GreenLab
A Living Lab for Interdisciplinary Learning & Leadership
Established in 2022 through a generous donation from Sprung Structures, the WIC Greenhouse is a vibrant hub for sustainable agriculture, environmental science and interdisciplinary exploration. Spanning 40 x 65 feet, this eco-friendly space serves as the heart of GreenLab, WIC’s innovative program dedicated to community, discovery, creativity and shaping a sustainable future.
By blending hands-on experiences with forward-thinking programming, GreenLab fosters curiosity, responsibility, and a profound connection to the natural world—aligning seamlessly with WIC’s mission to provide meaningful and transformative learning opportunities.
Leading the Way with GreenLab
GreenLab positions WIC as a leader in innovative education, offering a program that stands out amongst Calgary schools. This forward-thinking initiative connects students with their environment, community and real-world challenges, transforming traditional education into a dynamic, hands-on experience.
Here’s what makes GreenLab truly exceptional:
Harvesting Success and Giving Back
In just its second year, the WIC Greenhouse produced over 2,000 pounds of fresh food, with nearly 500 pounds donated to the Calgary Food Bank during the summer. This milestone, achieved using only 60 percent of the available space, demonstrates the potential for even greater contributions in the future.
Through efforts like these, students learn the value of community support, sustainability, and shared responsibility, reinforcing the importance of making a positive impact to the world around them.
Sustainability in Action
At the heart of the greenhouse operation is an emphasis on sustainability. Innovative water-capturing technology collects up to 60 litres from the greenhouse’s atmosphere each day, significantly reducing reliance on city water.
Natural pest control methods, including the use of leafcutter bees for pollination and praying mantises for pest management, create a balanced and eco-friendly environment, giving students a first-hand look at sustainable practices in action.
A space where nature is both teacher and inspiration.
Being part of the first Mother's Day Market was such a fun experience! I learned so much about the plants in the greenhouse, and it was exciting to share what I knew with the shoppers. Talking to people and answering their questions about how to care for the plants really boosted my confidence. I felt proud of everything we had grown and loved seeing how excited people were to take the plants home.
Student
Class of 2028
I’ve always loved gardening in my parents’ backyard, so I was so excited to take the Grade 8 Greenhouse Option course. I’ve learned so much and even started a small herb garden in my bedroom that we’ve been using for dinners! I can’t wait for spring to grow even more plants outside!
Student
Class of 2029
WIC GreenLab is a transformative hub where the greenhouse serves as a classroom, business incubator, community builder and think tank - all enriching the WIC experience. Its first initiative, the Mother’s Day Market, seamlessly blended practical education with environmental responsibility, as students carefully selected flowering plants for their mothers.
Nadine
Class of 2026 Parent
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