As of November 2024, Haida Gwaii is now home to a single fuel service provider. For many years, two separate companies serviced the island’s fuel needs. Fast Fuel LP and North Arm Transportation.
North Arm Transportation is in the process of combining the two companies and has created Haida Gwaii Fuel Limited Partnership. The change has been welcomed on social media as a victory for the town of Masset by local residents who spearheaded a community effort to halt the company’s plan to build fuel storage facilities at the Omega Packing Company’s fish processing plant. Development of the controversial project stalled during the acquisition of Fast Fuel.
The company had planned to transition their storage to an onshore facility. The proposed facility was planned to match or exceed the capacity of the current system, with room for future expansion based on demand.
Matt Stradiotti, President and Director of North Arm Transportation and Haida Gwaii Fuel, told Haida Gwaii News, “We don’t intend to build what was originally contemplated and presented at the community meeting, but we have received requests to keep some fuel storage in the Masset area, and it is possible that there could continue to be some fuel storage on the Omega site.”
In 1996, Petro-Canada ceased its fuel supply operations to Haida Gwaii, leading North Arm Transportation to meet the region’s needs. Stradiotti says that the Village of Masset at that time had specifically reached out to North Arm and requested the company come and fill the void left by Petro-Canada for a much-needed fuel supply.
BC Hydro’s Masset diesel generating station, which powers the northern grid of Haida Gwaii, consumes approximately 8 million litres of diesel annually. Stradiotti noted that having storage facilities on the Omega plant property makes more sense than continually transporting fuel up and down the island, which he says has been an issue in the past for other companies.
The addition of Fast Fuel and its rebranding as Haida Gwaii Fuel further cements North Arm’s role as a key supplier to the region’s businesses, fishing fleets, and residents. The company has reiterated its commitment to supporting the local economy while addressing the island’s fuel needs.
Local Masset residents have publicly voiced concerns about the environmental and tourism impacts of the proposed storage facility. A group was formed called Concerned Citizens of Masset. Some residents worry that the consolidation could have implications for competition and pricing. Stradiotti explained that the cost to ship the products to Haida Gwaii has more to do with the pricing than people imagine.
North Arm Transportation was scheduled to present to the Masset council on Jan 27 to discuss their purchase of Fast Fuel. However, the presentation was pulled at the last minute. Mayor Sheri Disney explained that the meeting was intended to address the company’s plans following the merger.
The Old Massett Village Council has expressed support for the project, citing economic benefits and the importance of reliable fuel supplies for the fishing industry. The council acknowledged North Arm’s historical role in meeting the region’s fuel needs.
As Haida Gwaii transitions to a single fuel service provider, questions remain about the economic implications of North Arm Transportation’s expanded role. While the consolidation aims to streamline operations, residents continue to advocate for transparency, environmental protections, and safeguards to preserve Haida Gwaii’s unique ecosystems and cultural heritage.