Three homes being relocated from Metro Vancouver were loaded onto a barge on Sept. 28 and are expected to arrive in Old Massett, Haida Gwaii, Oct. 1.
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Three houses from Metro Vancouver are on the way to Old Massett/G̲aw Tlagée, Haida Gwaii, after being placed on a barge on Monday, Sept. 28.
The homes are being moved from two properties near the Vancouver Golf Club at 535 and 545 Appain Way, along with 1161 Madore Ave. From their sites, they are travelling up the West Coast and around the Gulf Islands, eastern Vancouver Island and the Central Coast before crossing Hecate Strait to reach the archipelago.
The homes will be converted into triplexes in Old Massett, creating nine new residential units for the community. Village chief councillor Donald “Duffy” Edgars said there is a critical need for good housing in Old Massett and emphasized the project’s aim to provide safe, affordable, climate-resilient homes while respecting and protecting the land the village calls home.
Glyn Lewis of Renewal Development, the company specializing in relocating homes, said this is the furthest move by barge that is technically possible within BC. Lewis also described the approach as modernizing homes quickly in regions with strong access to trades and products, then relocating them to remote communities.
The two Appain Way houses were part of a group of 11 homes that were being removed for a new development, with Renewal and developer Anthem identifying the two that could be moved and demolishing the other nine. Lewis said the Appain Way homes were modernized in Coquitlam before being moved.
Julie Falcon, who owned and lived at 545 Appian Way for 60-plus years, said she was “elated and ever so grateful” that her former home would be moved and returned “filled with life once again.” Falcon added thanks to Anthem Properties, Renewal Development and Old Massett Village council for what she described as thoughtfulness and stewardship.
According to the project timeline, the two Appian Way houses were moved from their neighbourhood last week, and all three houses were put on the barge on Sept. 28. The homes are expected to arrive in Old Massett on Thursday, Oct. 1.
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