Featured Grant: Vibrant Haida Gwaii Communities

VIBRANT HAIDA GWAII COMMUNITIES GRANT

Sandspit Harbour Society Pile Driving/Storm Reinforcement Project

After the docks at Sandspit Harbour sustained storm damage, an engineer advised that the Harbour required extra reinforcement for its most exposed docks. To protect the docks, Sandspit Harbour Society (SHC) used a Vibrant Haida Gwaii Communities grant of $185,370 to fund a pile driving project to install or relocate six piles. Community health remained a high priority during this project due to the potential spread of COVID-19. SHC’s volunteer board of directors hired contractors from Prince Rupert with expertise in pile driving and marine infrastructure, and the board ensured that the project would follow all necessary safety precautions to prevent illness. To keep island communities safe, all workers arrived with Essential Work Permits, were isolated, and were brought any food and supplies they needed to avoid needing to come into direct contact with Sandspit residents. Sandspit Harbour is a key piece of infrastructure in North Moresby Island, and its continued operation will benefit Haida Gwaii residents and visitors while ensuring the tourism industry can rebound as quickly as possible after restrictions are lifted.

Photos by Evan Putterill.

Village of Masset, Masset Market and Artisan Co-op

During the fall and winter months, stormy weather makes it more difficult for Masset Market vendors and customers to gather outdoors. To help this weekly event thrive throughout the year, Masset Market has leased a vacant building on Main Street with support from a Vibrant Haida Gwaii Communities grant of $43,070.31. Masset Market has gained an indoor home while also providing a new, collaborative space for a local artisans’ co-op. Following this change, overall revenue at Masset Market is expected to rise along with higher numbers of vendors and customers. The updated building will also house studio and gallery space for the artisans’ co-op, where artists and makers will be able to regularly to display and sell their work. The grant contributes to costs for site renovations. New roofing, siding, windows, doors, interior walls, and a second washroom, among other items, are being installed. The market will also gain dedicated on-site storage space. The end result will be an attractive destination for local residents as well as future visitors to Haida Gwaii. The new space is expected to open in May 2021.

Image: Jay Bellis Gid Gindajing Dudu.aayangaas child’s dragonfly blanket. The crest design on this blanket is a Duduaayanga dragonfly surrounded by k’aam little flies. Part of Children’s Button Blankets Project (see page 8). Photo by Jack Litrell.