New Calgary greenhouse to quadruple farm's production of food for people in need
With the grand opening of a new greenhouse, an urban farm in southeast Calgary is better positioned to navigate the difficulties of farming in Alberta.
From cold winters to unpredictable seeding seasons and common concerns about draught, it's no secret that farming in the region has its fair share of challenges.
Highfield Farm is now capable of growing at least twice the amount of food it had previously produced annually by expanding its indoor growing capacity.
The project was backed by $277,000 in funding through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Highfield Farm currently has about 15,000 square feet of garden space and more than 200 members who volunteer their time to garden and harvest fresh produce.
Almost all of the fresh food grown on the farm is donated to charities including the Calgary Food Bank and the Mustard Seed.
"We should easily be able to quadruple that amount of food harvested for now with this greenhouse," said Heather Ramshaw, operations manager at Highfield Farm, told CTV News in January.
"We're hoping this year and over the years to kind of develop our sales channels, if possible, to try and cover some of the costs of growing the food as well, but we're very happy to be able to provide fresh, whole local foods to food access organizations."
Friday's grand opening of the greenhouse is set for 11 a.m.
With files from CTV News' Mark Villani.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.