Masset
Last updated: January 14, 2025
Construction is well underway for the new Masset Library and Haida Language Immersion Lab. The The building’s framed and the exterior is coming together, with the cedar columns anticipated to arrive shortly, marking another exciting step forward.
While exterior work is being completed, VIRL is finalizing the details of the interior, including furniture, to ensure everything is ordered and on its way soon.
Once complete, Haida Gwaii’s residents and visitors will have access to 3,870 square-feet of space to connect, learn, and grow in the Village of Masset.
Thanks to our partners
“We are delighted this day is finally here,” says Erin Hemmens, Chair of the VIRL Board of Trustees. “I would like to thank the Village of Masset, Old Massett Village Council and Xaad Kíl Née (Haida Language Office) for their support of this project. Their guidance, patience and partnership has been so appreciated. Thanks also to the North Coast Regional District (NCRD), the Gwaii Trust Society and Northern Development Initiatives Trust (NDIT) for their financial support of this collaborative project. We are truly honoured – Haw’aa.”
Features and amenities of the new facility:
- Roof pitch, timber beams, and vertical cedar siding honouring Haida culture and the Masset community.
- A learning space focusing on knowledge transfer through technology and language preservation.
- An open library space featuring comfortable reading and study areas for all ages.
- A shared / bookable meeting room.
- A cozy fireplace lounge area with comfortable seating for reading and connecting.
- A bright and inviting children’s area with a variety of interactive activities.
- Expanded hours of operation and increased programming to facilitate access and strengthen community engagement activities and partnerships.
“The Village of Masset has been looking forward to an updated building for the library to be located, and are so pleased the plan is to start the build before the end of 2023,” says Sheri Disney, Village of Masset Mayor. “With the input from Masset and Old Massett, Vancouver Island Regional Library has reflected the feedback they received in the plans for this new library building, which will increase its use even further. We’re thankful and excited for this investment in our communities!”
The overall approved budget for the project is $4.2 million and funding was secured through VIRL’s Capital Levies, a loan from the Municipal Finance Authority via the North Coast Regional District, and grants from Gwaii Trust and NDIT. VIRL is seeking additional funding at this time.
Unitech Construction Management was awarded a construction management contract for the project in August, following a public tender. Unitech is now developing a construction timeline, which will be shared with the public when it becomes available.
For more information, see our latest press release here: https://virl.bc.ca/new-masset-library-breaks-ground
