Frequently Asked Questions

Green Iglu Overview

What is Green Iglu in a nutshell?

Green Iglu started off as a non-profit organization developed at Ryerson University in 2015. As of 2019, Green Iglu has become a registered charity. Green Iglu travels across Canada to build greenhouse infrastructure, set up high-tech and/or simple growing systems, and provide education programming to help remote communities become food sovereign.

What is the difference between food security and food sovereignty?

Food security is being secure with the amount of produce that your community is consuming, meaning the existing supply chain can sustain the demand for produce. Food sovereignty is putting food in the hands of the people, shifting from supplying communities with food from external sources to producing food locally within each community.

Who are Green Iglu customers?

Green Iglu mainly works with remote communities all across Canada. Green Iglu works closely with the community to find out what their needs are with their food sovereignty project, and if there are neighbouring health centres or schools that could benefit from the greenhouse infrastructure. Green Iglu also partners with organizations that are looking to grow food locally.

What communities do you work with?

As of 2021, Green Iglu has set up greenhouses as far north as Naujaat, Nunavut, as far south as Listuguj, Quebec, as far west as Lax Kw’alaams, British Columbia, and as far east as Port Hope Simpson, Labrador. In 2022, Green Iglu has projects lined up in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Manitoba. All of these communities are either semi-remote or completely remote and are looking to strengthen food sovereignty in their areas.

Do you operate outside of Canada?

Currently, we are focusing on growing in Canada to help meet our mission. However, we are always happy to collaborate on food security projects, so please contact us to see how we can help and work together for food security across the globe.

How many Growing Domes have you built?

As of fall 2021, Green Iglu has built 6 Growing Dome® greenhouses in 4 different communities. By the end of 2021, Green Iglu will have set up a total of 8 greenhouses in 6 different communities. Check out our social media accounts to learn about what is happening at each of these greenhouses!

What is a multi-purpose Green Oasis?

A “multi-purpose Green Oasis” refers to our projects at Green Iglu, which are greenhouse structures designed for multiple purposes. For instance, some include hydroponic and soil bed systems that have simplified setups to cater to the different needs of each community. Others have space for a classroom, or use the space to connect with nature as a form of healing. The idea is to build a space to serve as a tool for the community to achieve their own vision of food sovereignty.

Greenhouse Infrastructure

Is Green Iglu just a greenhouse?

Green Iglu also offers multiple different options for the interior to be set up to accommodate the community’s needs. Green Iglu provides training and educational materials to ensure that the community members are comfortable running their growing systems. Growing methods range from higher tech vertical hydroponic system towers, which maximizes the amount of space available, to lower tech soil beds and hanging basket systems.

Who sets up the greenhouse infrastructure?

We work with our suppliers and local contractors to put together a skilled crew of construction workers. We also encourage community members to get involved in the build process, in order to ensure locals are knowledgeable in the build process and are able to provide basic maintenance post build.

What is hydroponics?

Hydroponics is the process of growing plants without using a soil growing medium. The soil growing medium is replaced by nutrient rich solution to feed the roots of the plants. This allows space to be maximized, produce to grow quicker, and water to be used efficiently.

How much is a Growing Dome greenhouse?

Our Growing Domes® pricing is flexible depending on your unique goals. The majority of our Growing Domes® range in pricing between $84,998 and $179,956.

We also offer more growing solutions, including outdoor garden beds, hoop houses, and self contained hydroponic units! Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss options within your budget and funding eligibility.

Can you help me set up growing technology for personal use?

Yes, we can! We typically serve communities looking for growing infrastructure, as well as training and education. You may not need all of what we offer but we can certainly help by connecting you with our suppliers.

How many people does it take to build a greenhouse?

We typically send 2-3 crew members to build the greenhouses, along with encouraging local people to volunteer. In order to avoid overcrowding the location, we allow a maximum of 6 people on site.

What is the breadth of plants that can be grown?

You can grow whatever your heart desires, and we are here to build the space and provide the technology to help you make it all happen. Check out the list below to see what you can grow, depending on your sunlight hours and climate.
Microgreen mix
Sprouting mix
Pansy
Nasturtiums
Marigold
Edible Chrysanthemum
Thyme
Lavender
Sage
Rosemary
Parsley
Oregano
Peppermint
Spearmint
Lemon Balm
Dill
Cilantro
Chives
Basil
Strawberries
Tomato - Early Girl
Tomato - Sweet Million (Cherry)
Cabbage (red)
Cabbage (green)
Cucumber (table)
Cucumber (pickling)
Mini pumpkin
Zucchini
Radish
Spinach
Lettuce (romaine)
Lettuce (head)
Lettuce (salad mix)
Bell Pepper
Peas (sugar)
Peas (shelling)
Green onion
Kale
Pac Choi
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Carrots (regular)
Carrots (coloured)
Beets (large)
Beets (small)
Beans (pole - green)
Beans (bush - yellow)

Can you operate the greenhouse during winter?

Yes, you can grow throughout the winter! Depending on where you are located, you might require supplemental lighting and heating to create the perfect environment for your plants to handle harsh external weather.

Is there a certain way to operate a greenhouse?

No, there is not a certain way to operate the greenhouses. We work with various communities asking for various technologies to meet their growing space needs. That being said, we are here to provide you with our experiences working with past communities to lead you in the right direction.

What do most communities use as an energy source?

Our team is here to provide you with the energy source options that are best for you, based on your specific community and environment. There is no set in stone energy source used in our domes.

How do you intend to optimize greenhouse infrastructure?

In order to optimize space, we strive to develop our educational programming technologies within the greenhouse to improve upon the engagement with community members, and strengthen our relationship with the communities to get a clear picture of what each community needs.

Working With Us

Once a project is confirmed, what are the next steps?

Step 1: Community partner obtains permits with the help of Green Iglu
Step 2: Community prepares the foundation (Green Iglu can assist in choosing a site for the foundation)
Step 3: Green Iglu ships the materials to a secure drop-off point
Step 4: Green Iglu crew meets community at site to start building
Step 5: Green Iglu provides onsite training and continued support via email or video call

Where can we set up the greenhouse?

You can have your greenhouse infrastructure built anywhere you want! As long as it fits your district's regulations, receives adequate sunlight, and meets our spacing requirements.

What is the amount of land required for each greenhouse size?

  • 26-ft dome requires 30 x 30 ft of land
  • 33-ft dome requires 40 x 40 ft of land
  • 42-ft dome requires 50 x 50 ft of land

When deciding on a location, you need to ensure it is not in close proximity to buildings, trees, or anything that will block sunlight, since these domes need at least 8 hours of sunlight to run efficiently.

Does Green Iglu help with funding?

Funding depends on both the project and the area you live in. If needed, Green Iglu is more than happy to assist communities in grant writing and connecting with sponsors to seek the required funding for the project.

Does Green Iglu provide training?

We do provide training! We make sure you are a part of the building process and that you are comfortable with the growing technology set up. Together we come up with ideas on what you can grow once the greenhouse is built. We are also available via phone and email to answer any questions that come up post-build, throughout the growing process.

To learn more, check out our Community Training page.

How does Green Iglu support its clients after purchase?

After purchasing your greenhouse infrastructure, we are there to support you from setting up the foundation to growing your produce. Post build, we have a staff member stay in the community to provide training anywhere from 1-4 months depending on your preferences, and what you plan to use your greenhouse for. We will also provide bi-weekly check-ins during the harvest season to make sure you are optimizing the greenhouse to its maximum efficiency.

How do I know if this is right for me?

Reach out to us, we would love to get to know who you are and what your intentions are with your project. We can also put you in touch with other partnering communities, so you can learn about their experiences with Green Iglu’s growing infrastructure. We also encourage you to watch the other FAQ videos that may speak to some of your questions.

Join the Movement

What will my donation go towards?

Your donations go towards a wide range of expenses, but mainly towards team operations, expansion opportunities, and our education program in order to strengthen food sovereignty in remote communities all across Canada! To learn more, visit our donation page here.

Do you take on volunteers?

Yes, Green Iglu takes on volunteers! Check out the Join the team page on our website.

Green Iglu Overview

What is Green Iglu in a nutshell?

Green Iglu supports remote and Indigenous communities in improving food security and overall wellness through community-led partnerships across Canada. We help build multi-season greenhouses that yield bountiful harvests of vegetables, berries and culturally significant plants. We also develop education and training tools to help ensure community success. Green Iglu began as a non-profit organization developed at Ryerson University in 2015. In 2019, we became a registered charity.

What is the difference between food security and food sovereignty?

Food security means that a community enjoys reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. Food sovereignty means that a community controls the production and distribution of its food supply, removing the need for outside suppliers.

Who are Green Iglu customers?

Green Iglu forms partnerships across Canada, primarily with remote and Indigenous communities. We work closely with each community to determine food security needs and potential benefits for the region. We also partner with organizations that grow food locally or would like to do so.

What communities do you work with?

Green Iglu has helped bring greenhouses to communities as far north as Naujaat, Nunavut, as far south as Listuguj, Quebec, as far west as Lax Kw’alaams, British Columbia, and as far east as Port Hope Simpson, Labrador. In 2022, Green Iglu had projects lined up in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Manitoba. All of these communities are semi remote or completely remote and are striving to strengthen food sovereignty.

Do you operate outside of Canada?

Green Iglu is currently focused on the tremendous need for improved food security across Canada. However, we are always happy to collaborate on food security projects, so please contact us regarding any partnership opportunities outside of Canada.

How many Growing Domes have you built?

As of fall 2021, Green Iglu has built 6 Growing Dome® greenhouses in 4 different communities. By the end of 2021, Green Iglu will have set up a total of 8 greenhouses in 6 different communities. Check out our social media accounts to learn about what is happening at each of these greenhouses!

What is a multi-purpose Green Oasis?

A “multi-purpose Green Oasis” refers to our projects at Green Iglu, which are greenhouse structures designed for multiple purposes. For instance, some include hydroponic and soil bed systems that have simplified setups to cater to the different needs of each community. Others have space for a classroom, or use the space to connect with nature as a form of healing. The idea is to build a space to serve as a tool for the community to achieve their own vision of food sovereignty.

Working With Us

Once a project is confirmed, what are the next steps?

Step 1: Community partner obtains permits with the help of Green Iglu
Step 2: Community prepares the foundation (Green Iglu can assist in choosing a site for the foundation)
Step 3: Green Iglu ships the materials to a secure drop-off point
Step 4: Green Iglu crew meets community at site to start building
Step 5: Green Iglu provides onsite training and continued support via email or video call

Where can we set up the greenhouse?

You can have your greenhouse infrastructure built anywhere you want! As long as it fits your district's regulations, receives adequate sunlight, and meets our spacing requirements.

What is the amount of land required for each greenhouse size?

  • 26-ft dome requires 30 x 30 ft of land
  • 33-ft dome requires 40 x 40 ft of land
  • 42-ft dome requires 50 x 50 ft of land

When deciding on a location, you need to ensure it is not in close proximity to buildings, trees, or anything that will block sunlight, since these domes need at least 8 hours of sunlight to run efficiently.

Does Green Iglu help with funding?

Funding depends on both the project and the area you live in. If needed, Green Iglu is more than happy to assist communities in grant writing and connecting with sponsors to seek the required funding for the project.

Does Green Iglu provide training?

We do provide training! We make sure you are a part of the building process and that you are comfortable with the growing technology set up. Together we come up with ideas on what you can grow once the greenhouse is built. We are also available via phone and email to answer any questions that come up post-build, throughout the growing process.

To learn more, check out our Community Training page.

How does Green Iglu support its clients after purchase?

After purchasing your greenhouse infrastructure, we are there to support you from setting up the foundation to growing your produce. Post build, we have a staff member stay in the community to provide training anywhere from 1-4 months depending on your preferences, and what you plan to use your greenhouse for. We will also provide bi-weekly check-ins during the harvest season to make sure you are optimizing the greenhouse to its maximum efficiency.

How do I know if this is right for me?

Reach out to us, we would love to get to know who you are and what your intentions are with your project. We can also put you in touch with other partnering communities, so you can learn about their experiences with Green Iglu’s growing infrastructure. We also encourage you to watch the other FAQ videos that may speak to some of your questions.

Greenhouse Infrastructure

Is Green Iglu just a greenhouse?

Green Iglu also offers multiple different options for the interior to be set up to accommodate the community’s needs. Green Iglu provides training and educational materials to ensure that the community members are comfortable running their growing systems. Growing methods range from higher tech vertical hydroponic system towers, which maximizes the amount of space available, to lower tech soil beds and hanging basket systems.

Who sets up the greenhouse infrastructure?

We work with our suppliers and local contractors to put together a skilled crew of construction workers. We also encourage community members to get involved in the build process, in order to ensure locals are knowledgeable in the build process and are able to provide basic maintenance post build.

What is hydroponics?

Hydroponics is the process of growing plants without using a soil growing medium. The soil growing medium is replaced by nutrient rich solution to feed the roots of the plants. This allows space to be maximized, produce to grow quicker, and water to be used efficiently.

How much is a Growing Dome greenhouse?

Our Growing Domes® pricing is flexible depending on your unique goals. The majority of our Growing Domes® range in pricing between $84,998 and $179,956.

We also offer more growing solutions, including outdoor garden beds, hoop houses, and self contained hydroponic units! Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss options within your budget and funding eligibility.

Can you help me set up growing technology for personal use?

Yes, we can! We typically serve communities looking for growing infrastructure, as well as training and education. You may not need all of what we offer but we can certainly help by connecting you with our suppliers.

How many people does it take to build a greenhouse?

We typically send 2-3 crew members to build the greenhouses, along with encouraging local people to volunteer. In order to avoid overcrowding the location, we allow a maximum of 6 people on site.

What is the breadth of plants that can be grown?

You can grow whatever your heart desires, and we are here to build the space and provide the technology to help you make it all happen. Check out the list below to see what you can grow, depending on your sunlight hours and climate.
Microgreen mix
Sprouting mix
Pansy
Nasturtiums
Marigold
Edible Chrysanthemum
Thyme
Lavender
Sage
Rosemary
Parsley
Oregano
Peppermint
Spearmint
Lemon Balm
Dill
Cilantro
Chives
Basil
Strawberries
Tomato - Early Girl
Tomato - Sweet Million (Cherry)
Cabbage (red)
Cabbage (green)
Cucumber (table)
Cucumber (pickling)
Mini pumpkin
Zucchini
Radish
Spinach
Lettuce (romaine)
Lettuce (head)
Lettuce (salad mix)
Bell Pepper
Peas (sugar)
Peas (shelling)
Green onion
Kale
Pac Choi
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Carrots (regular)
Carrots (coloured)
Beets (large)
Beets (small)
Beans (pole - green)
Beans (bush - yellow)

Can you operate the greenhouse during winter?

Yes, you can grow throughout the winter! Depending on where you are located, you might require supplemental lighting and heating to create the perfect environment for your plants to handle harsh external weather.

Is there a certain way to operate a greenhouse?

No, there is not a certain way to operate the greenhouses. We work with various communities asking for various technologies to meet their growing space needs. That being said, we are here to provide you with our experiences working with past communities to lead you in the right direction.

What do most communities use as an energy source?

Our team is here to provide you with the energy source options that are best for you, based on your specific community and environment. There is no set in stone energy source used in our domes.

How do you intend to optimize greenhouse infrastructure?

In order to optimize space, we strive to develop our educational programming technologies within the greenhouse to improve upon the engagement with community members, and strengthen our relationship with the communities to get a clear picture of what each community needs.

Join the Movement

What will my donation go towards?

Your donations go towards a wide range of expenses, but mainly towards team operations, expansion opportunities, and our education program in order to strengthen food sovereignty in remote communities all across Canada! To learn more, visit our donation page here.

Do you take on volunteers?

Yes, Green Iglu takes on volunteers! Check out the Join the team page on our website.

Contact Us

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Have a Question?

Green Iglu is a not-for-profit organization that launched in 2015 and became a registered charity in 2019. We build greenhouse infrastructure and offer remote communities tailored training that embraces culture, working towards food sovereignty in Canada. Be sure to check out our FAQ page to see if we have answered any of your questions.

Get In Touch

5th Ave, Arviat, NU X0C, Canada
123-456-789

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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Green Iglu recognizes that our Red Deer office is situated on Treaty 7 land, the traditional territory of the Blackfoot, Tsuu T’ina and Stoney Nakoda peoples. The region also falls under Treaty 6, traditional Métis, Cree and Saulteaux territory. We are also grateful to be invited to other territories with their own jurisdictions.
CHARITABLE REGISTRATION NUMBER
79901 5474 RR0001
© 2024 Green Iglu. All rights reserved.
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