The Green Economy Centre of South Simcoe  

Going Green. Growing Strong.    

Green Business Profile  Lakeview Gardens   Address: 1712 Killarney Beach Road, Lefroy Website: www.lakeviewgardencentre.com Number of employees: 5 full-time, additional seasonal Owners: Stephen Radcliffe, President; Rob Radcliffe, Vice-President;

Gaynor Radcliffe, Secretary-Treasurer Introduction Started in 1979 by Stephen Radcliffe, Lakeview Gardens is a family-owned greenhouse and garden centre in Innisfil, Ontario. Lakeview Gardens boasts one of the largest selections of perennials and spring annuals in South Simcoe. They also sell over 150 different types of herbs as well as a variety of garden supplies. Although the majority of the business is whole-sale, the Radcliffes recognized for some time the opportunity for upgrading their retail operation. This, combined with an overarching desire to improve their energy efficiency while improving the environment, led the Radcliffes to attend one of the Green Economy Centre’s energy-efficiency seminars and to investigate the feasibility of building a new greenhouse through Nottawasaga Futures Green Loans program in 2011. What they did to go green After applying for the Green Loan, the Radcliffes began working with GGS Structures Inc. to design their own energy-efficient greenhouse. As Rob indicated, “We didn’t want to be pulling more [electricity] off the grid than we had to, so we designed our own greenhouse, one with a natural venting system.” This design enables the Radcliffes to automatically open the roof of the greenhouse allowing the warmer air to naturally escape. By so doing, they have been able to forego the use of fans, which would typically run for 12 to 14 hours per day.

Rob Radcliffe inside Lakeview Gardens’ new, energy-efficient greenhouse. Benefits from going green Rob estimates that they will save $120/month on the venting alone. Additionally, the owners installed a 95% high-efficiency burner that they are expecting will reduce their heating costs by almost 50% compared to burners in other greenhouses. The improved design of the greenhouse will allow the Radcliffes to increase their growing productivity and improve their retail operations by having a larger, more accessible (including wheel-chair accessible) space. Rob indicated that the new greenhouse will allow them to hire another one or two employees during the summer months, thereby benefitting the community.

 

   

The Green Economy Centre of South Simcoe  

Going Green. Growing Strong.    

Green Business Profile

Future greening plans In the immediate future, the Radcliffes are gearing up for their grand opening ceremonies which will be held on May 5. They are enthusiastic about introducing this year’s products and the new greenhouse. They will also be hosting their 17th annual herbal open house on July 14th, during which time they expect 800-900 people to tour their facilities. Rob also indicated that the new greenhouse will allow them to consider hosting various events, including dinner parties. Recommendations for other businesses When asked what they would recommend to other businesses, Rob reported, “This project has made us re-think and search for the most efficient way when we look into repairs and improvements to our operation in the future. Going green is not a difficult thing to do.” For more information about incentive programs to help with your green initiatives, contact the Green Economy Centre toll-free at 1.800.509.7554 or visit the website: http://www.nottawasaga.com/get