“The green roof installation project at the Gateway of Hope building was a great thing to be a part of,” said student-volunteer Alexis Wiessler. “The hands-on experience and exposure to new and modern branches of horticulture are incredible, not to mention the feeling of warmth that comes from being part of such a good and charitable community project.”

The green roof will provide a number of benefits such as extending the life of the roofing membrane, moderating storm-water runoff, increasing building energy efficiency, and improving the rooftop view for residents. The students have also planted native species in the adjacent riparian zone to re-establish biodiversity and suppress invasive plants.

Kwantlen horticulture students, staff and faculty installed a green roof for the Salvation Army’s Gateway of Hope building in Langley. PHOTO COURTESY KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

Maple Ridge resident and horticulture student Sherilyn Gale said the group welcomed the opportunity to work on both a river riparian as well as assist in the installation of a live roof. “This project provided practical experience that enabled me to learn the importance of sustainability and its significance to the community’s future well-being.”

This unique community project exemplifies Kwantlen’s first-class education which provides its students with real world experiences and practical skills for employment.

“We felt that the project provided excellent educational value and an opportunity to contribute to a community building initiative,” said Kwantlen horticulture instructor Michelle Nakano. “Green roof technology and ecological restoration in urban settings demonstrate a more sustainable approach to urban landscapes, and students benefit from being exposed to these applications in a real life context.”

The Salvation Army’s Gateway of Hope building is a modern, state-of-the-art facility for the homeless and at-risk population in Langley. The three-storey development provides 30 emergency shelter beds and 25 supportive independent living transitional beds for the homeless or those at risk of homelessness in the community.

For more information about Kwantlen’s School of Horticulture, visit kwantlen.ca/hort.