City Issues Request for Expressions of Interest to Consider Somass Lands Future

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Port Alberni, BC – The City of Port Alberni is excited to announce the next step in the journey towards the revitalization of the Somass Lands with the release of a request for Expressions of Interest from experienced developers and a request for Expressions of Interest from potential users with an interest or concept for part or all of the Lands.

Through an REOI process, the City seeks to identify parties who have an interest in being involved in the redevelopment of the Somass Lands, a 43-acre parcel of waterfront land where the Somass Division sawmill formerly operated. This could include parties interested in purchasing property or in partnering with the City as well as operators with interests in forming new businesses on the lands or expanding existing operations.

“As a result of overwhelming interest in the property, the City is excited to release the REOI to welcome formal submissions and begin to narrow down potential developers and users of the Somass site,” said Mayor Sharie Minions. “We are grateful to be working with Jennifer Podmore Russell of Rennie, our legal team and City Development Services staff, who are providing valuable input regarding the redevelopment process.”

“Following the 2018 election, Council quickly prioritized acquiring and redeveloping the Somass Lands and adjacent parking lot as vital steps to our community’s success,” added the Mayor, “guided by Council’s Corporate Strategic Plan that identifies public access to the waterfront and a thriving waterfront economy as two major goals. Today Council is thrilled to be moving forward on a strategic opportunity to achieve these goals. Remediating and repurposing these lands in a way that recognizes the changing nature of our vibrant community will be key to our success.”

The REOI process will be followed by a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process later in 2022, allowing the City to develop a short list of qualified potential development partners. The City may then undertake a Request for Proposals (RFP) process before considering its final selection in 2023.  

The Expressions of Interest will be released on Friday, September 9, 2022 and can be viewed at letsconnectpa.ca/somass-lands.

##

For More Information

Scott Smith, Director of Development Services/Deputy CAO

City of Port Alberni

250.720.2807

scott_smith@portalberni.ca