Brian Hart, the founder of Kate’s Rest, is seeking support from the municipality for a $6 million partnership that will combine organic waste management, hydroponics farming, and affordable housing. 

“We’re working on the home-and-farm initiative. We’re going to be creating additional housing that will be tied into hydroponic, or climate-controlled, farming as a way of employing people who were formerly homeless,” Mr. Hart told councillors last month.

“In the course of doing this work we came across several partners, Vectors Group, a non-profit organization based in Ottawa, and Bio Sustainer, a company that’s involved with organic liquid fertilizer production.”

Mr. Hart introduced Daniel Livvarcin, who is both the CEO of Vectors Group and the representative from Bio Sustainer. 

“I met a Turkish investor a couple of years ago. He is interested in transferring his facilities to Canada,” Mr. Livvarcin said.

“He has been involved in the organic fertilizer business for several years. He works with researchers from different countries, specifically on hydroponic farming.“

“Zero waste organic fertilizer is different from compost in that it produces no odour, and no harm to the environment,” said Mr. Livvarcin.

“It’s totally clean and economically feasible, as well,” he added.

Mr. Hart and Mr. Livvarcin said their investor will contribute over $6 million to move equipment from Turkey to Prince Edward County in order to build a facility that will produce organic fertilizer and provide affordable housing and hydroponic farming opportunities to residents of Kate’s Rest.

The business will supply fertilizer to local farmers and eventually export to other countries, particularly in South America.

“My partner in Turkey already has some connections and he has been in business for several years. This is new to me, I was a Navy Captain, but he has the skills and I see the opportunity for everyone,” said Mr. Livvarcin. 

Mr. Livvarcin anticipates the creation of over 100 new jobs once the facility is fully operational. 

“I think it’s a great vision,” said Councillor Bill Roberts. “It doesn’t surprise me, speaking of great visions, that you’re connected to Brian Hart and Kate’s Rest.”

Interim CAO Adam Goheen noted that the County is in the process of conducting an organic waste feasibility study and has had contact with Mr. Hart regarding the possibility of a strategic partnership.

“I think this works quite well in the context of the study that’s already underway,” he said.