Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Friday, April 30, 2007

IQALUIT - It almost reached 50 C in Iqaluit on April 23, and there may be strawberries, tomatoes and even peaches growing in the city over the next few months.

That's not fiction, nor is it a rapid onset of global warming - it's all because of the greenhouse built through the Iqaluit Community Greenhouse Society last November. Although the entire city wasn't sweltering in 50 C heat, that's pretty close to the temperature that was recorded inside the mostly glass building one sunny afternoon last week, according to greenhouse society president John Lamb.

Obviously that's too hot for most flora, so there's still a lot of work to do in terms of installing ventilation, shading and moisturizing systems.

There's also a need for a furnace because the greenhouse cools off very quickly. Even during the summer it could dip below freezing and kill the plants if the temperature isn't regulated, Lamb said. That work is going to take time and additional funding, so members of the greenhouse society are aiming to begin planting in mid-June, he said.

"We'll have a pretty good chunk of the first (growing) season," he said, adding that there will be a lot of trial and error and recording of data in hopes of lengthening the season into late spring and early fall in future years. "It's a start... there's lots and lots to learn."

Some of the produce that members have talked about trying to grow include radishes, cucumbers, carrots, zucchini and pumpkins, Lamb said.

So far the organization, which comprises close to 60 members, has spent about $135,000 to make the 20 by 50 foot greenhouse - standing about 19-feet high - a reality.

Anyone can become a member of the greenhouse society. The number of square feet of growing space per person will depend on demand, Lamb said. He added that the society is encouraging people to work in groups so they can cover for each other while travelling during the summer, sharing the responsibilities and the fruits of their labour.

"My sense is that, you know, come August, September when people look in the place and it's full of greenery and growing vegetables like crazy, people who've never really thought about it will say, 'Hey, that looks like fun,' and 'How do I get involved,'" said Lamb.

Lamb also said the society has been conferring with Iqaluit resident Kerry McCluskey, who has her own small greenhouse. She has had a large degree of success planting flowers, fruit and vegetables over the past several years. McCluskey said she's willing to provide advice, but she will also be looking for some as she's been having a problem with aphids.

"I think it's an excellent community initiative... it's kind of neat that there's this collective coming together to do this greenhouse," she said. "Anything that can be done by people to grow their own food and become more sustainable I'm in favour of, for sure."