University's greenhouse could help address food insecurity in northern Manitoba
One Manitoba university is operating a near-net-zero energy greenhouse on one of its campuses that could one day help address food insecurity in northern Manitoba.
The University College of the North (UCN) said it built the greenhouse on its campus in The Pas to improve food sovereignty, community health, and student learning opportunities.
Katrin Stedronsky, assistant professor in the Faculty of Arts, Business and Science at UCN, said it was designed “strictly for proof of concept of year-round production of produce with sustainability at the centre of it.”
The facility’s main heat reservoir is Biofibre blocks, which absorb light energy. The blocks were built based on a Canadian design and are made from Canadian-sourced hemp. They were also designed to capitalize on heat retention.
“[The greenhouse was designed] so we can have that year-round production of produce in northern communities where they don’t necessarily have availability for fresh produce as readily,” Stedronsky said.
“A lot of that produce is shipped in from the south.”
She noted the transport of produce and perishables into northern regions often ends up costing community members a lot of money.
“Having this greenhouse in place would help reduce that cost,” Stedronsky said, noting the UCN greenhouse is just a test run.
Supplied image of the greenhouse on the UCN campus in The Pas.
The greenhouse will be used to produce multiple growth systems. Seedlings for a variety of herbs and produce, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans and spinach, have been planted and are already starting to grow. Most of this produce will be used in the campus cafeteria for culinary arts students and staff.
“We are starting to get growth. So we’ve got a lot of basil growing, parsley, we’ve got tomato plants growing. So there’s growth already in the greenhouse,” Stedronsky said.
“It’s going well. We’ve just had some issues gaining access to soil over the winter months.”
She noted they are looking at having produce by the end of June and will continue seeding all the growing systems to maintain the growth year-round.
If this project is successful, this type of greenhouse can be tested even further north.
- With files from CTV’s Devon McKendrick.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.