Notice Board

The Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) presents a session discussing sustainable agriculture alternatives specific to a northern climate.

Growing Local: How High-Tech Greenhouses Are Bringing Year-Round Canadian Produce to Your Table

Canadians increasingly want produce that is fresh, safe and grown close to home — but our climate rarely cooperates. Modern controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) is changing that equation. This talk explores how energy-efficient greenhouses like Whole Leaf’s 11-acre facility in Coaldale now supply millions of heads of lettuce year-round with 90 per cent less water than field production and zero insecticides or herbicides. The speaker will examine: The market shift toward “Made-in-Canada” fresh produce and its economic impact key technologies — climate control, hydroponics, automation, and combined heat-and-power (CHP) systems — that make northern greenhouses viable and competitive sustainability gains: reduced land use, water recirculation and CO2 utilization. How local production shortens supply chains, lowers spoilage and improves food security for southern Alberta & Canada.

Speaker: Colin Chapdelaine

Colin Chapdelaine is President of Whole Leaf Ltd., one of Canada’s largest greenhouse lettuce producers, located in Coaldale, Alberta. Over a 25-year career with The Star Group, he has served as Vice-President of Sales, Senior VP of Operations, and President of BC Hot House. Colin chaired the Canadian Produce Marketing Association in 2023-24 and was named BC Produce Person of the Year in 2023. Originally from rural Saskatchewan, he holds a BA and an MBA from the University of Saskatchewan. Colin is passionate about sustainable, technology-driven agriculture that delivers fresher, safer food to Canadians 365 days a year.

Date/Time: Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. The presentation begins at noon & concludes at 1 p.m.

Cost is free, donations however, are gratefully accepted.

Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 - 11 Street South, Lethbridge

Lunch and Refreshments: If you like, please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy its excellent variety of good-value food/drink options in the Atrium Dining Room ahead of the session.

For more information on the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs, visit the SACPA web page.