College starts work on Greenhouse Project

June 25, 2010

Winnipeg, MB -- Students in Red River College’s Greenspace Management program will soon be able to enhance their skills rain or shine, thanks to new greenhouses and a landscaping shop being funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba.
 
Two new greenhouses, one conventional and one passive solar, will be built over the summer months on the Notre Dame Campus. They will provide staff and students with 3,300 square feet of space, modern equipment and the ability to do much of their work indoors, eliminating the influence of weather on program scheduling.

The passive solar greenhouse will use solar heat from the sun to stay warm while active solar venting and fans will ensure it doesn’t overheat. It can also be used to grow plants year-round.
 
The new 9,600 square foot landscape construction shop will be used to provide hands-on training for students interested in irrigation, arboriculture and drainage systems.

“This project is a dream come true for staff in our Greenspace Management program," said Catherine Rushton, Interim President of Red River College. "Not only will it provide much improved space for skills training, but it will open up a number of opportunities for applied research partnerships with industry."

With a total cost of over $1 million, the greenhouses and landscape construction shop are being funded through a $525,000 investment under the federal government’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program, and a matching $525,000 from the Province of Manitoba.

“Our government has invested in innovation and infrastructure to improve the quality of life for Canadians and set the foundation for economic prosperity,” said the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Democratic Reform). “This investment is creating jobs for people at a critical period while improving the infrastructure that the Red River College will need for years to come.”

“This is another example of our government's commitment to creating new opportunities for students that will allow them access to the highest level of post-secondary education in our province,” said the Honourable Diane McGifford, Manitoba Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy. “This investment provides students with a prime opportunity to explore sustainable green technology, while at the same time showcases our governments reputation as a leader in sustainable building technology and innovation.”
 
To complement this project, RRC's Applied Research and Commercialization department has partnered with Manitoba Hydro to test parabolic solar trough technology, which will be installed near the greenhouses and will help offset the heating and electricity needs of the buildings.
 
The greenhouses and landscape construction shop are scheduled to be completed by the end of September, just in time for the fall intake of Greenspace Management students.

Red River College of Applied Arts, Science & Technology is Manitoba’s second largest post-secondary institution with more than 32,000 full-time, part-time, and apprenticeship enrolments.