Naurvik is a community-led, hydroponic, food production system in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut – a small Inuit community located approximately 250 km north of the Arctic Circle. The name Naurvik means the growing place in Inuktitut and was chosen by the community during consultations about the project.
Repurposed Shipping Containers: 20’ x 9.6’
Insulation: 3 inches of Spray Foam
Walls: clad in 3/4’’ HDPE Board
Water: 1000L freshwater storage tank
Power: 120 & 240 VAC
168sqft of Total Growing Space
(7) 4 x 2ft Grow Racks with Three Shelves per Rack
(3) 4 x 2ft Grow Racks for Tall and Vine Crops
28w Philips Generation 2.0 white LED light (six per shelf)
(6) 50-gallon Nutrient Solution Tanks with UV Filters.
(1) 200cfm exhaust fan (used to control CO2 and humidity levels)
(1) 55 pint dehumidifier
(2) 6kW Wind Turbines (12kW total)
(2) 7.32kW Solar panel arrays (14.64kW total)
(2) Lithium-ion Battery Banks (1300Ah total)
(4) 6.8kW inverter Charge Controllers
(1) 20kW Diesel Backup Generator
Naurvik is operated in partnership with Arctic Research Foundation, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian Space Agency, National Research Council Canada, and the community of Gjoa Haven. The facility is staffed and managed by several local technicians from the community of Gjoa Haven, with support from additional team members stationed across Canada.
The facility was constructed and had its first crop in October of 2019 and continues to operate year-round. Naurvik has produced a variety of crops including several types of lettuce, peas, peppers, mint, corn and strawberries.
After harvest, the crops are donated back to the community. Local technicians deliver the produce to elders, search and rescue teams as well as those in need.
Naurvik is constructed using three repurposed shipping containers (pods), which have been retrofitted to house all systems and equipment required to operate year-around – even throughout the harsh Arctic winters. The system is powered by Canada’s northernmost solar and wind array.
Naurvik is determining the feasibility of off-grid food production in the Arctic. Winters in Gjoa Haven are long, cold, and have very little sunlight - presenting a unique set of agricultural challenges. The pods are powered primarily by solar panels and wind turbines. Even in the depths of winter, 75 per cent of the power needed for the facility is produced by renewable sources.
“In the future, my goal is to see [Naurvik] extend to... different communities in Nunavut... There’s other communities that are close to our community [that have] higher [food] prices than what we have in our stores” – Betty Kogvik, Naurvik Manager
The facility is staffed and managed by several local technicians. Naurvik technicians are trained in hydroponics, controlled environment food production, and environmental control systems.
Naurvik was conceptualized and continues to operate in partnership with the community of Gjoa Haven and with the support of local Inuit elders. Elders and community members give consistent input on what plants they want to see grown at the facility as well as future plans for the project.
Naurvik is currently working towards growing more plants indigenous to King William Island and those used in traditional Inuit practices.
“People in our community are really happy about [Naurvik]. It’s a good opportunity for the future” – Betty Kogvik, Naurvik Manager
Mary Aqigiaq showing off some fresh broccoli greens, peas and mint harvested at Naurvik.
“When we do our deliveries to the elders... they’re very happy. There’s one elder... she jumps with joy... she dances and giggles. They thank us a lot ‘cause it’s free... and they really enjoy everything we deliver”
Betty Kogvik, Naurvik Manager
