Compost group says thanks

Over the last few years we think the Bill Mackenzie Humanitarian Society has made significant progress in solving some of Iqaluit’s growing pains.

Our main focus has been developing responsible waste management initiatives and part of the solution is definitely composting. The waste material turned into a local resource is showing a huge potential to beautify the landscape throughout our city.

And increasingly, as an unanticipated benefit, it appears that an increase in the civic pride of our population at large is entirely possible due in no small measure to the availability of compost, a potent soil amendment.

The purpose of this letter is to publicly thank everyone that has helped us to get where we are today. It has truly been a community effort.

First, if it were not for the city allowing us to experiment at the landfill site since 2004 we would never have known composting is even possible in Iqaluit. Additionally, we offer a heart felt thank you to the outgoing city council for having faith in our organization and for providing the $1 a year lease for a perfect location where, with the help of the community, we plan to reduce the city waste stream by over 50 per cent, within the next few years.

We are also grateful to the federal Department of the Environment’s EcoAction program for their funding which allowed us to develop the efficient ethical and economic operation we have in place today.

The Qulliq Energy Corporation has also contributed significantly to our city’s welfare by providing us with a beautiful location to research how compost can complement the regeneration of our local plants throughout our community.

The Iqaluit elders once again demonstrated to the community their ability to adapt to the changing environment by embracing an outdoor gardening project funded by Social Development Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors program. Their work, and enthusiasm, as displayed at the BMHS community picnic last month made it abundantly clear the future for Iqaluit is like a flower getting ready to bloom.

The picnic was a great success in demonstrating the value of compost in beautifying our city. This was in no small part due to the generosity and support of the following in no particular order:

Jim Curry at Iqaluit Enterprises for his generous donation of country food; the Elks Club for the loan of their barbeque and ice; Jeff Barkley at the hospital for their barbeque; Northmart for the great meat and buns; the Baffin Gas Bar for the cold pop and ice; Canadian North for a free ticket to Ottawa as a prize that we didn’t use – yet; Nick Cooper at Public Works Canada for the loan of the big tent; Alden at the wildlife office for the use of their barbeque; Jason Carpenter at Arctic College for the loan of coolers; coleman stoves and pots; the city for their porta-potties; the Qulliq Energy Corporation for the great location.

Thanks also to:

* Heather Daley for organizing the tremendously talented local entertainers on such short notice: Rannva Simonson, Aaju Peter, Leith, Stuart Crose, Errol Fletcher, Matthew Nuqingaq, Heather Daley and others.
* All those that brought the outstanding floral displays.
* To the organizers, the many smiling servers and burger flippers and to all who simply brought their appetites
* To Mike Gardner for providing the blessing and to the Almighty for providing such a beautiful day.

Board of Directors
Bill Mackenzie Heritage Society