Sandspit history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the area where Sandspit is located today began long before modern settlements appeared on maps. These lands, part of the Haida Gwaii archipelago, served as home to the indigenous Haida people for millennia. The place received its current name thanks to a characteristic geographical feature — a long sand spit jutting into the Hecate Strait.

The first European settlers began to develop this territory, attracted by opportunities for fishing and agriculture on the flat lands that are rare for the island. The official establishment of the village as an important settlement occurred later, in the 20th century.

Key Development Factors

The development of Sandspit was determined by a unique combination of geography and resources, which distinguished it from other settlements in the region, part of the country of Canada:

• Unique landscape: It is one of the few places on the mountainous Moresby Island with a sufficiently flat surface, which allowed for the construction of an airfield here. This predetermined the village's fate as a transport hub.
• Natural resources: Rich coniferous forests around became the basis for the logging industry, which attracted workers and investments.
• Strategic position: The construction of the airport (initially for military needs, and then for civil ones) made Sandspit the main "air gateway" of the archipelago, connecting it with the mainland.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period of its development, Sandspit's economy was based on resource extraction. Logging and commercial fishing flourished here. Life in the village was distinguished by a certain isolation, which contributed to the formation of a close-knit community accustomed to relying on its own strength.

The cultural landscape was formed under the influence of harsh nature and close interaction with the sea. Despite the industrial nature of development, proximity to Haida heritage and the unique ecosystem have always played an important role in the self-awareness of the residents of this remote corner.

Timeline of Events

• Ancient period: The territory of the modern village of Sandspit and its surroundings were inhabited by representatives of the indigenous Haida people (K'il settlement).
• Around 1900: Arrival of the first European settlers who founded farms and ranches on the flat lands.
• 1910: Launch of the first industrial enterprise — a dogfish oil processing plant.
• 1913: Opening of a fish cannery, which expanded the economic opportunities of the community.
• 1944: Completion of construction and commissioning of the RCAF military airbase, which became a key infrastructure facility.
• 1946: Transfer of the airfield to the Department of Transport for civil use.
• 1949: The region is shaken by a magnitude 8.1 earthquake — the most powerful in the recorded history of the country of Canada.
• 1952: Tragic crash of a Northwest Orient Airlines Douglas DC-4 aircraft near the airport.
• 1960s — 1980s: The period of the heyday of the logging industry and the peak of the village's population.
• 1980: Opening of a new Small Craft Harbour, improving conditions for fishing.
• 1993: Signing of an agreement on the creation of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, which stimulated the development of tourism.
• 1995: Commissioning of a new airport passenger terminal, designed in the traditional Haida style.
• 2012: A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.7 causes temporary evacuation of residents due to the threat of a tsunami.
• 2024: The airport officially receives a historical name in the indigenous language — K’il Kun Xidgwangs Daanaay.

The development of the village of Sandspit is inextricably linked with its strategic position on the east coast of Moresby Island. From small farms to the main transport hub of the archipelago — each stage left a mark on the appearance and way of life of this community in the country of Canada. The main milestones of development formed the unique character of the town, where the industrial past coexists with pristine nature.

• Construction of the airport (mid-20th century). This event became the main city-forming factor. The presence of the only runway on the islands capable of receiving large aircraft turned the secluded settlement into the "air gateway" of the entire Haida Gwaii archipelago. The airport provided permanent jobs and a stable connection with the mainland.
• Industrialization and logging. In the post-war years, the arrival of major timber companies stimulated economic growth. This led to the development of residential housing and infrastructure necessary to accommodate workers and their families, defining the appearance of the village for decades to come.
• Establishment of regular ferry service. The organization of a crossing across the bay to Alliford Bay connected Sandspit with Graham Island, where most of the archipelago's population lives. This strengthened the town's role as a logistics center and allowed the airport to serve residents of neighboring towns.
• Creation of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve (1993). The signing of the agreement to protect the southern part of the archipelago marked a turn in the economy from an exclusively resource-based model to ecological tourism. Sandspit became a key starting point for expeditions to the park.
• Modernization of the airport terminal. The reconstruction of the terminal building in the 1990s had important cultural significance. The interior and exterior design using traditional Haida art became a symbol of recognition of indigenous heritage and the integration of local culture into modern infrastructure.
• Development of infrastructure for sport fishing. The construction of specialized lodges and a marina (Small Craft Harbour) allowed for the diversification of the economy. The town secured the status of a world center for salmon and halibut fishing, attracting wealthy tourists from all over the world.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architectural landscape of the village of Sandspit is formed not so much by artistic styles as by the harsh nature of the Pacific coast and the utilitarian needs of its residents. Unlike large cities, there is no dense historical development here. The urban planning structure is linear: the settlement stretches along the coastline of the Hecate Strait and the single main road skirting the airport territory. The appearance of the town is harmoniously inscribed into the surrounding landscape, where forest and ocean dominate.

Evolution of Styles and Eras

Sandspit's development reflects the transition from a temporary working settlement to a permanent community with tourism potential. The main architectural directions can be correlated with the stages of the region's development:

• Utilitarian functionalism (1940s — 1960s). The era of the establishment of the military base and the timber industry. Buildings of this period are simple frame structures, hangars, and standard housing for workers. Main features: practicality, use of available timber, gable roofs for protection against heavy precipitation, and lack of decoration.
• West Coast Vernacular style (1970s — 1990s). As the village became a permanent home for families, a style characteristic of the province of British Columbia took hold in private development. These are wooden houses clad in cedar siding, with large windows facing the sea and open terraces. The style emphasizes the connection with nature and the use of local materials.
• Neo-traditionalism and eco-style (since the 1990s). The modern stage is characterized by a return to the aesthetics of the indigenous Haida people and the development of tourism infrastructure. New buildings (lodges, public buildings) often use massive post-and-beam constructions, natural stone, and stylized decorative elements.

Landmark Structures

Despite its modest size, Sandspit has objects that form its unique architectural appearance on the scale of the country of Canada:

• Sandspit Airport Terminal (YZP). The main architectural dominant of the settlement. The terminal building is designed in a modern style with active use of Haida culture elements. The interiors and facade are decorated with traditional carvings and art installations, making the airport not just a transport hub, but the cultural gateway of the archipelago.
• Sandspit Inn. A historical hotel building, serving as an example of classic wooden architecture of the mid-20th century. It preserves the atmosphere of the era of active industrial development of the island.
• Marina and pier (Small Craft Harbour). A complex of hydraulic structures that is the center of social and economic life, visually uniting the industrial aesthetics of the fishing fleet with picturesque views of the bay.

Notable Figures of Sandspit

The history and culture of the town of Sandspit are inextricably linked with the names of pioneers, aviators, and creators whose activities defined the modern appearance of this settlement in the country of Canada. Below is a list of key figures who left a noticeable mark on the town's chronicle.

• Major George A. "Tommy" Thompson
  Pilot, aviation pioneer
  Performed the first documented flight to the Haida Gwaii islands in 1922. His reconnaissance expeditions proved the promise of air travel in the region, which laid the foundation for the future construction of the airport in Sandspit — the town's main economic engine.
• The Matthers Family
  Early settlers, landowners
  A family of farmers on whose lands a site was chosen in the 1930s for the construction of a strategic airbase. Their grounds became the foundation for the airfield, which turned the small village into the "air gateway" of the entire archipelago.
• Neil Carey
  Writer, researcher, public figure
  A long-liver and iconic figure of the local community. Author of books (including "Puffin Cove"), who documented in detail the way of life, nature, and history of the development of the islands, contributing to the preservation of the memory of life in this remote corner.
• Betty Lowman Carey
  Traveler, writer
  Known for her bold solo journey in a traditional canoe along the Pacific coast. Living in Sandspit, she actively participated in cultural life and, together with her husband, became a symbol of resilience and love for the harsh northern nature.
• Lon Sharp
  Artist, sculptor
  Author of the monumental sculpture "Spirit of Sandspit" — a huge salmon made of copper and cedar, installed at the entrance to the airport. His work is the main calling card of the town, greeting all guests of the island.
• Jesse Jones
  Carver, Haida artist
  One of the creators of the "Open Ocean" totem pole adorning Sandspit. His art serves as an important reminder of the deep roots of the indigenous people on this land and promotes cultural dialogue between the residents of the village.