Following the signing of the Climate Action Charter the City of Port Alberni commissioned a study to assess community readiness to engage in long-term sustainability planning. The report, entitled ‘Port Alberni Community Assessment: Taking Action for Community Sustainability Planning’ was supported by the Ministry of Community Services with funding from the Federal Gas Tax Agreement.

The study was completed by the International Centre for Sustainable Cities (ICSC), a not-for-profit organization that works globally with businesses, communities and various levels of government on urban sustainability issues.

Between April and May 2008 the City of Port Alberni worked with the ICSC to discuss sustainability planning with the community and city staff. These engagements confirmed a strong interest and willingness among staff and the general community to pursue sustainability planning and demonstration projects. The report also documented a number of short term priority actions for Mayor and Council as well as general next steps.

As a result of this assessment the City of Port Alberni joined the Plus Network of Sustainable Cities through ICSC and entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing to pursuing a path of sustainability. The Plus Network is a group of cities around the world sharing their experiences, expertise and tools to undertake long term planning for sustainability.