John Molson alumna brings Montreal’s rooftop gardens to cities around the world

If you’ve spotted a community garden atop your favourite restaurant, community centre or condo building, there’s a good chance Orlane Panet, BComm 13, had a hand in bringing it to life.

As co-CEO of the Montreal-based MicroHabitat, Panet leads more than 15 branches worldwide, helping build what has become the world’s largest private urban farming network. Today, some 400 urban farms operate on residences, office buildings, schools and hospitals.

“Our goal is to familiarize people with the importance of local food systems, sustainability and urban farming — and how to practice it,” says Panet, who studied management at the John Molson School of Business. “We offer a full platform with communication tools.”

Founded in 2016, MicroHabitat uses non-intrusive technology, such as potted-plant systems that preserve the roof membranes, and supports clients by connecting them with food banks or organizations that accept produce donations.

In Montreal, the company’s urban farms can be found in locations ranging from the World Trade Centre and the Sun Life Building to the Eaton Centre and Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine. And its footprint continues to grow, with plans for cities such as Ottawa, Quebec City and Columbus, Ohio, on the horizon.

‘This is just the beginning’

MicroHabitat may have never existed had Panet not stayed in touch with a long-time friend. When Alexandre Ferrari-Roy — a McGill University graduate who had recently trained farmers in Barbados on holistic agricultural practices — floated the idea for an urban-farm network, Panet immediately connected with it.

“Right away, the idea really clicked and I realized this is exactly what I want to do,” she recalls.

What began with a handful of local projects soon evolved into a global ecosystem. Branches in Paris and London now signal the company’s international ambitions. “This is just the beginning,” says Panet.

The timing, she adds, couldn’t be more relevant. “People are really sensitive to what is happening with food systems and food security now. Companies are rethinking workplaces. They realize employees want access to outdoor spaces to connect to nature, connect to their community.”

For Panet, what’s fulfilling about her work is that it marries the business acumen she accrued at Concordia with her passion for sustainability.

“What we love to do at MicroHabitat is grab people by the belly, have them taste beautiful produce, and then watch them start to spread the word about it,” she says. “Plant the seed.”