City Announces Development Partner for Somass Lands Redevelopment

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Port Alberni, BC – The City of Port Alberni is thrilled to announce that Matthews West Developments Ltd. has been selected as the development partner for the redevelopment of the Somass Lands. This significant milestone marks the next step in the transformation of the 43-acre waterfront property, formerly the site of the Somass Division sawmill.

“We are excited to announce Matthews West as our development partner for the Somass Lands Redevelopment,” said Mayor, Sharie Minions. “Their proven track record and commitment to community input align perfectly with Council’s vision for this waterfront property. Together, we will create a mixed-use site that provides public access to the waterfront, generating a vibrant waterfront community for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Following a rigorous Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) process launched in early September 2022, the City received a remarkable total of 16 responses from organizations and developers expressing a diverse and significant interest in occupying a portion of the redeveloped Somass Lands or leading the redevelopment in partnership with the City. Results from the REOI informed the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process in which the City extended invitations to developers that had demonstrated experience and capability. Matthews West Developments Ltd. stood out as the ideal partner, meeting all the criteria, including vision and methodology.

“After closely following the Matthews West successful waterfront development process in Squamish, we are confident in their ability to bring Council’s vision for the Somass Lands to life,” said Chief Administrative Officer, Mike Fox. “Their collaborative approach, combined with careful environmental considerations and thoughtful master planning, will ensure a sustainable and thriving redevelopment project. We look forward to working with Matthews West on this transformative endeavor.”

John Matthews, President of Matthews West added, “The redevelopment of the Somass Lands is an exciting and pivotal moment in Port Alberni's history and we are honoured to partner with the City to further their vision. We see tremendous opportunity for growth in Port Alberni due to its attractiveness as a recreational centre that offers natural beauty, lifestyle, and a strong sense of community. We look forward to the upcoming work on the site, engaging with the community, and working hand-in-hand with the Tseshaht and the Hupacasath First Nations on this exceptional development opportunity.”

For More Information

Mike Fox, Chief Administrative Officer 
City of Port Alberni
250.723.2146
mike_fox@portalberni.ca   

city of port alberni - project website: www.letsconnectpa.ca/somass-lands  

About Matthews West Developments Ltd.

Matthews West is a development company located in Squamish, BC that strives to enhance the environmental, social, and economic prosperity of the communities in which it operates. Since 2013, Matthews West has been partnered with the Squamish First Nation on two master-planned communities located within the Sea to Sky Corridor: the Oceanfront Squamish Project (oceanfrontsquamish.com) and the Cheekeye Fan Project.

Matthews West is a subsidiary of Matthews Southwest, a full-service private development company located in Lewisville, Texas (www.matthewssouthwest.com).