Wolf Tower, Photo: Alicia Puusepp (CNW Group/Pacific Economic Development Canada)
PORT ALBERNI – In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), Harjit S. Sajjan, announced an investment of $379,353 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the City of Port Alberni.
This funding allowed the City of Port Alberni, in partnership with the Tseshaht First Nation and Island Coastal Economic Trust, to transform the aging Harbour Quay Clock Tower into the Wolf Tower. Project activities included refurbishing the tower to improve safety, replacing the clocks with Indigenous art, painting the tower in traditional Tseshaht First Nation colours, and installing Indigenous storyboards.
Upgrading exisiting infrastructure and building new public assets will help local governments and First Nations provide better access to recreational programs and facilities, strengthen community engagement, and boost economic vitality.
The CCRF was launched in June 2021. It is providing $500 million over two years for Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in projects that build and improve community infrastructure. The Government of Canada is committed to rejuvenating public spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This will stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.
“The funding from PacifCan has been instrumental in transforming the Clock Tower at Harbour Quay into a safe, accessible and iconic landmark in our community. The newly named Wolf Tower showcases Tseshaht sculptures celebrating Tlookwaana (Wolf ritual) and acknowledges a wrongdoing of 160 years ago when Tseshaht were forced off their winter village of Tlukwatku-is. On behalf of the City of Port Alberni, I thank PacifiCan, Tseshaht First Nation and the Island Coastal Economic Trust for their respective contributions to this project which is a step towards reconciliation as well as a celebration of Tseshaht art and culture,” said Sharie Minions, Mayor, City of Port Alberni.