Two greenhouses that were originally offered to Jasper for a community garden are destined for Hinton.

The 180-foot greenhouses, which were offered to the town by Kinder Morgan following the completion of a section of pipeline work, were dismantled on Sunday (Nov. 15) and transported to Hinton, where they will be used to set up a community greenhouse program.

According to Jasper town officials, it would have cost $20,000 to dismantle and rebuild the structures in town. Kinder Morgan offered both structures to the town for free, however due to the size of the greenhouses, the town only had room for one.

Town of Jasper environmental co-ordinator Lori Rissling-Wynn said it’s unfortunate the town was unable to capitalize on the offer.

“We know there are people interested in a community garden, but we’re not at the point where there is a group to take on such a program,” Rissling-Wynn said.

Creation of a community garden is in the draft community sustainability plan, however no group has taken ownership of the community garden project.

Rissling-Wynn said the community must also get involved to help make these projects happen. While the town can assist with planning and land use issues with such a structure, she said a group needs to come forward in order to run and maintain the facility.

“We’re not quite there yet. But this is a perfect example of a project falling from the community sustainability plan that demonstrates the vision of the plan needs to be adopted and implemented by all members of the community, not just municipal and Parks Canada staff,” she said.

A number of volunteers and gardeners will be required for the greenhouse to operate properly, Rissling-Wynn said.

Finding land for a community garden is also an issue. For example, Rissling-Wynn said a proposal to place the greenhouse in the dog park was stymied by competing issues, such as the potential relocation of the high school on that land.

“It seemed like a great gift, but for logistical reasons, we couldn’t take advantage at this time,” Rissling-Wynn said.

The town of Jasper hopes to hold an open house to discuss such initiatives in the New Year, Rissling-Wynn said. Those wishing to start a not-for-profit group can contact the municipality.

Town of Banff council has supported in principle the creation of a community greenhouse initiative, including a plan to put $10,000 in the capital budget for the project. Banff and Parks Canada staff have formed a working group, and 14 volunteers have formed a committee to help start the facility.

The town is still looking for a site for the greenhouses, and must factor in variables such as wildlife, sunlight, ownership, ease of placement and expansion.

Nancy Lewis, community development co-ordinator with Family and Children Social Services in Banff, said the greenhouse helps mitigate wildlife attraction levels, and provides a longer growing season in Banff.

Kinder Morgan used the greenhouses to grow saplings for pipeline rehabilitation in Jasper National Park.