@ Lucy Izon

Halifax, Nova Scotia – Established in 1750 – this is North America’s oldest farmers’ market. Naturally lit by a wall of glass windows overlooking the harbour, the bustling Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market features heaps of fresh vegetables, baked goods and quality crafts. Visiting is an event for local families. The morning I dropped in a local musician with guitar was performing Puff the Magic Dragon to the delight of a small audience of wee ones. What really makes the market cool though, is the eco-sensitive design at its current location. Along with lots of natural daytime lighting it has one of the largest green roofs in North America – an oasis for bees & butterflies. There’s no air-conditioning – the green roof naturally cools the building in summer months.

© Lucy Izon

You can visit the roof for a great harbour viewand check out the four wind turbines that generate electricity, and the solar tubes that provide heat for hot water and heating the market space. Beneath the ground out front there are 17 geothermal wells that reach down 650 ft, providing heat and cooling from the earth. In the summer excess heat from the solar tubes is stored in the wells for winter use. Rainwater is also captured, filtered and stored in a 10,000 gallon-cistern, for toilet flushing, irrigation, etc. Photos (c) Lucy Izon

The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is located on the waterfront at 1209 Marginal Road, close to Pier 21 and the Westin Hotel. It’s open Friday, Saturday and Sunday – and some Wednesdays in the winter months (check the website for current hours.)

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