Project Overview

As part of our larger "Climate Safe, Green City" project, the Manitoba Eco-Network is investigating growing vines on buildings as a means of cooling the interior and outdoor areas. We were inspired by similar projects in Montreal, and felt it could be a good fit for Winnipeg’s inner city. 

We have been pursuing this in collaboration with the Spence Neighbourhood Association. Stephen Kirk, their Environment and Open Spaces Coordinator, is very experienced with urban garden management, and has successfully stewarded multiple community garden sites and a greenhouse for several years. 

During 2024, Stephen selected several sites for vines to be planted at. He chose Virginia creeper, hops, and already-established grapes. These included the outer wall of SNA’s main headquarters, the greenhouse, and near the Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre - in the hopes that these growing vines would create a shaded area for spectators.

The reality of gardening is that it takes extended time to develop, and conditions can be unpredictable. The plants are all perennials, which sometimes need a few years to establish before they reach full maturity. As a result, this in an ongoing longer-term project. Spence Neighbourhood Association continues to nurture these plants, and over time as the vines grow they provide more beneficial shade. We thank them for their involvement, and look forward to keeping track of future developments.

For those interested in the project: the Manitoba Eco-Network has ambitions to collaborate on a study, focused on the cooling benefits of wall-growing vines. If you have experience, knowledge, or interest in being involved with a study of this aim, we invite you to get in contact with us at info@mbeconetwork.org

Acknowledgements

The Manitoba Eco-Network would like to thank the Spence Neighborhood Association (SNA) for their continued involvement in this project.