Cultivating a learning environment

College of New Caledonia receives grant to build a research and teaching greenhouse

On October 15, 2020, the College of New Caledonia’s Prince George (CNC) campus marked the completion of the research and teaching greenhouse project. Approved in 2017, this multi-year, $210,887 project provides extensive benefits to the CNC, public, local producers and technology companies. Users will be able to research, develop and showcase emerging agriculture technologies, develop and deliver new training for students, community and business. The greenhouse will also support food services on campus, including the Professional Cook program. 

“This greenhouse will benefit the regional agricultural sector through an applied research and training facility,” said Sorin Pasca, director, applied research and innovation at CNC. “Growers will be able to increase their competitiveness and develop new market. For the community, there will be increased access to local and healthy food choices, including for students who eat on campus. Students will also benefit from enhanced educational opportunities that will prepare them to drive innovation in the regional agricultural sector. Additionally, the College will reduce operating expenses while creating new revenue streams.”

The greenhouse is 42 feet in diameter and its dome is suitable for Northern B.C.’s climate and local snow loads. It features cutting edge horticulture technologies in four areas: lighting, heating, growing systems and greenhouse management. CNC is building relationships with local company partners who are conducting research and developing new technologies in these areas, providing training on their use and helping increase their use throughout the region with both new and existing producers.

Northern Development contributed $133,205 through its former Economic Diversification Infrastructure program to this project. Under the Trust’s new community development programs, this project would now be eligible for funding through the new Economic Infrastructure program. The Economic Infrastructure program offers up to $100,000 to a maximum of 70 per cent or $300,000 to a maximum of 50 per cent of an eligible project’s budget.