A rooftop oasis

Tucked away on the 13th floor of Concordia’s Henry F. Hall Building is a hidden, almost tropical, haven: the Concordia Greenhouse.

Although it is currently closed to the public until fall 2025 due to nearby renovations, the greenhouse has remained an integral part of the university since the Hall Building opened in 1966. At that time, it was created for research and education by the Department of Biology, in addition to providing space for a horticulturalist to grow, house and sell plants.

Today, it is home to a thriving ecosystem of both plants and people. Volunteers and staff nurture seedlings and cultivate “marginalized vegetables” with working group Hamidou Horticulture. Students learn herbalism through the City Herbal Apprenticeship Program. Through guest projects, community members can experiment with growing techniques. And each spring, the greenhouse is abuzz with its popular annual seedling sale.

Beyond its role in urban agriculture, the space also provides a balm to harsh Canadian winters.

“In the study area, students can take a moment, hang out, eat lunch and attend student-led events and workshops,” explains Dylan Kinsman, GrCert 21, outreach and communications co-ordinator and current BA student.

A recent survey on place attachment and well-being revealed that some of the university’s international students rely on the greenhouse as a welcome refuge to help them adjust to living in Montreal’s greyer, colder winter climate.

For many others, it’s the warmth, abundance of natural light and relaxing atmosphere that keeps them coming back. 

“Everyone has their own purpose for being here,” Kinsman says. “But if you know about the space, you want to be here.”