Jillian Dickens
Northern News Services

Broughton Island (Nov 07/05) - Innovation saved the day for one outfitting company in Nunavut.

Faced with the prospect of losing clients due to a shortage of quality accommodations in Qikiqtarjuaq, Leslie and Tia Nukiwuak of Leelie Outfitting felt they had to do something.

Instead of building a place for their clients to stay, they decided to have their own mini-hotel - a 34-foot, solar powered Airstream travel - shipped into the community.

"We are surprised how the (solar) panels keep working, even covered with a thin layer of snow," said Tia Nukiwuak.

The trailer is equipped with electrical and propane backup for when the sun doesn't shine.

This may be the first-ever solar panelled retail establishment in Nunavut and it is definitely the first Airstream in that category.

"We wanted to see how alternative energy sources would work in the Arctic, and we are very pleased with the unit so far," said Tia. "It's beautiful!"

The trailer is fully-loaded and self contained.

This means it can be moved to wherever it is needed, ready to accommodate the hotel guests.

This is important, said Tia, because building a business establishment can be a hassle, with high construction costs, development permits and all the other hoops you have to go through that can be a pain in the behind.

Qikiqtarjuaq has a population of around 550 and a skyrocketing unemployment rate.

"This is the best idea we could come up with to save our tourism," Tia said.

Leelie Outfitting guides travellers along the Eastern Baffin coast and Auyuittuq National Park.

"Qikiqtarjuaq is a community heavily reliant on income support and tourism is one of the few industries that holds real potential for economic development in the community," Tia said.

The unit has a fully functional kitchen, a complete bathroom, two single beds in the bedroom and a living room with access to most media, including high-speed Internet.

"We are experimenting with the unit this winter to see how it stands up to the cold."

If all goes well, there will be two more Airstreams on the sealift in 2006.