Housing dominated recent Village of Masset council meetings, as councillors weighed one family’s rezoning request alongside a larger push to expand housing stock through variances.
On Aug. 28, council held a public hearing for the rezoning of 1570 Old Beach Road, the former Kingdom Hall building. The property’s new owners, Michael and Neena Hart, applied to rezone it from utilities and service to residential so they can renovate it into their permanent home.
“This property is perfect for creating our forever family home,” Michael Hart told councillors. “Our daughter has mobility challenges, so accessibility is key.”
No written comments were submitted before the hearing, and councillors heard little opposition at the meeting. Councillor Terry Carty noted the building had originally been zoned residential. Council adopted the rezoning bylaw at a special meeting the following day, clearing the way for the family to proceed.
The second housing application, from the Old Massett Village Council, prompted a much fuller debate. OMVC requested a development variance permit for 1595 Old Beach Road, seeking changes to village bylaws to allow more units on undersized parcels.
The application asked council to reduce the minimum lot size from 440 to 400 square metres, shrink the combined space required for groups of mobile homes from 1,760 to 1,311 square metres, allow gravel roadways to be paved later, and reduce the road right-of-way from 15 metres to 12, with a five-metre driving surface, due to the location of the Masset Grocery building.
Patricia Moore, presenting on behalf of OMVC, said the intent was to “increase the number of developed residential units and better reflect the lot sizes that already exist in the neighbourhood.”
The proposal drew mixed responses.
In a written submission, Christina Jewell supported the plan. “OMVC is performing a critical community service by identifying the need for housing and addressing it directly,” she wrote. “By building new homes here, OMVC is greatly improving the area and making the neighbourhood better for everyone.”
Another resident, Warren Foster, also recognized the need for housing but raised caution. “I strongly believe everyone deserves a safe space to live,” he wrote. “But I also feel just as strongly that these units must remain safe spaces for them and for us as neighbours. I hope both councils can find a solution that prevents the area from turning into a slum and degrading everyone’s quality of life.”
At the public hearing, Lorine Holt said notification of the project should have reached more nearby taxpayers. “As a property owner trying to sell my home, I’m concerned about the impact on property taxes,” she said. “I’m also worried about mixing people in recovery with those who are not.”
Tammy Gates said she was concerned about how information was shared. “Facebook seems to be the only source of information available, which is a concern,” she told council. “Still, I hope the application will be approved.”
Councillor Brian Johnston said the proposal “could provide a safe place to live” and asked whether fencing was included in the design. Moore confirmed fencing was part of the plan.
After receiving written and public comments, council approved the variance at a special meeting on Aug. 29, noting the social and economic benefits of adding new units.
Mayor Sheri Disney said the two applications highlight the range of housing pressures in Masset. On one side are individual families like the Harts, looking for stability and accessibility. On the other are larger developments trying to address shortages in ways that fit local bylaws, neighbourhoods and services.
With housing a growing concern across Haida Gwaii, Old Beach Road has become a focal point for both personal and policy-level solutions.
