The inspiration for the Community Greenhouse in Invermere BC came when the Groundswell Network Society and teachers from David Thompson Secondary School sat down together to discuss the possibility of creating a school garden. The idea was a good one, except for the fact that the school year and the growing season didn’t match up. The conversation led to the idea of a season-extending greenhouse, with opportunities that would benefit the entire community.

A Community Greenhouse team was formed and charged with conducting a feasibility analysis. They concluded that community interest was there and so the next step was to choose the location. They selected the property adjacent to the school, which was made available by Rocky Mountain School District 6, under a license of occupation. That was in 2006.

When the location was settled, there followed research on design, programming, staffing and legal models. In all, 24 local groups had input into the plans and 35 funders contributed to the project. Several events raised awareness within the community.

The actual construction of the community greenhouse began in the spring of 2008 and the entire community pitched in to help with the building – more than 300 volunteers in all. Just short of a year later, the Community Greenhouse Grand Opening was held.

Groundswell Network Society owns and operates the Community Greenhouse which is located beside David Thompson Secondary School at the south service entrance. The facility is available to rent as a venue for private and group events.

For more information about the Community Greenhouse, send an email to: info@groundswellnetwork.ca.