OUR STORY
Family-owned from the start
In 1985, Stan and Wilma Vander Waal turned their 3,000 sq. ft. greenhouse in Rosedale, British Columbia into a family business. Their very first crop of pelargoniums never bloomed. Their determination pushed them to try tried again with dahlias and fuchsias—and this time, their optimism paid off.
From local markets in British Columbia and Alberta to larger distribution networks, they built trust through hard work, family commitment, and a promise of quality. That same dedication to consistent product, real connection, and follow-through remains at the heart of Rainbow today.
Four decades later, Rainbow has become one of western Canada’s largest greenhouse operations. Our full-service model continues to grow with every milestone, shaped by advanced growing systems, experienced teams, and long-term retail partnerships.
Achievements Over the Years
1985 Stan and Wilma Vander Waal founded Rainbow Greenhouses in Rosedale, BC, starting with a 3,000 sq.ft greenhouse growing pelargoniums, fuchsias, and dahlias.
1986 Launched a small retail store.
Began brokering plants and cut flowers to wholesalers in Seattle.
1987 Acquired a wholesale floral distribution business and delivery truck servicing Northern BC and Alberta.
1988 Acquired the current Rainbow head office site at South Sumas Road, Chilliwack.
Grew Easter lilies and seasonal annual crops in 10,000 sq.ft of greenhouses.
1991 Direct truck sales to major grocery chains and garden centres started.
1994 Built warehouse and office space at South Sumas location, relocating shipping and bouquet operations.
1998 First foray into high tech greenhouses and first major expansion- turning a corner into major season of growth.
Expanded to 110,000 sq.ft of greenhouses with advanced water retention and automatic basket systems.
1999 Installed a wood-burning boiler in response to the energy crisis.
2001 Added 130,000 sq.ft greenhouse area.
2005 Purchased land in Alberta and built a new 5-acre facility, the beginning of 20 acres, in Iron Springs.
2006-2014 More greenhouse expansions in BC and Alberta.
2014 Constructed new state-of-the-art head office and 380,000 sq.ft glass greenhouse at South Sumas featuring LED lighting, thermo curtains, and fully recyclable water systems.
2015-2018 Increased Alberta greenhouse space to 1.6 million sq.ft.
2021 Added 600,000 sq.ft glass greenhouses in Alberta and 400,000 sq.ft at South Sumas.
2022 Purchased land and built fourth location, Westfolia, with 600,000 sq.ft.
Growing Together
Today, nearly 1,000 people contribute to Rainbow during peak season. Corporate and operations staff, merchandisers working in stores across Canada, and guest workers from around the world all bring their expertise to help our retail partners succeed. Each milestone has helped us build capacity, adopt innovation, and create opportunities for people and partners alike.