Greenhouse

(Picture provided by Cambrian College)

By Stew Kernan

A project in Espanola is helping to overcome one of the major barriers to local food production in the north….the short growing season.

An all-season greenhouse was designed and built by Cambrian College faculty and students from the Energy Systems Technology and Carpentry Renovation Techniques programs.

It’s a partnership with Greenhouses Canada.

One of the founders, Jeff Scharf, says the health benefits are off the charts by having the fruits and vegetables grown locally and can be on the table in a day.

The greenhouse uses state of the art design and technology, along with energy-efficient techniques and materials.

A commercial scale model of this greenhouse will begin construction in Whitefish River First Nation during the spring of 2016.