for a way to ensure that the students had a year-round supply of fresh produce to supplement their diets, he was able to obtain hydroponics equipment from the Winnipeg police and start a small hydroponics operation at the school.

A gang-related shooting involving a student at the school spurred efforts to develop a larger programme that would provide young people with employment and job training. All the proceeds from Growing Prospects would go to support two programs aimed at keeping young people out of gangs and creating employment opportunities.

Each year, the programme 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.

RealMedia Question: What are some of the benefits of this program?

Growing Prospects is on its way to meeting its goals, but could not have done it without the support of several other organizations. 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 a 420 square metre facility. Currently, growing space occupies 280 sq m, and there is room for expansion.

'We are right on target as far as our business plan goes,' says Taylor.

The Winnipeg Development Agreement (WDA), through its Human Resources Training Component, has been very supportive of the programme. Its funding commitment covers the majority of operating costs and overheads.

Taylor has high praise for the WDA. 'I like to acknowledge the support of the WDA whenever possible,' he says. 'They have been tremendous in helping to make this a reality.'

Growing Prospects has also received funding from the Sustainable Development Co-ordination Unit and CentrePlan. Taylor believes the support of these organizations reflects a view that this is a sustainable business which benefits the whole community.

RealMedia Question: How does Growing Prospects promote sustainability and benefit Winnipeg?

Hydroponics is a relatively new form of horticulture, and its connection with the 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.

'We needed to demonstrate to the police that we were not training the students just in hydroponics, but in a whole range of horticultural skills,' says Taylor.

Designing the growing space presented challenges as well. The Growing Prospects location was formerly an exercise facility for Canadian National railway employees. It is hard to imagine how this space, with its low ceiling that rumbles loudly with each passing train, would be conducive to good health. However, as a location for a hydroponics operation it is quite adequate.

Another challenge has been achieving greater efficiency in the growing operation. For example, the site uses some of the latest technology to conserve energy and recirculate ambient moisture in the air. Cool air is brought in over the growing lights, increasing the air temperature by up to 20ºC before it enters the furnace. Afterwards, condensate is collected from the air as it cools, and is used to water the plants.

Maximizing space means maximizing profitability. Taylor and the programme participants are working hard at developing the full potential of the site. Crops have to be very profitable per square foot in order to offset the expense of lighting and heating systems.

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 around $30,000 it is a system that would allow Growing Prospects to provide consulting services to other greenhouse and hydroponics operations.

The outlook for Growing Prospects is good. Plans are in place to expand the growing operation into space that is currently used for underground parking. Customer demand for the fresh basil continues to increase, and other herbs and edible flowers are now being grown to determine their commercial viability. Growing Prospect hopes eventually to be producing five tonnes of basil a year. Meanwhile more hydroponics equipment is becoming available as court cases are completed.

RealMedia Question: How does the future look for Growing Prospects?

For more information, contact:
Growing Prospects
Box 1984
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Telephone: (204) 957 7755