Port Alberni expects ‘revitalized’ Clutesi Haven Marina to open this summer

What’s been described as an underused waterfront space in Port Alberni is set to receive a $400,000 makeover this summer. 

In 2022, the City of Port Alberni, the Tseshaht First Nation and the Hupacasath First Nation joined the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) and formed their own “working group,” which aimed to “build and strengthen their inter- community relationships” and create more opportunities for joint planning and economic development. 

In 2023, the CEDI working group launched its first project, the revitalization of the Clutesi Haven Marina, which is located along the Somass River in the northern end of Port Alberni. 

The working group said the location has “significant cultural meaning” for both Nations and is owned by the City of Port Alberni, while being leased by the Port Alberni Port Authority. 

A decision was made by the working group to revitalize the “underutilized space” beside the marina parking lot on Highway 4 with new features, including a gazebo and small courtyard, vendor spaces set up in retrofitted shipping containers – and a small stage for outdoor concerts. 

In the two years since, the city has applied for grants to fund the revitalization project, and now it says it received more than $400,000 for the work. 

Construction is set to begin in days, with ground preparation starting this month and new retrofitted shipping containers expected to arrive in late March. 

Meanwhile, the city says all current vendors at the marina will “continue to operate without interruption.” 

Besides the new amenities, the project will also add more parking stalls for cars, trucks and boat trailers, and will move the marina entrance and egress, in coordination with the province. 

Indigenous art will also be showcased on the new shipping container stalls. 

“This is a really exciting project for our three governments,” said Wahmeesh (Ken Watts), Elected Chief Councillor of Tseshaht First Nation.  

“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,” he said. 

As the summer approaches, the CEDI working group says it will send out a call for vendor submissions to fill the approximately six new spots that will be available later this year. 

Funding for the project comes from multiple sources, including $248,000 from the federal government, $91,360 from the provincial government, nearly $28,000 from the Island Coastal Economic Trust, and $45,000 from CEDI itself. 

“Grant funding has played a major role in the viability of this project with 99 per cent of the project funds coming from various agencies,” said Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions. 

““The City is excited to have the funding secured and is eager to see this area transformed into one that creates opportunities for small business development, builds a space that attracts tourists and locals alike all while raising cultural awareness through placemaking,” she said. 

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