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?

Assorted vegetables and raw meat on a kitchen counter, including carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, an apple, garlic, and a bowl of chickpeas.

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?

Snow-covered farm scene with red barn, wooden fences, cattle, and snowy trees under a clear blue sky.

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

  • Greenhouse Business Innovation

    APRIL 8, 2025, 6 - 8 PM

    Light Dinner available from 5:30 pm

    Co-host: Athabasca County Economic Development

    Location: Athabasca Regional Multiplex, Meeting Rooms

    This evening features commercial passive solar greenhouse operator, Rob Lyle of greenshaus, and local greenhouse operators, who will share insights from their successful greenhouse businesses - from accessing local markets and differentiating products to tackling the unique challenges of greenhouse operations. We’ll also explore how engaging the community in these operations can create lasting impacts, support local food systems, and drive community development.

    All of our workshops are free, RSVP is appreciated.

    RSVP

  • Community and Local Food Economy

    MAY 8, 2025, 5:30 - 8 PM

    Light dinner available from 5:30 pm

    Co-host: Town of Athabasca

    Location: Athabasca Senior’s Centre

    Small communities like ours have incredible potential to build resilience and self-reliance through sustainable food systems and community-driven economic development. This event is an invitation to explore how residents can work together, build partnerships, and create a more connected, thriving local food economy and capture related benefits.

    The evening will also feature a report from the Rural Food Production with Passive Solar Greenhouses project. This Government of Alberta-funded project by the Town of Athabasca, with Athabasca University, has been gathering information through 2024-25 to develop a feasibility report for a Passive Solar Greenhouse in Athabasca. A recap of what we've heard and an update on the report will be shared.

    All of our workshops are free, RSVP is appreciated.

    RSVP
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