Remedy Eco Design is making strides in sustainable agriculture and ecological design in Cowichan through innovative techniques aimed at enhancing the natural ecosystem while promoting agricultural productivity. Founded by Kurtis Howes, the company focuses on creating resilient natural landscapes that address the pressing challenges of climate change and food security. The business offers services in Ecosystem Design & Restoration through water retention landscapes, food forests, and integrated ecosystem services.
Remedy Eco Design employs a variety of techniques aimed at enhancing the natural ecosystem. Key among these is the concept of water retention landscaping. This approach involves capturing and storing rainwater to hydrate the soil, which in turn supports plant growth, reduces the risk of floods, fires and mitigates the effects of droughts. By slowing, spreading, sinking, and storing water, water retention landscaping activates both the small and large water cycles, increasing local precipitation and recharging groundwater supplies.
Another innovative method and service that Kurtis has incorporated into his business is the planning and development of food forests. These are intentionally designed ecosystems that mimic natural forests but are rich with edible plants, providing fresh, nutrient-dense food while supporting local wildlife and boosting biodiversity.
The driving force behind Remedy Eco Design is its founder, Kurtis Howes. Growing up and visiting a family farm in Alberta, he has always been immersed in the beauty and rhythm of nature and agriculture. The rolling hills and ravine near his home became the backdrop to his formative years, inspiring his journey into sustainable agriculture and ecological design. In his 20’s he lived in Vancouver, where he was introduced to urban agriculture through a professional gardening program that spearheaded his focus to start his own business:
“I saw the benefit of it. The social benefit, in particular, of people growing their own food.”
Kurtis’s vision for his company is to help people create harmonious and reciprocal relationships with nature, ensuring that basic needs such as food, water, shelter and medicine are met in a sustainable manner. He advocates for integrating traditional ecological knowledge systems with modern technology to create resilient ecosystems. His vision has steered the company towards pioneering solutions that can help address the water crisis and improve agricultural and development practices in Cowichan.
Kurtis brings a wealth of experience and passion to his business, having studied and worked extensively in the fields of ecological design and sustainable agriculture. He has trained with mentors Javan Bernakevitch and Richard Walker in permaculture and food forestry, and has delved into ecological design with Daniel Halsey and Werushca Kirkegaard from United Designers International. Recently, Kurtis began learning more about the intricacies of water systems, guided by the expertise of Zach Weiss and the Water Stories curriculum.
In 2017, Kurtis enrolled in a local small business start-up program which was the bridge he needed to start his own company. From there, it has been a journey of steady and sustainable business development.
(Alderlea Farm Design)
Remedy Eco Design is working on several local projects including the Alderlea Farm Water Retention and Agroforestry System project in Duncan. There, Kurtis has designed multipurpose terraces to be used for an agroforestry system that the farm can manage long into the future.
He has also recently completed private homestead designs, building an entrance feature for the Owl’s Hollow Housing Development in Ladysmith, and a local BC Hydro Revitalization Project. You can check out these project designs on Remedy Eco Design’s website.
By promoting sustainable agricultural and design practices, Remedy Eco Design supports local farmers and communities. While Kurtis is currently the sole employee of the company, he actively subcontracts and collaborates with other local businesses on many of his projects. The company’s practices are enhancing the resilience of local ecosystems, recharging ground water, and making rural and urban Cowichan communities better equipped to withstand climate change impacts. When asked about what he thinks the future of a sustainable Cowichan looks like, Kurtis replied:
“It would be nice to normalize the decentralization of water retention, reimagine what urban landscaping looks like, and see more ecosystem restoration everywhere across the region.”
Remedy Eco Design stands as a testament to the power of innovative ecological design in promoting sustainable agriculture. Under the visionary leadership of Kurtis Howes, the company continues to push boundaries in agri-tech and design, making an impact on the Cowichan region and beyond.
