An article on MedicineHatNews.com, informs that the problems have increased since growers Big Marble Greenhouses and Sunshine Greenhouses expanded their operations and increased supplemental lighting.
Big Marble expanded last year and recently planted the first cucumber and tomato plants in their 1.5 million square-foot greenhouse facility. This is currently the largest single site greenhouse operation in Alberta and with the help of supplemental lighting, the grower produces tomatoes and cucumbers on a year round schedule. Also Sunshine Greenhouses expanded their operations last year and grows cucumbers and tomatoes as well as peppers and lettuce. Both companies distribute their produce through Red Hat Co-op.
Representatives from the airport are worried about the situation and are also concerned about the plans for another lit greenhouse which is planned for the site.
The growers, representatives of the airport and local officials are discussing a solution to deal with the issue and mitigate the safety risks, such as blackout curtains or changes in lighting hours.