Iqaluit (May 03/04) - Nunavut's capital could soon be knee-deep in homegrown veggies and flowers if the Iqaluit Community Greenhouse Society gets its way.

The group of approximately 75 would-be gardeners has spent nearly four years working toward construction of an agricultural facility similar to one in Inuvik, NWT. There, a community society built a greenhouse in a former hockey arena.

A two-phase feasibility study has been completed and the society is now developing a business plan.

"We're in the last step before we begin major fundraising efforts," said John Lamb, the group's executive director. "Our initial estimates put the cost at about $3.5 million."

The conceptual plans for the community garden call for a stylized structure divided into two main sections.

The back portion would include 102 four-foot by eight-foot plots as well as composting and tool storage rooms.

The front of the building may include a boutique, a cafe, germination and potting rooms, a hexagonal stage under a massive skylight, an exhibition room and locker rooms.

Site not yet selected

While a site has yet to be picked for the rather large building, the initial thinking was to locate it on a lot behind Arctic College to the west of the Nunavut Power Corp. plant.

"Other downtown locations are now being considered as well," he said.

Iqaluit's efforts may simplify similar initiatives in other communities around Nunavut, said the Nunavut Harvester's Association executive director Brian Zawadski.

"The hope is that other communities will be able to use Iqaluit's research," he said. "It just makes good financial sense if there is interest in other communities."

The earliest sealift possible for construction materials would be at the beginning of the 2005 shipping season, meaning construction won't start before next summer.

Once the society gets a business plan in place, the next order of business will be to go back to Iqaluit city council to ensure the political will is still there to see the project through to completion.

The group has already been active around Iqaluit and plans to hold its second annual plant swap to help raise funds and awareness for the greenhouse.

Middle school students and people from the women's shelter are playing key roles in the event, which is slated for this spring.

"It's great, even though we're waiting for the structure, we're already helping to build the community," said society member Fran Carter.