Fresh Food Grown In Athabasca
Athabasca Grown is the working name for the Small Community Opportunity Program project "Rural Food Production with Passive Solar Greenhouses", a project undertaken by the Town of Athabasca, co-led by Dr. Mike Gismondi and AU researcher Cara Shan. The project is being supported by Athabasca University Architecture professor Veronica Madonna, AU student research assistants, and a team of Alberta-based food and agriculture consultants and communication professionals.
About the project
Passive solar greenhouse feasibility
What are the benefits of “passive solar” compared to conventional greenhouses? Is there a market for produce grown this way? Can you have a viable passive solar greenhouse business in Northern Alberta?
Engaging the community on local food
How and where do consumers purchase locally grown food? Do most consumers know about their local food system? How do people feel about locally grown food?
Can a passive solar greenhouse add to your current operation? Could it add to your agri-tourism offering? Do you have the connections in the community to sell what you would produce?
Connecting with growers
Upcoming Events
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Athabasca CPSG Circle of Champions #1
Mon, Jun 23, 2025 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT
Online via Zoom - Register on Eventbrite for Zoom linkThe first meeting of the working group of community members who are passionate about bringing a Community Passive Solar Greenhouse (CPSG) to life in Athabasca. Progression to this stage has developed over months of public engagement via the Athabasca Grown project, and now it's time to turn our collective vision into action.
The Circle will help shape and move forward the design, governance, location, and operations of the greenhouse. Members will contribute ideas, take on tasks, collaborate on key decisions and build our impact network 🙌
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Athabasca CPSG Circle of Champions #2
Thu, Jul 24, 2025 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT
In person meeting - Location TBD
The second meeting of the working group of community members who are passionate about bringing a Community Passive Solar Greenhouse (CPSG) to life in Athabasca. Progression to this stage has developed over months of public engagement via the Athabasca Grown project, and now it's time to turn our collective vision into action.
The Circle will help shape and move forward the design, governance, location, and operations of the greenhouse. Members will contribute ideas, take on tasks, collaborate on key decisions and build our impact network.
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Athabasca CPSG Circle of Champions #3
Thu, Aug 21, 2025 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT
Online via Zoom - Register on Eventbrite for Zoom link
The third meeting of the working group of community members who are passionate about bringing a Community Passive Solar Greenhouse (CPSG) to life in Athabasca. Progression to this stage has developed over months of public engagement via the Athabasca Grown project, and now it's time to turn our collective vision into action.
The Circle will help shape and move forward the design, governance, location, and operations of the greenhouse. Members will contribute ideas, take on tasks, collaborate on key decisions and build our impact network
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