The Town of Hay River, Northwest Territories, is preparing to host the 2027 Grow NWT conference, marking a major milestone in the community’s efforts to become a northern hub for food production. This selection highlights the town’s work in rebuilding its agricultural sector following the devastating wildfires of 2023.
In April 2026, the town entered into a formal stewardship agreement with the Territorial Agrifood Association to redevelop the former Northern Farm Training Institute site. This land was heavily damaged by wildfires in August 2023, and the new partnership aims to transform the area into productive agricultural land. The project is supported by roughly $1 million in funding from United Way NWT, which includes $100,000 specifically designated for infrastructure planning.
The town intends to have agricultural lots ready for interested parties by the end of 2026, with plans to begin marketing for the site in late 2027. This work is part of a broader strategy to strengthen local food security. According to Janet Dean, the executive director of the Territorial Agrifood Association, increasing northern agricultural output is essential for building stronger local distribution networks and reducing reliance on outside food systems.
Local farmers are already playing a key role in this growth. Three area producers, including Riverside Growers, Greenwood Gardens, and Choice North Farms, recently received a combined $410,000 from the Canadian Agriculture Partnership Fund to support their operations. Kevin Wallington, manager of business development for Choice North Farms, noted that northern residents increasingly want to see locally produced food on their grocery store shelves.
As the town moves forward, the Hay River Metis Government Council remains a key partner in these community efforts. With ongoing support for site remediation and new strategies in place, the upcoming 2027 conference is expected to showcase the progress Hay River has made in its mission to serve as the agriculture centre of the North.
