Photo: How to build a house, real fast

Paul Irngaut touches up his igloo at the Toonik Tyme festival’s igloo-building contest in Iqaluit April 12, after finishing his snow house ahead of six other contestants to take the top prize — two tickets on Canadian North. “I’m not really an expert,” Irngaut said of his igloo-building ability, although he admitted he selected his spot at the contest grounds behind the courthouse carefully. “When I checked the snow with my saw, the consistency was good. It was not too hard, and it was easy to cut.” Contest organizer Solomon Awa said the snow there is harder than usual this year, which added to the challenge. (PHOTO BY PETER VARGA)