Horticultural workers working for the City of Windsor have a big task ahead, moving into the new greenhouse complex at Jackson Park.
Mayor Drew Dilkens helped cut the ribbon on the $7.5-million complex Thursday morning. The city will decommission the existing 104-year-old greenhouse in Lanspeary Park in September.
The new facility is twice the six of the old one and boasts all the modern amenities like computerized controls, automated venting and irrigation.
"The complex consists of multiple structures including a 22,000 sq. ft. greenhouse and a 3,500 sq. ft. multi-purpose greenhouse that allows for year-round gardening displays and educational programming," said Dilkens. "No longer will the public be coming just once a year to buy plants, they'll be able to be engaged with this horticultural operation throughout the year."
He said the city would save about $75,000 annually by bringing all of its horticultural needs in-house.
"The new greenhouses will be dedicated to growing high-quality ornamental and speciality plants and flowers to be showcased throughout our city parks and neighbourhoods," Dilkens said. "This will enable the City of Windsor to become self-sufficient in growing our own annuals, perennials, hanging baskets and flowers."
Construction on the new greenhouse complex started in March 2021.