Inuvik’s greenhouse adds a café serving local produce

Inuvik’s community greenhouse just opened a café with a garden-inspired menu designed to help residents go out without breaking the bank.

The café opened last week. The menu changes weekly.

Greenhouse manager Alissa Sallans said the food served at the café will harness the output of the building’s herb gardens and market plots.

The café already serves greenhouse-grown lettuce in its caesar salad. Sallans says vegetables like peas and zucchini will find a way into the menu when they’re ripe.

“There’s a lack of these spaces in town and community spaces that are low-cost,” said Sallans.

“Having a space where you can come with your kids and play some board games, read some books – we’re super excited for that to happen.”

“Twenty-five years of community”

Originally a hockey arena at Grollier Hall Residential School, the building was saved from being torn down in 1998 by residents who advocated for turning it into a greenhouse.

There have since been “25 years of community in the greenhouse, growing things,” said Peter Clarkson, a founding member.

“The real benefit of the greenhouse is the social aspect – people visiting, kids in the dirt, families coming in.”

“We’re a space for everyone and anyone to come in, feel welcome and share their talents and abilities with us,” said Sallans, adding that many initiatives at the greenhouse rely on volunteers.

The greenhouse hosts Arctic Markets on Wednesdays, where local artisans sell crafts.

“It’s just the whole social network of people visiting,” said Clarkson. “People come after work, have a little visit, tend their little plot.

“We’ve really had an open-door policy where we actually literally leave the door open. People can come in, they can sit and have a coffee, they can come in and look around.”

The café is a welcome addition to the existing vision, according to Clarkson.

“People will be able to come in and have lunch or come in for a coffee or a latte,” he said, and “just enjoy the space.”