YELLOWKNIFE - The greenhouse is nearly back in operation, but first they want to inform you about the changes this year.

Greenhouse board secretary Emmanuelle Dykes said the main changes are to the membership and plot fee structure.

"The executive committee has been meeting with the public members a few times in the last few months to discuss the new season," said Dykes.

"We've had to come to some pretty hard changes because of our financial situation."

Board chair Linda Eccles said the greenhouse is changing the way the public can use the facility.

"We had volunteer hours for people to come in and help sustain the greenhouse," explained Eccles.

"We're finding that more and more people will plant their seeds, go on vacation and then harvest, but nothing is happening for the greenhouse. The greenhouse is suffering for it."

Dykes said the annual membership dues were raised by $5. The new price is $25 per person who uses the plots.

The plot rates were also affected.

"The new prices are $100 for a full plot and $50 for a half-plot use," said Dykes.

The elder use plots have also been changed for the new season.

"We have six elder plots for their use, but the age limit has been raised to 65 and over," explained Dykes.

"Those plots are still free."

Fees for community use plots have also been raised.

A full plot for a non-profit organization is $50, while the half plots are now $25.

The elder and community use plots will now be decided with a random draw.

Dykes said the draw is necessary to ensure that a rotation of people are using the greenhouse.

"This will allow both new and returning users a chance to garden in the greenhouse," she said.

Dykes aid that if more than six groups are interested in space, the plots may be divided into half plots, so more users can get access.

"It may mean smaller space, but more people can have access," said Dykes.

The group is having their AGM at the greenhouse on Wednesday, May 12.

Thirty-two people are on the waiting list this year. Dykes said that in an effort to get more people in the facility, she wants all returning users to call or register their intentions for the 2007 growing season.

"I want to get as many people in the plots getting dirt on their hands," said Dykes.

"Right now I haven't even had half of our regular members respond to tell me if they are returning or not."

Eccles said that new residents of the community are welcome along with the long-time community members.

"We have a lot of events going on here," she said.

"We want to encourage more events, like weddings and such."