About Us
Welcome to the Discovery Islands Affordable Housing Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating sustainable and affordable housing options on Quadra Island. Our mission is to address the growing housing needs in our community by developing accessible homes for residents of all backgrounds. In addition to new developments, we are focused on improving and expanding the existing rental housing supply to ensure long-term stability and affordability for all.
As part of our commitment to supporting the local housing market, we offer free listings for both those seeking rental housing and for landlords with available rentals. By connecting renters and property owners, we aim to make the search for housing easier and more accessible for everyone.
We believe in providing transparent resources to our tenants and community members. Below, you’ll find links to the Residential Tenancy Act and answers to frequently asked questions about renting, tenant rights, and how we’re making a difference in the local housing landscape.
We are excited to be in the early stages of this project and are committed to seeing it through with the support of our community and partners. Stay tuned for updates as we move forward with this essential initiative.
Who We Are
The Discovery Islands Affordable Housing Society (DIAHS) is a nonprofit community organization working to make affordable, sustainable housing a reality on Quadra Island.
We believe that housing is about more than just a roof — it’s about community, dignity, and long-term impact throughout the island. Whether we’re collaborating with landowners, supporting tenants and landlords, or influencing housing development, our work is grounded in four core values:
- Community – We build and serve community — rooted in local relationships, shared effort, and collective wellbeing.
- Respect – We approach every person, idea, and place with care and consideration.
- Sustainability – We create lasting solutions that care for our people, land, and future generations.
- Trust – We act with integrity and openness, honoring the trust placed in us to steward resources and serve fairly.
Housing affects us all — and we believe the answers that will make affordable, sustainable housing for Quadra must come from us, together.
Why We Exist
Like many rural and coastal communities, Quadra Island is facing rising housing pressures. Long-term rentals are scarce, costs are rising, and housing insecurity is growing — not just for newcomers, but for people who have lived here for generations.
DIAHS formed to be part of the solution: locally led, deeply collaborative, and grounded in the values that make this place special.
We work with tenants and landlords, landowners and local government, tradespeople and volunteers. Our focus areas span land trusts, housing matching initiatives, co-operative models, tiny home developments, and creative partnerships — always with a commitment to lasting benefit for the island.
Our Vision
A resilient and inclusive Quadra Island where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home — now and into the future.
Our Mission
To create and support affordable, sustainable housing on Quadra Island that strengthens community, honors our shared values, and builds trust across generations.
Our Board
Mandy Hart
Mandy is a lifelong resident of Quadra Island and the Founder and President of the Discovery Islands Affordable Housing Society. With a deep commitment to community development, Mandy has served on the boards of the Quadra Island Recreation Society and the Quadra Island Children’s Centre, and has volunteered extensively with local initiatives such as Quadra Circle, the Food Bank, Community Lunch, May Day, and the Giant Garage Sale, among others.
Her passion for community and connection extends into her personal life, where she enjoys exploring the islands’ natural beauty through foraging, swimming, and baking. Mandy’s love for Quadra Island and its residents drives her dedication to creating a more inclusive, sustainable future for all.
Pam Goijberg
Pamela has over 30 years of experience working in multi residential projects both in the planning and design stages. She has been part of the Quadra Elementary school PAC, the Quadra Recreation Society board, and is now in the Planning Advisory Committee for Area C in the SRD as well as the DIAHS board.
“Quadra welcomed our family many years ago and allowed us to thrive. For me, volunteering is a way of connecting to our community and giving back to all those who have helped us along the way.”
Carol Woolsey
I have lived on this wonderful island for 42 years. I have had a rental RV pad on several occasions and have also rented a room to young summer employees. I have been an active community member and regularly attend community meetings so feel I have a broad perspective of Quadra residents. A number of years ago I tried to interest our community in co-housing and visited many of those types of housing. I was involved in the last Quadra OCP. I am on the board of Quadra Circle, a seniors organization and am well aware of the housing dilemma for our large aging population. I’m saddened to see seniors having to move off Quadra and that young folks can’t experience this wonderful island lifestyle.
Pat Peterson
Pat Peterson, Family Nurse Practitioner. Pat has worked in the Discovery Islands for 14 years providing primary care to all residents. She is passionate about improving access to health care and advocates for community health. Central to this is improving the determinants of health by accessing affordable housing.
Pete Allen
Pete has lived and rented on Quadra for nine years. In that short time, he has seen the housing market change drastically and is concerned about the availability of housing for renters.
Pete is the technical advisor on the board and maintains the website – any questions or concerns (or suggestions) can be sent his way.