Masset

Masset sits at the northern tip of Haida Gwaii, where the Pacific meets ancient Haida culture in ways that few places on earth can match. This remote community of 838 people has watched its climate literally warm over the decades — jumping a full plant hardiness zone since the 1960s, making it surprisingly hospitable for growing everything from fruit trees to exotic plants that wouldn’t survive elsewhere in northern BC.

The numbers tell a story that mortgage professionals need to understand clearly. With unemployment at 12.8% and nearly 30% of jobs tied to healthcare and social services, Masset’s economy reflects the realities of remote island living. The median household income of $67,000 supports a housing market dominated by single-family homes, but the isolation factor can’t be ignored.

Here’s what makes Masset different: it’s home to some of the world’s most spectacular fishing, with salmon runs that draw anglers from across North America. The community sits adjacent to Naikoon Provincial Park, where massive sand dunes and pristine beaches create landscapes that feel more like the Oregon coast than northern Canada. The cultural richness runs deep — this is traditional Haida territory, and the artistic and spiritual traditions remain vibrant and commercially significant.

The demographic shift toward an aging population (20.4% seniors) reflects a broader pattern of retirees drawn to the natural beauty and slower pace. Yet the remote location creates unique challenges for property liquidity that can’t be wished away.

Tekamar currently offers a maximum LTV of 0% in Masset. The community’s isolation, limited economic diversity, and potential challenges with property marketing in foreclosure scenarios place it outside our current lending parameters. For mortgage brokers working with clients in this unique corner of BC, we’d suggest exploring options with lenders who specialize in remote coastal properties.