Community Profile
Our Investment Ecosystem
Successful investing in Port Alberni favours those who research the market, align with one of the city's key areas of growth and act decisively to make the most of a good opportunity.
Community Asset Highlights
In Relation to Key Areas of Growth
Natural Assets
- Somass River, one of BC's most important salmon rivers
- Deep sea saltwater Alberni Inlet
- Abundance of fresh and salt water
- Support for rapidly growing aquaculture industry
- Sproat Lake voted "BC's Best Lake"
- Multiple softwood tree species
- Quality farmland throughout the Alberni Valley
- Broad network of mountain biking and hiking trails
- Mountain, river, ocean, and mature forest views
- Natural locations for film industry
Built Assets
- Modern high school, a college campus and a private University
- 106-seat historic Capitol theatre
- Makerspace
- New waterfront Arts Council
- 5 venues for live performances
- Modern, 53-bed regional hospital
- Exceptional sports and athletic facilities recreation facilities
- Deep sea port infrastructure capable of receiving Panamax vessels
- Varied location inventory for film productions
- Regional airport, recently expanded
Human Assets
- Economic collaboration between the City of Port Alberni, Tseshaht [c̓išaaʔatḥ] First Nation and Hupačasath First Nation
- Strong Indigenous leadership in economic development
- Award-winning and industry-recognized arts sector: Theatre, dance, writing, music and visual art
- Supportive, collaborative physician peer groups
- Workforce highly skilled in trades to support forestry, shipbuilding, aircraft modification, and commercial fishing
- Workforce highly skilled in small manufacturing, processing, repair and restoration
- Provincially-recognized Community Futures office providing business supports
