Economic Snapshot

Port Alberni is a vibrant waterfront community at the heart of the west coast. It has enjoyed a forest-industry based economy for many years. Wood Tech 21, a local non-profit organization is working with industry to implement a nine-point vision for a new integrated forest-industrial complex based at the Catalyst Paper Mill site and utilizing the Alberni Valley's abundant hemlock resources. The Alberni Valley Tourism Council and many local businesses are working to redefine Port Alberni as a major outdoor recreation/adventure centre. Our neighbouring First Nations are active in a variety of economic sectors.

Pat Deakin Bio: Pat Deakin has been in the community economic development field for many years starting with Port Alberni's West Coast Information and Research Group (now the Centre for Community Enterprise). His private sector experience includes forestry, tourism, high tech, mining, transportation and retail. Prior to becoming the City of Port Alberni's Economic Development Manager, Pat worked for the provincial government in the OneStop Business Registry. Pat received an Economic Development Association of BC/Bank of Montreal award for his work branding Oliver and District as the Wine Capital of Canada. Pat has also worked for the Uchucklesaht Band Council and was contracted by the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council to do treaty research.
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Economic News

Jun. 13, 2013

Please click the link below to read the Economic Development Manager's Report regarding the city owned marine building at Harbour Quay.           

May. 22, 2013

Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce recently installed a very large sign near the doors of the visitor centre.  The sign maps many local businesses, attractions and amenities as well as an A to Z listing of things to do for both residents and tourists.  

May. 17, 2013

Alberni District Secondary School students Alixes Jorgensen and Lily Campbell will compete for the E-spirit award.  The competition is sponsored by the Business Development Bank of Canada to recognize some of the most business-savvy aboriginal students in the country. 

May. 1, 2013

If you are interested in starting a new business in Port Alberni be sure to check out our Business Information Guide.  The guide provides valuable resources and contacts for important organizations that can help you with starting and operating your business. 

May. 1, 2013

A community profile analyzes various components of a city which produces a composite picture of the area.  The profile can be divided into sections describing factors such as the lifestyle, climate, demographics and economic conditions and provides a summary of the community.  To see the Alberni Valley Community profile click

Apr. 29, 2013

The provincial government has worked with the Port Alberni Port Authority (PAPA) to create a map reserve for a container trans-shipment hub.  The map reserve plots 750 hectares of land from the foreshore, upland between Spencer Creek and Coleman Creek along the Alberni Inlet for Port business expansion opportunities.  Currently, a feasibility study is being conducted in order to investigate the options of a short sea shipping regional distribution centre and a container trans-

Apr. 26, 2013

The Port Alberni District Energy System will burn hog fuel from the local mills, wood waste from city residents and residual wood fibre to heat water.   In Phase 1 the hot water will be transported via underground pipes to several municipal buildings, North Island College, West Coast General Hospital and nearby senior-care facilities.  The boiler that will be utilized in the system will have emissions similar to those of natural gas fired boilers.

Apr. 24, 2013

On April 18, 2013 the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized individuals, groups and businesses that positively contributed to the community. The economic development office would like to congratulate the nominees and this year’s winners as listed below:

Apr. 24, 2013

Port Alberni will welcome the Holland America Line Amsterdam cruise ship on May 22, 2013.  The ship is scheduled to anchor at 8:00am and 1,500 passengers will be ferried into Harbour Quay to see the Valley and surrounding areas.  Each of the visitors can choose to see McLean Mill National Historic Site, Chase and Warren Estate Winery, Wildlife Recovery Centre, provincial parks or the west coast.  Those that choose not to participate in these excursions will be able to