March 26, 2013

Lakeview Gardens was no longer able to meet their production requirements.  In order to succeed, this third generation agriculture sector nursery would need to replace their aging green house with one that was more energy efficient.  To do this, they needed a loan.  They applied to Nottawasaga Community Futures Development Corporation to cover a significant percentage of the cost.

When looking at the design for their new greenhouse, Lakeview Gardens took advantage of the workshops offered by the CFDC’s Green Economy Centre for advice and guidance on the new project design.  As well as energy efficient, the new greenhouse would also have benching for product display and a high efficiency unit heater.  The community investment loan allowed for significant business cost savings to operational expenditures, increased annual income and the creation of new jobs as well as maintaining existing ones. 

The loan was advanced and Lakeview Gardens built the greenhouse in time for spring sales.  Presently, there are five full time and six part time positions that are being maintained and three part time positions created due to the loan.  This business has created an economic impact in the Town of Innisfil and abutting municipalities.

This loan will provide expansion for the business, due to the significantly larger retail area.  The new greenhouse will generate additional annual income due to the retail space.  The rack and pinion system that operates manually opens the roof to vent hot air will save costs as electric fans are now not required. By installing a high efficiency unit heater run on natural gas, this business will add up to even more savings.  The heater will also extend their retail season in spring and the autumn as well as being able to use the area for plant production.