Kate’s Rest Pitches Integrated Housing, Farming, and Manufacturing Vision for The County
Date: December 15, 2025
A wide-ranging proposal aimed at combining housing, farming, and local manufacturing has been presented to Prince Edward County Council by the Kate’s Rest Foundation, a long-established charitable organization based on Big Island.
The concept, described as a “home and farm initiative,” would bring together supportive housing, hydroponic agriculture, modular home production, and organic waste processing at the site of the municipal transfer station in Demorestville. Council received the deputation for information only, with no decision made at this stage.
A Community-Centred Approach to Housing
Speaking to council, Brian Hart of Kate’s Rest explained that the initiative is designed to go beyond traditional housing solutions. Since 2006, Kate’s Rest has focused on providing permanent supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, often referred through partner agencies.
Hart emphasized that housing alone is not enough. The proposed model centres on long-term stability through community, skills development, and income generation, allowing participants to transition into ownership and independence over time.
Farming as an Economic Engine
A key component of the proposal involves small-scale hydroponic farming, where residents would live and work within a supportive agricultural community. Participants would complete a four-year program focused on social development and business skills, ultimately becoming certified operators of their own hydroponic farm operations.
According to the proposal, each farm would generate enough income to support the resident household, reducing reliance on social assistance while helping preserve smaller farming models in the County as many traditional farmers approach retirement.
Modular Housing and Manufacturing
The plan also includes a modular housing manufacturing facility, led by County resident Anthony Francis of ModuLogic Inc. The facility would use advanced manufacturing techniques to produce accessible, energy-efficient homes designed to accommodate physical and mental health needs.
These homes would initially support the Kate’s Rest program, with the longer-term goal of expanding modular housing capacity within the County.
Organic Waste Processing Proposal
Another major element is a proposed organic waste processing facility, developed in partnership with Bio Sustainer Inc., that would convert household organic waste into liquid organic fertilizer. The system is designed as a closed-loop process, recycling water, filtering or reusing gases, and minimizing emissions.
Kate’s Rest indicated the facility would use only County-generated organic waste, potentially reducing municipal disposal costs. The fertilizer produced would be donated for use on municipally-owned land and offered to local farmers at cost.
Council Questions and Considerations
Councillors raised a range of questions, particularly around:
Water use and zoning requirements
Environmental impacts and gas emissions
Traffic volumes
Fertilizer composition, pricing, and agricultural viability
Some councillors expressed interest in the overall concept but noted that additional data would be required before any support could be considered. Others raised concerns about staff time and the growing number of conceptual proposals brought forward for review.
What Comes Next
Kate’s Rest has asked council to direct staff to work with the organization to explore the proposal further and provide a report by March 2026 addressing zoning, infrastructure needs, timelines, partnerships, and community consultation.
For now, council has taken no formal action. Whether the proposal advances will depend on future discussions, technical review, and council direction.
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