New Brunswick residents keep cool with age-old ice harvesting method
See how 130-pound ice blocks, harvested from a frozen lake, are stored in sawdust, which acts as a natural insulator to keep the ice frozen even during the summer heat
For 25 years, Brian Gillespie and his neighbours in Magaguadavic Siding, New Brunswick, have been bypassing ice expenses, which can run $3–$4 per bag, by harvesting and storing their own lake ice. Their off-grid cabins, predominantly powered by solar, benefit greatly from their clever method of preserving ice during the warmer months.
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The process involves cutting large ice blocks — each weighing approximately 130 lbs — and storing them in a custom-built shed insulated with sawdust. The thick layer of sawdust, at least 30 cm deep, prevents the ice from melting, even during summer heat. According to Gillespie, the ice remains usable until October, providing an energy-free refrigeration option.
Storing ice blocks in a custom-built shed insulated with sawdust | Nathan Coleman
The ice blocks are chipped as needed for coolers, where they act as a temporary refrigerator. However, the lake ice isn’t consumed directly but instead remains a tool for keeping items chilled.
Gillespie notes that this method is not new: “You used to have an icebox in your house. There was an ice delivery guy with a horse and wagon.”
The ice extraction process in Magaguadavic Siding, NS | Photo submitted by Brian Gillespie
With rising energy costs, this tried-and-true technique serves as an efficient and sustainable solution for those willing to put in the effort.