The Tardif family lives in Calgary, Alberta, and their acreage is located just outside city limits. With a large home and ample land, they knew their property had the potential for regenerative upgrades, but they felt daunted by the task. For example, they wondered which food, water, and energy solutions would be compatible with their climate.
In 2020, they engaged 5th World:
“I did an online search and I found Verge [by 5th World],” said Leane Tardif. “I contacted Rob [Avis, Chief Engineering Officer, 5th World] and we had an interview and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is exactly what we need.’ The one-stop-shop thing was what appealed to me.”
Since the Tardif home is part of an acreage development, there are restrictions on property features such as ponds, as well as on owning farm animals, like chickens. At the same time, installing certain structures, such as greenhouses, requires permission from neighbours.
5th World was able to navigate these challenges with the Tardifs, providing them a custom design and plan, so they may enjoy regenerative natural resources on their property. What’s more, the Tardifs wanted to include a play area for the children, which was integrated into the project in a way that harmonized with the other systems. Specifically, when it rains, the water that falls under the kids’ trampoline is collected and sent to a food forest for subsurface irrigation.
5th World installed fruit shrubs around the play area, as well as a food forest, greenhouse, and garden beds. The Tardifs can now grow delicious, nutrient-dense food right outside their door. Producing a bounty of fresh food in the spring, summer, and autumn, the family is able to freeze dry the produce they haven’t eaten and enjoy it during the winter months.
Additionally, 5th World implemented a rainwater harvesting system on their property, granting the family a regenerative and abundant supply of clean water.
Finally, 5th World installed solar panels, which cover all of the Tardifs’ energy needs. And, the team advised the family on how to improve thermal insulation, as well as took care of radon in the home’s basement.
The Tardifs also received training from Rob on how to maintain these regenerative solutions.
“Rob was amazing. He was able to work with what we had and make the best of it,” said Leane. “He’s been great at following up and checking in. Also, all of his resources—like the people that he hired and connected us with—are all top notch. So we’ve been very happy with that.”
Pierre Tardif added: “I know that without Rob’s help we would have never gotten the greenhouse set up properly so we could be successful at growing food. Now, we’re set up for success.”
Since these regenerative solutions were implemented in 2020, the family has enjoyed many benefits year-after-year:
“We have benefited from [the solutions] greatly. We definitely had another great harvest this year. I would say the yield improves every year,” said Leane.
The Tardifs also emphasized the positive impact regenerative living has had on their children.
“Just seeing our kids—how they enjoy the food forest and how they like to be part of the excitement around what we’re able to grow—is a big thing for us,” said Pierre. “And, when the kids pick stuff, they want to eat it. So we’re pretty thrilled with how that’s impacting what they’re willing to eat and obviously we know how healthy it is for them.”
Leane added:
“It’s not a farm, but it’s the closest we could get to making sure the kids are connected to food and what they’re eating, and experiencing that in real-time. It improves their food habits—they appreciate good food so much more.”
For the Tardifs, having a regenerative property has not only generated natural resources, it’s also nurtured a mindset and lifestyle change.
“I would say [a regenerative property] helps shift the way you think about how you live every day. Instead of running around, you stay home, grow food, harvest, and preserve it,” said Leane. “It shows people what’s achievable. We really enjoy having people over and sharing how beautiful [the property] is and sharing our food. So, it definitely adds a community aspect. We’re very proud—and the kids are very proud—that we can inspire people to do a little bit more.”
