The land acquisition — which includes 10 quarters of land and a yard — received final approval by an Order in Council from the Government of Alberta in December.
The location of the land and yard is ideal for Lakeland. The yard borders the west side of the Vermilion campus and much of the 900 acres of cultivated land and 500 plus acres of pasture land are close to the campus. The land is already being used for student labs related to agricultural and environmental sciences programs, says Glenn Charlesworth, president of Lakeland College.
The land purchase secures the continuation of Lakeland’s unique Student Managed Farm training model which allows students to be actively involved in operating and managing a livestock unit or a crop enterprise.
The oil leases, reclaimed land, native grasslands and 120 acres of wetlands are being used as a lab site for students in the environmental sciences diploma and applied degree programs, says Charlesworth. Students are able to assess old lease sites, examine the productivity of reclaimed land, evaluate riparian areas, study wetland plants, soil test and much more – all within a 10 minute drive of the Vermilion campus.
Lakeland will use a portion of the yard, which has three houses and two shops, for research projects. One of the houses and a nearby workshop will be key pieces in Lakeland’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI). The development and demonstration facility will showcase applied research and training in renewable energy. Wind, solar, geothermal and heat storage systems will be incorporated into the buildings that will house offices and research space.
“This land and yard is a welcome addition to our asset base and I know it will benefit Lakeland students for generations to come,” says Charlesworth.
Barrhill Farms Ltd. was previously owned by Dean and Rita Barr and Greg and Darlene Barr. The corporation was established by Jim and Alice Barr, alumni of the college. Jim’s grandfather William Barr was a student at the college in 1913-1914.
For more information, media may contact:
Wendy Plandowski
Media spokesperson
Lakeland College
780 871 5403
