Published August 7, 2026

Longhouse Project Update

Ahousaht Council met with Kevin Angel of Naikoon, Brodie Couch of McGill Engineering & Associates, and architect Mark Chevalier of McFarland Marceau Architects for a full update on the Longhouse project, from the early planning and design stages through to where construction stands today.

With a new Council in place, the meeting was an opportunity to go back to the beginning, understand decisions made along the way, review the budget and construction progress, and ask questions about what remains to be completed.

From Planning to Construction

The Longhouse project began taking shape in early 2024. The design includes the main Longhouse gathering space, kitchen, washrooms, lounges and performance rooms.

The surrounding site has also been planned with Ahousaht's future growth in mind, including infrastructure that could support additional community buildings in the area.

Building on Flores Island

One interesting part of the discussion was how much the land itself has shaped the project.

Building a large, earthquake-resistant structure on Flores Island comes with challenges that aren't always visible once a building starts going up. Crews encountered what was referred to during the meeting as "Flores rock," and some areas required excavation as deep as three metres to reach stable rock below.

A significant amount of work has gone into making the roadway and site stable in the event of an earthquake. Rock has also been blasted from Ahousaht's own quarry, with material produced through that work reused on the project.

These are some of the less visible parts of construction, but they represent a significant amount of the work that has gone into preparing the Longhouse site.

Where We Are Now

Construction has come a long way. The walls are built, major roof work has progressed, and the civil works portion of the project is nearing completion.

The civil work includes the road, servicing and site infrastructure surrounding the Longhouse. Ahousaht is pursuing reimbursement for these costs, and the project team discussed how the site's role in emergency preparedness and future community development may support that application.

$15.5M Current Class A
project budget

~$6M Civil works and
site infrastructure

Spring 2027 Current target
for completion

Council reviewed how costs changed as the project moved from an early concept through detailed design and into construction, as well as how invoices, contingencies and project changes are reviewed and tracked.

A Question We Hear: What About Housing?

"Why don't they spend that money on housing?"

This is a question that comes up frequently from community members when large projects like this are underway, especially when housing remains one of the biggest needs in Ahousaht.

The important thing to understand is that much of the funding Ahousaht receives is approved for a specific project or purpose. Funding secured specifically for the Longhouse and related infrastructure cannot necessarily be redirected into the housing budget. It isn't the same as having unrestricted funds available and choosing to spend that money on one project instead of another.

Housing remains a priority, and Council will continue pursuing funding opportunities for housing while also looking for additional funding and reimbursements to reduce Ahousaht's overall cost of completing the Longhouse.

Keeping Benefits in Ahousaht

Council also discussed how more of the project's economic benefit can stay within the community.

To date, approximately $268,000 has gone back into Ahousaht through local services and other project-related spending, including approximately $69,000 to local water taxi operators.

Council discussed improving how local employment and contracting opportunities are advertised so community members have a fair opportunity to participate as work continues.

Looking Ahead

The cultural importance of the Longhouse was also an important part of the conversation. Council wants to ensure that as the project moves toward completion, Ahousaht culture, history and traditions remain at the centre of the building and how it will be used.

The Longhouse is intended to be more than a building. It will provide a permanent place for gatherings, ceremonies, cultural teaching and community events, while the surrounding infrastructure has been designed with future community growth and emergency preparedness in mind.

The current target for completion is spring 2027.

There is still work ahead. Council will continue asking questions, reviewing costs, pursuing additional funding and keeping the community informed as the Longhouse steadily progresses toward completion.