I also don't know Canadian code, but I think this guy is slightly over the line. There are also requirements about window efficiency in my building code, and limitations of glazing area to 25% of the area of the external walls. But these requirements do not apply to structures smaller than 200 square feet (mine is 150 square feet). And if they applied to greenhouses larger than 200 square feet, then what kind of greenhouse could you build? What you're building is not a dwelling, and, although the worthy goal of conservation codes is reducing use of fossil fuels, I'm just not sure he's requiring something that he has the authority to do. Do your codes apply to "accessory structures"? Do they apply to structures that do not have a permanent heating device installed? I've run into more than one building inspector who tried for an "expansive" view of what the code required, and sometimes have had to engage in appeals, either formally or informally to get a reasonable conclusion. I think you need to do a little research. For example, check with other residential and commercial greenhouse owners to see what was required of them. Read the building code for loopholes that might indicate the code simply doesn't cover your planned structure. And consider getting someone else in the building department involved. This guy has a boss, and, if you are polite but persistent, you may get a different answer. It's entirely possible that this guy is selectively quoting code to you and counting on your unfamiliarity with it to not know there are exceptions. Good luck, and please update us on your progress.

Wow James, I've seen a lot of reports from people missing one or two parts, but never missing the entire aluminum frame! And bolts! That's a first. Really a bad deal since you have to drive so far to fix the problem. You're probably way ahead of me, but once you get the missing box, I always recommend checking all the frame parts against the parts list in the back of the manual. The parts should have numbered stickers so you can make sure they're all there. It's rare, but sometimes people get halfway through the build and find the kit is missing a critical piece of framing. The kicker is, HF usually only keeps parts like replacement panels and clips on hand for fairly quick shipping; other missing parts can take weeks (or months) to get shipped to you. One person I know waited six months for part of the door frame. In that case it's better to throw yourself at the mercy of the HF store manager, sometimes they'll crack open a kit and provide the part you need. (Sometimes not.) But hopefully you're overdue for better luck, and your box of frame parts will be complete (as I think most are.) Yeah, we live in the desert (warm/dry) but still didn't want to bury our base in the ground, either. I think most folks attach the base to a wooden or concrete foundation. With your climate and the frost concerns, I can sure see your point. The HF greenhouse really isn't built to withstand a lot of snow load; the centers of the roof studs are the weak points. If that's a concern for you, I can point you toward some threads with ideas for extra interior snow bracing, just let me know.

I am late to respond, but I just stumbled on some Green Giants at the nursery at Canadian Tire, of all places, in Midland, ON ... this suggests to me that they are more widely available now. (I have been trying to find them for a number of years and this is the first time I have actually seen them.)

Rouge21_gw, thank you for posting. I am in Toronto, and I also visit Humber multiple times a year. In fact, I was there just this week. I didn't know that they were closing. I could always count on Humber having varieties that no one else did. Even though they weren't an inexpensive place to shop, they did carry different sizes of some plants, so I could opt for a small size if I didn't want to spring for an expensive gallon pot. For others in the Toronto area, here are a couple of other independent nurseries you might want to try : Valleyview. They closed their Scarborough location a year or two ago, but they have a large location in east Markham, just off Highway 7 near the Pickering town line. They don't have the variety of perennials that Humber does, though. Tree Valley. It's on Stouffville side road. I've bought basic daylilies there for a very good price. I do like and shop at Sheridan Nurseries, but I get sticker shock at some of their prices. They seem even higher this year..