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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
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.
RCMP officers had no legal authority to enter man's home, make arrest: B.C. court
A B.C. man has been found not guilty of assaulting two RCMP officers – with the court finding he was resisting an "unlawful entry and arrest" in his home before he was tasered, taken down and hauled away in handcuffs.