In the late 1950s, a bold and ambitious plan was proposed for the development of Frobisher Bay, a small Inuit community in the Canadian Arctic.
The arrangement was championed by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and called for the construction of a domed city in the Arctic.
This domed city would provide a unique and innovative solution to the challenges of living in the harsh Arctic environment.
John Diefenbaker’s Vision for the North
Diefenbaker’s vision for the North was a key component of his broader strategy for Canadian advancement.
He believed that the North held the key to Canada’s future prosperity, and he was determined to unlock its potential.
Diefenbaker’s “Northern Vision” was a comprehensive deal. It included the construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. The plan also called for the exploitation of natural resources and the promotion of scientific research.
The proposed domed city was a central component of Diefenbaker’s strategy.
It was designed to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for the residents of Frobisher Bay. The city would also serve as a hub for scientific research.
Additionally, the city – built under a large concrete dome – would be a centre for economic expansion.
This dome would protect its inhabitants from the harsh Arctic weather and provide a stable and consistent climate.
The 1958 Proposal
The 1958 proposal for a domed city in Frobisher Bay was an exhaustive program. It outlined the design and layout of the city, and included its infrastructure and amenities.
The project was developed by a team of architects and engineers, led by E.A. Gardner, Chief Architect of the Department of Public Works, and W.E. Fancott, Chief of the Preliminary Design Division.
According to the proposition, the domed city would be built on a site adjacent to the existing community of Frobisher Bay, and would accommodate a population of up to 4,500 people.
It would be designed to be self-sufficient, with its own power generation, water treatment, and waste management systems.
The dome itself was to be a massive structure, spanning over 700 feet in diameter. It would be constructed from concrete, with a series of ribs and arches that would provide additional support and stability.
Designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy snowfall, and extreme cold, this massive structure would provide a safe and stable environment for its inhabitants.
The bid outlined a range of amenities and services that would be included in the city, including:
- A community centre with a swimming pool, curling rink, and auditorium
- A shopping centre with stores, restaurants, and services
- A hospital and clinic with 40 beds and outpatient facilities
- Two schools, including a primary school and a high school
- A church and a chapel
- A fire hall and emergency services centre
- A post office and telecommunications centre
- A hotel and restaurant
- A laundry and dry cleaning facility
- A taxi service and transportation centre
The idea also outlined a range of originative features, including:
- A double-wall construction system to reduce heat loss and provide additional insulation
- A system of walkways and pedestrian bridges to connect the different areas of the city
- A network of underground tunnels and service corridors to provide access to the city’s infrastructure and amenities
- A system of artificial lighting to provide illumination during the long Arctic winters
The scheme estimated that the construction of the domed city would require a significant workforce. A workforce of over 1,000 people would be needed to complete the project.
Construction was expected to take a substantial amount of time, with approximately 5-7 years required to complete the project.
The estimated cost of the project was not specified in the motion. However, the proposition noted that building in the Arctic was more expensive than building in southern Canada.
Cost for construction in the Arctic was significantly higher due to the region’s unique challenges.
Historical Context and Significance
The proposal for the domed city was made during a significant period in Canadian history.
Canada was undergoing great change and upheaval at the time. The country was in the midst of rapid modernization, with new technologies and innovations emerging rapidly.
Industrialization was also transforming the Canadian economy and society. There was a growing recognition of the need to develop the North and harness its natural resources.
Diefenbaker’s idea was also influenced by the Cold War, which had created a sense of urgency and competition between nations.
The proposed domed city was a reflection of the broader themes of Canadian history, including colonialism and the relationship between the government and Indigenous peoples.
Canada’s government was seeking to assert its authority over the North during this period. At the same time, the government was also working to promote the buildup of the region’s natural resources.
It was against this backdrop that this ambitious idea was put forward.
Legacy of the Domed City
Despite the fact that the proposed domed city was never built, it remains an important part of Canadian history.
The proposal reflects the ambition and vision of John Diefenbaker, who was a key figure in shaping Canada’s evolution in the mid-20th century.
The plan also highlights the challenges and complexities of developing the North, and the need for innovative and creative solutions to the region’s unique challenges.
It’s a reminder of the importance of vision and ambition, and the need to think creatively.
