Skeptics among us will find much to amuse them in last Wednesday's Yellowknifer story about environmentally friendly housing.

Some of the proposed components of the "Northern Healthy Home," such as individual waste-water treatment systems and hydrogen-fuelled generators, are perhaps not quite ready for prime time.

But the general approach is sound. In fact, it could be the answer to a variety of problems, including the financial and planning woes associated with the Niven Lake development.

Correction Last Wednesday, Yellowknifer erroneously reported that Olympic kayaking champion Knut Holmann is Australian. Holmann is Norwegian. Yellowknifer regrets the error.

The primary reason why sales of Niven Lake properties are so sluggish is the price. And the price is high because of the cost of supplying traditional in-ground services. But energy-efficient homes that require low-capacity electrical lines and buildings that can treat their own sewage would drastically cut the cost of servicing a lot. One study says the cost of a typical lot in Yellowknife could be cut from $80,000 to $47,000. If the city could have developed Niven Lake with those kinds of costs, who knows what could have happened?

In any event, efficiency in the consumption of energy and resources makes good economic and environmental sense anywhere and any time. Just imagine what we could do if we cut our winter heating bills in half. Most homeowners and landlords could manage that, if they had some help in the form of tax credits and low-interest loans for home improvements

Architects, developers, contractors -- and the bankers who put up the money in the first place -- should be embracing new technologies as soon as they are proven, and even sooner, for those who can afford to take some risk.

Oh, and did we mention our climate change obligations?

Canadian North wanted to give its new direct flights to Calgary a big introduction. That means events around the North and a free flight for invited guests to a big spread in Cowtown.

The free flight proved troublesome for the territorial government, and because the offer fell into a grey area, government practice came into play; the GNWT paid for Transportation Minister Vince Steen seat on the flight.

The mayor and three city councillors weren't so troubled; they took part.

Although council has now ruled the flights a "gift to the city," because the councillors had an option to stay in Calgary for two weeks, it was more than just a high-flying meet-and-greet.

Yes, it was important for the city to be represented, but they should have paid the way for the mayor and perhaps one councillor to take part, just to be on safe moral ground.

Each month, the Great Slave Animal Hospital receives about 20 stray dogs and 15 stray cats. Many of these animals have to be killed. Yes, killed. Not politely put to sleep -- that would imply the animal would eventually wake up.

Other hard facts: homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns. Dogs on the loose cause nasty bites and vicious attacks.

The bottom line is domestic pets are the legal responsibility of their owners.

Pets make wonderful companions. Careful planning, commitment, and respect for all living things will solve some of the overpopulation of pets.

The ultimate solution is to not let your pet breed. Spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost that is relatively small and prevents unwanted animals.

Editorial Comment
Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News

The water situation in Rankin Inlet is enough to bring a rational thinking human being to tears.

It reached its current level of absurdity through a combination of wishful thinking and poor negotiating by previous hamlet councils. And, while we wouldn't want to insinuate the councils of the day were taken advantage of during utilidor negotiations -- the hamlet is on the hook for a huge loan to install a utilidor system from which it earns absolutely no revenue.

Every penny in revenues generated from the utilidor goes directly to the Nunavut government. You've got to hand it to the Department of Public Works, it negotiated one honey of a deal.

Of course, it's more like one honey-pot of a deal if your future is in any way tied to that of Rankin Inlet's. It's estimated that between $800,000 and $1 million is collected annually from water usage through the utilidor system in Rankin.

Of that, about $67,000 (a conservative estimate at best) is generated from usage in Area 6. Not a bad stipend for shouldering a portion of a construction bill and then walking away and leaving the hamlet holding the proverbial money bag.

But the deal gets even better for the Nunavut government. That loud gushing sound you've been hearing lately is even more of the hamlet's cash flowing out that same utilidor back towards the Nunavut government.

To add insult to injury, as of April 1, 2001, the Nunavut government began charging the hamlet for water use. The hamlet's first water bill, covering April and May, was $5,846. You can bet your bottom dollar the hamlet's budget doesn't allow for an extra $35,076 in annual water fees.

We're the first ones to admit it's a little difficult at times to feel sorry for an administration which was providing more than 100 people with free municipal services (and not one of them a houseboat owner!).

However, in view of the hamlet's efforts in turning around its operating deficit, we are willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and believe it is working to right a badly listing ship left to them by councils past. A problem not helped by the fact when they asked for a life-jacket, the Nunavut government threw them an anchor disguised as a utilidor.

Editorial Comment
Malcolm Gorrill
Inuvik Drum

The Great Northern Arts Festival gallery features a host of valuable and beautiful artwork. It's amazing to walk through it all for the first time.

It's even more amazing to walk through for the second, or third, time, and really see how striking a certain carving is, or how beautiful a certain painting is. It's clear that a lot of work went into each piece. It's also clear the festival attracts a lot of talented artists from all over.

Many of the artists have talked about the friendly spirit that's always present at the festival, as well as what a great opportunity this is for artists to meet old friends, make new ones, and exchange ideas.

This event may encourage artists to try new techniques in the near future, and will serve to inspire them to keep plugging away at their craft.

If the event serves to help artists in a variety of ways, the festival is also valuable for local residents and visitors. This is a rare opportunity to see such a large collection of art from such a wide area. And it's not just that the artists are far apart geographically.

There are many, many different art forms on display, from painting to carving (with many materials), and from beading to print-making.

Then there's the entertainment, which organizers say has grown over the last few years. Since opening night lots of musicians have been playing a variety of instruments at both official and impromptu functions.

All of which adds to the whole experience for artists and fans alike.

Speaking of which, the Tuktoyaktuk Drummers and Dancers performed in front of a large crowd Saturday evening, and did an incredible job. Kudos to them, as well as other performers taking part in the festival.

Behind the scenes

Events like the Great Northern Arts Festival don't just happen by chance.

Someone has to operate the till, help out in the kitchen or gallery and run the uncounted number of errands necessary to keep things running smoothly. Volunteers account for much of this much needed, if under appreciated, work.

At least 60 people are volunteering at this year's festival. Some have come from great distances just so they could volunteer here. Kudos to those donating their time to help make the festival a more enjoyable experience. It's safe to say it couldn't operate well without their help.

Editorial Comment
Dave Sullivan
Deh Cho Drum, Fort Simpson

There is a feeling that it may finally be Fort Simpson's turn to capture some of the prosperity that is blowing through other Northern communities.

A renewed interest in unlocking Fort Simpson's economic potential is a step in the right direction. But it could be that nothing big will happen until the Deh Cho self-government process spells out how to divvy up the resources between aboriginal and other governments.

At the Deh Cho assembly in Kakisa last month, Dene Chief Bill Erasmus was critical of the time it will take to reach a final agreement on resource control through the Deh Cho process. He could think of no reason for talks to take an estimated seven to 10 years.

Negotiators may be able to think of plenty of reasons, including the number of billable hours they can invoice clients over a decade.

Deh Cho First Nations hope to gain full control over resources, and that probably doesn't matter a bit to exploration companies.

Dealings with oil companies over the past two years suggest they don't mind paying large royalties. There is plenty of money to go around as long as prices stay in the stratosphere. They also don't care who they pay, as long as the rules are consistent.

Is the minister listening?

It could be that Health Minister Jane Groenewegen is listening to the Deh Cho Health and Social Services Board. Late Monday, her office announced a two-week extension for the board and others to respond to sweeping changes in the health care system that were recommended by Edmonton consultant George Cuff.

Reducing the number of health regions and boards from nine to three is the the main recommendation that would affect the Deh Cho region. The local board would be no more.

Board members and others had complained there was not enough time to examine the wordy document. One politician even demanded a plain-English summary of the report's 62-page executive summary.

Public comment will now be received until Aug. 15.