Partnership Background
Hupacasath First Nation, Tseshaht First Nation, and City of Port Alberni are in the Alberni Valley on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. City of Port Alberni is located on unceded Traditional Territories of Tseshaht [c̓išaaʔatḥ] and Hupačasath First Nations.
Hupacasath First Nation, Tseshaht First Nation and City of Port Alberni participated in the CEDI Phase III from 2022-2025.
Key Milestones and Collaborative Community Economic Development Initiatives
Collaborative Community Economic Development (CED) Agreement
Hupacasath First Nation, Tseshaht First Nation and City of Port Alberni created an agreement that outlines the partnership’s scope of collaboration, guiding principles, processes (including how and when to use the tools below) and terms of the agreement. Each Council committed to passing it in resolution in Spring 2025.
Tools:
1. Collaborative CED Prioritization Criteria and Matrix:
The partnership will use this co-created prioritization process, including criteria when they are looking for a new collaborative project. They will prioritize and select using this tool to ensure that each government has the capacity to undertake the initiative and to ensure that the identified initiative will benefit each community and the greater region.
2. Shared Strategic Objectives and Actions:
Similar to a strategic plan, this document outlines six shared objectives and twenty actions that were identified and discussed during the partnership’s participation in CEDI. The intention is that this tool will provide the partnership with continuity in their planning from program to post-program.
Clutesi Haven Marina
The Clutesi Haven Marina (CHM) initiative was a collaborative, multi-phased economic development project between Hupacasath First Nation, Tseshaht First Nation and the City of Port Alberni. The partnership developed a shared vision to transform the existing parking lot at the marina into a vibrant community gathering space that supports small business development, attracts visitors, and promotes Indigenous placemaking and cultural awareness. Phase I of the Conceptual Master Plan included seacan vendor spaces for food and retail, Indigenous art installations, a gazebo and courtyard for gathering, and a stage for live performances and small concerts. The project aimed to create economic opportunities for local businesses while enhancing tourism and strengthening cultural connections to a site with both traditional and present-day significance.
At Workshop 2, through visioning exercises and collaborative discussions, the partners identified shared themes and built confidence in pursuing a tangible project together. Leveraging the CEDI Capacity Development Grant, the partnership secured funding from the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) and hired Ekistics Consulting to develop a Conceptual Master Plan for the site. The partners met with Ekistics Consulting over 8 months to advance collaborative design. At Workshop 3, the partnership amended the scope, vision (Conceptual Master Plan) and Phase 1 of the Concept plan. This collaborative planning process helped align the initiative with shared community priorities and strengthened trust among the partners.
The initiative was supported by Working Group champions, both Chief and Councils and Mayor and Council, workshop participants, and external organizations and funders. Through collaborative efforts, the partnership secured additional funding from the Tourism Growth Program (PacifiCan) and Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure BC. In total, including CEDI and ICET funding, approximately $400,000 was secured for the project. Phase I of the multi-phased Conceptual Master Plan advanced, marking significant progress toward the partnership’s shared vision for Clutesi Haven Marina.
Outside of CEDI, this partnership has collaborated on several largescale projects and is receiving the attention of many; they have been invited to present as part of BC Links to Learning, Union of BC Municipalities, and Local Government Management Association. Recently they were invited to present at the BC Economic Developers Association annual forum and received the Economic Reconciliation Award for their collaborative work through the CEDI program.
In the Media
- February 13, 2025: Clutesi Haven Marina Revitalized Through Partnership
- February 20, 2025: Marina lands in Port Alberni to become gathering spot
- March 6, 2025: New ‘Welcome to Port Alberni’ sign references local First Nations
- March 4, 2025: New Port Alberni waterfront market area to be developed by First Nations and the city
- February 20, 2025: Port Alberni expects ‘revitalized’ Clutesi Haven Marina to open this summer
- February 20, 2025: Port Alberni expects ‘revitalized’ Clutesi Haven Marina to open this summer
- July 12, 2023: Tseshaht, Hupacasath and city work on new vision for Clutesi Haven Marina
- February 25, 2025: Work begins to bring new vision for Clutesi Haven Marina to life - Alberni Valley News
Photo Gallery
Quotes
“This is a really exciting project for our three governments. Tseshaht has made vital steps toward our Nation’s economic diversification. This project is another example of how collective thinking and creative placemaking can help shape a community”
“As Hupačasath, our mission is one that builds on existing partnerships and explores new opportunities to strengthen our community. Through this project we will be transforming this important piece of waterfront property into a vibrant market that showcases our nations and builds on important partnerships that will re-energize this highly visible asset.”
“One strategic priority at the City of Port Alberni is to foster a complete community; one that is safe, healthy, and inclusive. Another is to enable the new economy. These priorities are intimately linked and only through respectful partnerships and creative approaches can they be achieved. With this joint initiative, we see great opportunity to build on these priorities as we look to foster a more collaborative economy that provides equal opportunity for all citizens of the Alberni Valley.”