Resolute (Apr 24/06) - While Daniel Iqaluk doesn't consider himself a superhero, to some of the citizens of tiny Resolute Bay he's almost as indispensable as Spiderman and Superman combined.

The 22-year-old Housing Corporation worker is the one who comes to the rescue when sewers back-up and water mains freeze -- common occurrences in the High Arctic community where winter lasts nine months of the year.

"It's pretty tough sometimes," said Iqaluk, who has been thawing frozen pipes for a couple of months.

"But I like the challenge."

Armed with a powerful hose that spurts steaming hot water, Iqaluk hunkers down beside the offending water main or sewer pipe and blasts the blockage away, a process that can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.

Saved from the prospect of an over-flowing toilet, Iqaluk said home owners are always grateful to have their water coursing, unfettered.

"It is important," he said. "I'm glad I can help other people."

Sewer blasting aside, Iqaluk does other jobs for the Housing Corp., including maintenance and electrical work. He makes $10 an hour, a good salary for Resolute where full time jobs are scarce, he said.

For now, he's using the money to pay off debts and help his parents with groceries.

Once his tabs are settled and he finishes his last two years of high school, Iqaluk wants to head to Arctic College in Iqaluit for carpentry.

"I find it interesting here," he said last week.

Like other young adults in Resolute, Iqaluk isn't sure he wants to stay in the community of 250, which is perched on the shores of Cornwallis Island and is the second most-northerly town in Canada.

"I really like Iqaluit, and Yellowknife is fun, too. I like those places because there is more to do."