Archived - Success Story: Growth of the Agriculture Sector in NWT
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Project Location: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Program: Northern Aboriginal Economic Opportunities Program
Sector: Agriculture
Head of the Lines Services (HOTLS), an Aboriginal business in Fort Simpson, NWT, is using CanNor funding to research and develop hydroponic technology with the intent to build a commercial greenhouse in the community. Using this technology, it is anticipated that plants will grow faster in optimum temperatures and insects and diseases will be eliminated. In addition, the labour to harvest the plants will be significantly reduced. HOTLS will grow high quality and in-demand vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, beets, turnips, carrots, cabbage, and natural herbal plants. As a commercial greenhouse, HOTLS' production rate will allow them to market their product to resource development camps, retail outlets, and local venues.
In 2014-15, CanNor invested $100,000 to support technical research and elements of the construction of this hydroponic greenhouse. The project supports the diversification of the NWT economy using innovative technology while also improving access to local, fresh, and healthy produce. This second greenhouse in the community advances and expands the agricultural sector in Fort Simpson, while enhancing skills, knowledge, and training in this growing economic sector. The project is supported by the Liidlii Kue First Nations band who see the job and training opportunities for its band members in this new commercial venture in the community.