Key Takeaways
- Vermillion Growers explains how they approached building a greenhouse in Manitoba despite long winters and extreme temperature swings.
- The company’s 10-acre facility uses Dutch-designed systems, advanced climate controls, and a large hot water storage tank for heating redundancy.
- Humidity management during winter remains one of the operation’s most difficult challenges.
- Manitoba’s current utility structure and permitting framework were not designed for large-scale greenhouses, leading to ongoing policy discussions.
- Vermillion Growers plans to scale up to 70 acres of production at their Dauphin site.
Building The First Large-Scale Tomato Greenhouse in Manitoba
In the latest episode of Greenhouse Success Stories, host Trina Semenchuk spoke with Cormac Foster, VP of Engineering & Development at Vermillion Growers, about the company’s experience building a greenhouse in Manitoba and bringing year-round tomato production to the province. Foster joined the company in 2017 and helped guide the project from early feasibility work to full-scale commercial operation.
“People often look at Manitoba as a place that’s too cold… but that actually isn’t true, and we’ve proven that now,” Foster said.
First Challenge In Building A Greenhouse In Manitoba: Engineering for Extreme Conditions
Foster described leading the design process, coordinating international suppliers, and adapting proven European greenhouse systems to local conditions. While the structure performs well in both heating and cooling scenarios, humidity control during deep winter remains a significant challenge due to frozen roof vents and extended cold periods.
“We’ve had challenges with humidity in the extremely cold periods… we’re planning to trial some solutions this coming winter,” he noted.
A 3-million-liter hot water storage tank helps ensure temperature stability, providing vital protection for the crop during potential heating interruptions.
Other Challenges Faced: Permitting, Utilities, and Industry Education
As the first project of its kind in the province, Vermillion Growers also faced non-technical challenges. Manitoba’s electricity billing model, for example, is not designed for a greenhouse that uses high lighting loads in winter but very little in summer.
“This isn’t just for us. This is to create the opportunity for this industry here in our province,” Foster said.
The team continues to work with authorities on rate structures, LED incentive programs, and clearer permitting pathways for future growers.
Expansion Plans and Long-Term Vision
Vermillion Growers is now entering its third production season and planning major expansion. The company aims to increase its Dauphin greenhouse footprint from 10 acres to 70 acres, while also supporting broader controlled-environment agriculture development across Manitoba.
“We see this first phase as our pilot project,” Foster said, noting the company’s long-term commitment to local food production and sector growth.
