The Village of Masset Council had planned to conduct the third reading of the amended zoning by-law during the regular council meeting on Jan.13, after completing the first and second readings during their regular meeting on December 9. However, after hearing significant concerns from the community during a public hearing, the council decided to postpone the third reading to January 27. Mayor Sheri Disney told Haida Gwaii News, “There is a need for more conversations to be had with Old Masset. We postponed it in the spirit of getting more information.”
The proposal involves rezoning three properties on Swan Crescent from R-1 Residential to R-3 Residential, which would allow for the development of a shelter and affordable housing units. This project, led by the Old Massett Village Council (OMVC), aims to address the severe housing shortage in Northern Haida Gwaii, but it has sparked a range of concerns from local residents.
The housing initiative, part of the Swangee Housing project, is designed to convert shipping containers, or “seacans,” into 15 single-room occupancy units, with an additional facility, Swan House, dedicated to providing shelter for women and LGBTQ individuals. The OMVC has highlighted the urgent need for housing, with a 2022 housing strategy for Old Massett identifying over 86 singles and couples in need of a home, many of whom are at risk of homelessness. The strategy notes that the increasing cost of living on the island makes it difficult for people without housing to afford the rising rents.
Despite the compassion behind the project, it has faced significant opposition, mainly due to concerns about the proposed location on Swan Crescent. The Village of Old Massett owns the lots in question, and the project would help address both immediate housing needs and long-term housing solutions for vulnerable individuals. However, many nearby residents feel the location is unsuitable for a homeless shelter, citing concerns about safety, property values, and the residential nature of the neighbourhood.
Hannes Edinger, a property owner on Cedar Drive, is one of the strongest voices in this opposition. In a letter to the village, Edinger expressed support for addressing homelessness but argued that Swan Crescent is not an appropriate site for the development.
“While I understand and fully support the need for compassionate solutions to address homelessness in our community, I believe the current location is unsuitable for several reasons… The introduction of a shelter, while important, is fundamentally at odds with the neighbourhood’s character. There are alternative locations within Masset that could accommodate the shelter without impacting residential communities,” Edinger wrote.
Edinger’s concerns reflect a broader sentiment in the community. Swan Crescent is a quiet, family-oriented cul-de-sac, and the introduction of a shelter could disrupt the peaceful environment that residents have come to expect. Edinger also expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on property values, pointing out that shelters, while beneficial to the individuals they serve, can sometimes reduce the desirability of nearby homes.
The issues of safety and privacy are also significant. As Edinger noted, “Homeless shelters, through no fault of the individuals they serve, can occasionally attract increased foot traffic, loitering, or other activities that may create concerns for local residents about safety and privacy.” Many residents fear that the development could bring more traffic and loitering to an area that is currently a peaceful residential neighbourhood.
In addition to Edinger’s letter, a petition against the rezoning has been circulated among residents directly affected by the project. The petition underscores the concerns about the location, potential decreases in property values, and the overall quality of life in the neighbourhood. Many signatories have expressed frustration about the lack of communication regarding the project before construction began. Several residents noted that they were not informed about the plans for the property and were displeased by the traffic disruptions caused by construction vehicles.
The petitioners have also suggested alternative locations for the shelter, including the old barracks, the old hospital site, or commercial zones, which they feel would be better suited for the project. These areas would offer more space, better access to social services, and a more appropriate environment for the development. Around seven people attended the public hearing on Jan. 13 to discuss the rezoning bylaw. “I am always encouraging more people to come to our meetings. It is where the decisions are made,” Disney said.
While the concerns raised by residents are considered valid, the need for affordable housing in Masset remains a pressing issue. The Old Massett 2022 Housing Strategy reports that over 200 homes are needed to meet the demand in the area. The Swangee Housing Project is designed to address this shortage by providing stable housing for vulnerable individuals, but the challenge now lies in finding a location that satisfies both the urgent need for shelter and the concerns of the surrounding community.