Craigslist Vancouver ad offers failed vertical greenhouse for $1.5M
The Alterrus 'vertical farm' was supported by Mayor Gregor Robertson
An innovative vertical farming system that Mayor Gregor Robertson once warmly endorsed has been listed on Craigslist Vancouver for $1.5 million.
The high tech greenhouse is situated on top of a parking lot in the downtown core and was originally conceived as an urban farming innovation that would grow 200 kilograms of fresh organic leafy green vegetables daily.
The produce would then be sold direct to local restaurants and through the produce delivery service SPUD.ca.
But the dream soon faded, with Alterrus Systems Inc. filing for bankcruptcy in January 2014, just a year after setting up, with debts of $3.4 million — despite a cut-rate rent deal from the City of just $4,800 per month.
There is an ongoing lawsuit between the City, EasyPark (managers of the parkade) and Clay Haeber (a former board member of Alterrus and the current owner of the farm) over a deal that would have seen the business taken over by Affinor, a Montreal-based medical marijuana firm.
The mayor was travelling back from Europe and not available for comment on Thursday.
Comments
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.